2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 19%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500, 19% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was changing oil on my 03 Dodge RAM 3500 and noticed the frame rail near cab mount on drivers side was completely rusted thru with a hole approximately 2 inches long and 1/4 wide. I'm afraid to haul my goose neck trailer under these conditions. I'm afraid that additional weight could cause the frame to collapse. I don't remember seeing a recall for this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10672046, filed 2015-01, 230,000 miles“I have had a dashmat covering on my dashboard since spring of 2003. I had not taken it off except to clean a couple of times a year. Now I have cracks and pieces that I have had to tape so they don't stick up into my mat. It appears to be a problem common to Dodge trucks. Fyi -- my 1999 q45 infinity doesn't have a dashmat or any cracks.”
NHTSA complaint #10627904, filed 2014-08, 180,000 miles“2003 Dodge 3500 dash cracking severely. You touch it and your finger goes through it. I cut my finger twice passing it over the dash to try to clean it. You guys know there's a problem but you say it is not a safety issue. I disagree cut finger twice and now the wiring is getting so hot being exposed to the sun it is a hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10421192, filed 2011-08, 72,000 miles“The hand grip in the cab of the pickup has broken away twice since I have had this vehicle. This time I wrenched my back when this broke away. I confronted Dodge dealer and they said its not a lifting handle but an assist handle? If they put it in the truck they should make it safe enough so that someone won't get hurt”
NHTSA complaint #10403438, filed 2011-05, 127,520 miles“I have a black 2003 Dodge 3500 ram. The dash has cracked in 3 places over the past 3 years. I just noticed one day that there was a crack and then several months later another crack split across the dash. Now in the past year another crack has appeared. This dash is cracking and I have used a sunshield to protect it. The sunshield does not seem to help, it just cracks no matter what.”
NHTSA complaint #10413797, filed 2011-07, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139595Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 53 | 19% |
| 2002 | 9 | 20% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 9 | 16% |
| 1999 | 18 | 17% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 11 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500
80 complaintsSteering
37 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 27, 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