2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 13%of 286 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 37 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500, 13% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The death wobble has happen several times- the last time was aug 2nd, 2009 on the freeway going 75mph passing a semi trailer, we hit a bump in the road the truck began to shake violently, my husband was trying to control this shake while going 75mph- it would not stop until we slowed down and pulled off to the side of the road. We almost cause an accident but thanks to my husband excellent driving skills he was able to avoid an accident. We have replace tierods, ball joints, steering box, tires, shocks, and more. I am afraid to get back into this truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10284222, filed 2009-09, 80,000 miles“For over a year our 2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 pick up has been shaking when the right tire on the truck goes up before the left. We have taken it to many places and told to replace several parts that was suppose to be causing the problem. We have had to put several sets of tires on the truck and are in need of new tires now. The last three times that our truck has done, what I am now being told and believe it to be, the death wobble... The front end of the truck has snapped and slung me off the road. This happened twice in one day. The first two times it happened the adjustment sleeve snapped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10277613, filed 2009-07, 150,000 miles“I went to chrysler with I thought shock problems .the mechanic told me there was a recall on the steering linkage he tim/ also said chrysler would only replace one small part but that the other rods and bushings would have to be replaced also because they were part of the problem and if I did not replace rods and bushings they would eventually brake and I would have no steering control right now the bushing are rattling real bad and the steering is loose and walks on the road tim the mechanic said this is one whole problem and all linked together also I have cost guard insurance and since…”
NHTSA complaint #10270264, filed 2009-05, 56,000 miles“Driving at hwy. Speeds when you hit a seam or bump on hwy. Front end shakes violently. This happens at random times. You never know when it will happen.it is very dangerous. Also known as (death wobble) there are many other Dodge ram trucks with this problem. No one seems to be able to fix it. I have all the upgrades from chrysler & still have this problem, even though they say there is no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10456060, filed 2012-04, 92,000 miles“Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number (steering). Caused the front tires to ware prematurely the front end was aligned several times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for alignment and tire rotation until the recalled part was available for repair. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 154,000. Li”
NHTSA complaint #10578283, filed 2014-04, 150,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V528000Nov 6, 2013Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2003–2008, RAM 2500 2003–2008, RAM 1500 2006–2008
- 11V350000Jul 6, 2011Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2003–2011, RAM 2500 2003–2011, RAM 1500 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10041904Aug 9, 2011Dodge: bulletin providing alignment procedures for tie rod ball stud housing for the right and left. Model yrs for cab chassis (reg and mega pickups and 4x4) 2003-2011.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 222 | 61% |
| 2011 | 164 | 73% |
| 2010 | 92 | 61% |
| 2009 | 69 | 66% |
| 2008 | 94 | 54% |
| 2007 | 88 | 42% |
| 2006 | 75 | 29% |
| 2005 | 61 | 31% |
| 2004 | 41 | 19% |
| 2003 | 37 | 13% |
| 2002 | 8 | 18% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 11 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 10% |
| 1993 | 4 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500
80 complaintsBody and structure
53 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 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