2003 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,567miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge RAM, 11% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,567 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.
“- on 09/05/05 while driving on a major road, the contact stated that his 2003 Dodge RAM was unable to shift out of a low gear staying at a speed of 25 MPH. The contact took his vehicle to allen samuels in houston, tx and they stated that they couldn't detect any failure on the vehicle. On 10/28/06 while driving down a hill pulling a 30 ft travel trailer at 50 MPH, the contact tried to down shift, but the vehicle would not change gears. The contact stated that he couldn't use the emergency brake to assist in stopping the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10179168, filed 2007-01, 51,567 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“2003 Dodge RAM fuel lines rotted resulting in a severe leak. ***nar*** the consumer stated the manufacturer cannot or will not produce a replacement fuel line. The consumer stated while the truck was sitting in idle, the vehicle began to move backwards. The consumer attempted to stop the vehicle with no success. The vehicle rolled down a hill and into a tree. The consumer received a recall notice after he experienced the failure with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10162631, filed 2006-07“While driving transmission failed while shifting. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that coolant line needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that this problem had not been resolved, it recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10101103, filed 2004-11“The contact owns a 2003 Dodge RAM. The contact parked the vehicle in her driveway. She exited the vehicle and left the driver side door open. She then heard a loud pop and noticed that the vehicle was moving. She was unable to enter and stop the vehicle. The contact was struck several times by the driver side door. She was pinned between a metal post and the door of the vehicle. The contact was able to free herself and sustained injuries to her midriff, back, and head. The powertrain, speed, and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 46,900. …”
NHTSA complaint #10210797, filed 2007-12Related service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013996Oct 18, 2004Minimun rear rotor thickness.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 50 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 80 | 17% |
| 1997 | 71 | 18% |
| 1996 | 135 | 22% |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% |
| 1994 | 68 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 17% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 6 | 12% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 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 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