2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 122 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,126miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab, 9% of the 122 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,126 miles. 2 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.
“I took my 03 ram in for service and the service adviser found a clip that had broken in the rear end. Total cost to repair up to $2000.00. I was told that this is a common problem with the ram. Should be a recall for this problem before someone has a rear end to lock up and cause a accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10265520, filed 2009-04, 55,000 miles“We have had the rear end of our 2003 Dodge ram 1500 replaced in our vehicle three times in the 2 years. The ring and pinion was shattered the first time we took it in. The replacement parts did not solve the problem and had to be replaced again in may 05. We had to pay 219.00 and again the rear end went out in aug 05.”
NHTSA complaint #10138503, filed 2005-10, 92,505 miles“The truck was taken in to be looked at because there was a vibration. I told them it was a u-joint or bearing going out. The truck had been in the same shop 4 times, for the same thing -the u-joint or bearing. The mechanic at the shop said that the tires needed to be balanced but they did not do that at thier shop. I tokk it to another place, they looked at it and said the tires did not need to be balanced,but they balnced them anyways. So I had two opinions on the truck. The next night I picked up the guys I work with and we went to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165342, filed 2006-08, 59,378 miles“(rear axle shear), t 4:00 pm on march 19th 2005, I was driving this vehicle south bound on california state highway 71. When all of a sudden the right side rear axle sheared, causing the vehicle to go into a forced left handed 360 degree spin. I tried to correct the spin, but the vehicle would not respond or stop. The vehicle crashed into the center median. Also, the engine RPM's went up when the axle shaft broke. The insurance company said the vehicle is a total loss. The dealer would not repair it or admit to the defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116454, filed 2005-04, 34,126 miles“(rear axle sheared) at 4:00 pm on march 19th 2005, I was driving this vehicle south bound on california state highway 71. When all of a sudden the right side rear axle sheared, causing the vehicle to go into a forced left handed 360 degree spin. I tried to correct the spin, but the vehicle would not respond or stop. The vehicle crashed into the center median. Also, the engine RPM's went up when the axle shaft broke. The insurance company said the vehicle is a total loss. The dealer would not repair it or admit to the defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116455, filed 2005-04, 34,126 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab
45 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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