2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dash has just fallen apart shards are all over the place. Ac re circulation door has broken off so can not divert flow from vents to defrost so I can not defog the inside of my windshield. The AC quit getting power do to ignition wires getting hot in connection.”
NHTSA complaint #11065258, filed 2018-01, 95,000 miles“In 2008 when the truck was under warranty the dash started cracking. I was advised and up until october, 2010 (when the warranty expired) that the cracked dashboard is considered cosmetic and not covered by warranty. Starting in dec. 2010 the defroster instead of sticking once in a while and requiring a switch from defrost to vent back to defrost to get it to work, started not working. Dodge will not repair the defrost issue which is a safety issue unless I replace the dash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10407400, filed 2011-06, 80,000 miles“On november 19, 2009, I was driving my 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 on the expressway with my windows down. The wind from the windows being down caused part of the cracked dashboard to fly up and hit my face. It caused me to lose control for a second but was able to overcome. Cracked dashboards are a known issue with Dodge ram trucks and is a safety hazard. Someone is going to get killed from this. I guess Dodge will fix their defect once this happens. Hopefully I won't be the test case!”
NHTSA complaint #10367833, filed 2010-11, 95,001 miles“My 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 truck has an issue with the air selector. I cannot defrost my windshield or warm the floor. It is broken with air blowing out of the vents to my face. My vehicle was fixed once before for the same problem. There are also many forums or posts in reference to the problem. Dodge has made a poor design which is faulty and expensive to fix. I believe there should be a countrywide recall to fix the problem and upgrade the plastic doors Dodge uses for the heat/ A/C system.”
NHTSA complaint #10298194, filed 2010-01, 20,000 miles“Dodge ram 2002 has a recall that could cause a serious electrical fire and foggy windows. This problem also occurs on the 2003 model that I own as well and they do not want to repair it. I have photographs of the heat that has been caused by the under sized wiring harness to become bare and could cause a fire. I have repaired the truck my self with no help from Dodge using the same repair kit for the 2002. Some dealerships will not sell me the item, one finally did. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251730, filed 2008-12, 87,335 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 56 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 5% |
| 2006 | 65 | 8% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 33 | 3% |
| 2002 | 53 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
458 complaintsBody and structure
237 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
125 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsSuspension
57 complaintsEngine cooling
56 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsWheels
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology