2003 Dodge RAM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 15%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Dodge RAM, 15% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,900 miles.
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.
“While driving 60 MPH vehicle shut off. As a result, consumer had to coast off the road. When the vehicle shuts down there was no power steering or brakes. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer but they have been unable to duplicate or correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081633, filed 2004-07, 10,000 miles“When accelerating from a stop vehicle would only go 5-10 MPH. Consumer would have to restart the vehicle to temporarily fix the problem. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081965, filed 2004-07, 16,900 miles“Numerous problems with 2003 Dodge RAM since ownership. The consumer experienced a stalling problem that occurred whenever the vehicle was coming to a stop or idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not diagnose the problem. Power steering fluid leaked due to faulty clamp. The vehicle was leaking transmission fluid due to a faulty output seal at the transfer case.”
NHTSA complaint #10071449, filed 2004-04“While starting up the vehicle engine idled on its own. Also, when coming to stop vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart, and was able to start vehicle and drive it to the dealer for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate or resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10067115, filed 2004-04“The check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and it was towed to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10103548, filed 2004-12Related service bulletins
- 10033546Feb 2, 2010Dodge: electronic fuel control actuator (fca) available for service/new diagnostics available for dtc p0251. Engine surges at idle or mil illumination. Further investigation may…
- 10024083Jan 8, 2008Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10021423Mar 14, 20075.9l turbo - diesel engine system enhancements.
- 10020213Jul 13, 20065.9l turbo-diesel engine system enhancements.
- 10019529Feb 1, 2006Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures.
- 10016021Jul 8, 2005Cummins diesel diagnostics.
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10015060Apr 21, 2005Long crank times in ambient temperatures below freezing.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 8% |
| 2005 | 15 | 38% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 29 | 9% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 37 | 10% |
| 1998 | 38 | 8% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 57 | 9% |
| 1995 | 51 | 8% |
| 1994 | 28 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM
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