2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,168miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the wheels of the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500, 1% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,168 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 miles“Driving at the posted speed limit, without warning, the truck made an abrupt lane change then I managed to gain control. What happen is that on this vehicle, the wheel bearing assembly is one piece and can't be greased or maintained in any way. It heated up and locked the front wheel causing a serious and violent turn at freeway speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #10251703, filed 2008-12, 107,000 miles“As with many of the other complaints about 2003 Dodge RAM 3500's this RAM 3500 has had all suggested steering component upgrades and recall upgrades (change steering to 2008 steering) and the tie rod recall for the 2008 steering. The 2008 steering upgrade seemed to exacerbate the tire wear issue. Additionally, ball joints and shocks have been replaced. The ram death wobble and excessive tie wear is still present. The last set of tires lasted 8,000 miles (I am putting a new set on today). …”
NHTSA complaint #10744223, filed 2015-07, 79,168 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Dodge truck. The contact purchased an aluminum dominator alloy adapter plate, which would allow him to switch from an eight lug bolt pattern to a ten lug bolt pattern. The adapter plate failed and caused the front passenger side wheel and tire to detach from the vehicle while driving 50 MPH. This failure caused the rotor to fail and damaged the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. While replacing the other three adapters; the contact discovered that the front driver side adapter was also cracked, but had not failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205345, filed 2007-10Related recalls
- 03V212000Jun 5, 2003Certain heavy duty pickup trucks, the aluminum wheels may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack.Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2003, RAM 2500 2003
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 15 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 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