2003 Dodge RAM Pickup Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 29%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge RAM Pickup, 29% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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 vehicle jumped out of park into reverse while parked with the emergency parking brake engaged. Vehicle was idling. The vehicle crashed into an iron post.”
NHTSA complaint #10022545, filed 2003-07, 9,500 miles“I have 2003 Dodge ram 4x4 pick up that I bought new. I have had 4 rear differential failures: 1st 9/18/07 with 83834 miles, 2nd 6/19/08 with 95894 miles, 3rd 7/17/09 with 117481 miles and 4th 7/22/10 with 144125 miles. All 4 were caught early when I first heard whining from under the vehicle. All repairs were done at my local Dodge dealer. Each repair took at least two days. I have had many vehicles, several I've driven to over 200k miles and have never had any problems with real differentials. Something is wrong here. A total rear differential could lead to a serious crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346251, filed 2010-07“Vehicle accelerated to a higher speed without accelerator pedal being depressed. When in second or third gear, and driver released the clutch, vehicle accelerated by itself. When parked, but idling the rmps were high.”
NHTSA complaint #10051645, filed 2003-12“Vehicle was parked in driveway when it slipped out of gear, rolled down the street, and hit several mailboxes made of brick and mortar. Steering wheel was locked, and transmission was in neutral.”
NHTSA complaint #10042780, filed 2003-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM Pickup
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM Pickup
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