2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 11%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500, 11% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles. 1 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.
“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“My 2003 Dodge ram 4x4 diesel vibrates and shakes to the point that it feels as though I will loose control and it is obvious to those around the vehicle. This has happened on the interstate traveling at 65 MPH over rough patches. It takes a steady grip of the wheel and tapping the brakes down to about 40 MPH's to get it to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10108248, filed 2005-01, 13,000 miles“I have a 2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 truck. At 25,000 miles I noticed the front tires starting to wear improperly. After checking out the front end I found all 4 ball joints in the front of the truck very loose. I have been to the Dodge dealer 4 times to correct this problem and one time to correct a problem they caused with the anti-lock brake system when they repaired the ball joints.”
NHTSA complaint #10110076, filed 2005-02, 32,000 miles“Lost control of vehicle on a mountain road. Front left wheel fell off, leading me into a rock. Vehicle is total loss and I have had physical damage on my face from it going through the driver door window on impact. Dodge has denied my claim even though there is a recall on dakota's for same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10124800, filed 2005-06, 28,000 miles“I have a 2003 Dodge quad cab 3500 5.7 hemi with 21,432 miles. I have replaced both lower ball joint after failures. The ball joint separated on each occasion and damaged the rims on the inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10198299, filed 2007-08, 21,406 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 36 | 10% |
| 2011 | 28 | 12% |
| 2010 | 23 | 15% |
| 2009 | 12 | 11% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 31 | 15% |
| 2006 | 20 | 8% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 25 | 12% |
| 2003 | 32 | 11% |
| 2002 | 5 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 11% |
| 2000 | 11 | 19% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 16 | 13% |
| 1995 | 20 | 19% |
| 1994 | 11 | 16% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500
80 complaintsBody and structure
53 complaintsSteering
37 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 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