2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500, 3% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The truck will not shut off. After stopping and turning off the ignition and removing the key, the truck remains running. Sometimes, after about five minutes idling it will shut off on its own. Other times we have had to remove a fuse.”
NHTSA complaint #11025299, filed 2017-09, 30,000 miles“The alternator bracket is cracked. It could break causing the alternator to fall into the engine fan assembly. If somebody was working on the engine at the time of complete failure,serious injury or death will occur. Same goes for driving down the road and the failure could cause an accident. Dodge is well aware of this/has TSB's yet won't pay for the bracket.”
NHTSA complaint #10289991, filed 2009-10, 99,000 miles“Dashboard is collapsing causing electrical failureas well as burning melting plastic behind the dash compartment. It is an ongoing issue. Dealer claims it is cosmetic tell that to my electrical system.”
NHTSA complaint #10788124, filed 2015-11, 120,000 miles“Trailer lighting for 2001-2005 Dodge ram light duty (1500-5500) trucks with integrated heavy duty towing package relays can fail if accidental connection to mis-wired trailer, but are not repairable and parts are not available to replace the integrated power module (ipm). The relays for such are inside a sealed portion of the ipm, and cannot be replaced. There are no fuses or serviceable parts to protect against this failure. This failure results in non- or incorrectly-working trailer lighting which can result in motor vehicle accidents and injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10456112, filed 2012-04, 70,000 miles“The vehicle was taken to the dealership for routine maintenance. The technician noticed that the alternator bracket was broke. . The dealer indicated that a service bulletin was issued for this problem. The vehicle is not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10074237, filed 2004-06, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10129011Mar 27, 201356045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
- 10013981Oct 18, 2004Added diagnostics for p0421 and p0431.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 | 53 | 21% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 12% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 14 | 20% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500
80 complaintsBody and structure
53 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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