2003 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
Owners have filed 1,363 complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 with NHTSA. Air bags account for 33.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of structure at 17.5%.
Complaints1,363
Crashes106
Fires15
Injuries102
Deaths6
What owners report breaking
Air bags 33.5% · 457
Structure 17.5% · 238
Power train 9.4% · 128
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.0% · 68
Unknown or other 4.8% · 65
Electrical system 4.5% · 62
Suspension 4.3% · 59
Engine and engine cooling 4.1% · 56
Severity
Of those complaints, 106 describe a crash, 15 describe a fire, 102 report an injury and 6 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Dodge RAM 1500 in this data, 2003 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 25 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
I just spoke with fca regarding the status of the recall for the passenger air bag. I was notified several months ago about the problem with the potential danger. The air bag has been disabled exposing my passengers to added risk. I was told today that there is no date yet for the air bag replacement.. I am very frustrated and disappointed with response by all parties on this matter. When will this be remedied? Air bags · reported at 218,000 miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…