2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 464 of 1,170 complaints (40%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more deaths (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 815 in 2002 to 1,170 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,800 | 3,900–5,200 | 3,900–4,800 | 3,900–7,750 | 3,900–8,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 13–16 | 12–16 | 13–16 | 10–16 | 9–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–14 / 15–19 | 10–14 / 14–19 | 11–14 / 15–19 | 9–14 / 14–19 | 8–14 / 11–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–684 | 555–741 | 555–684 | 555–889 | 555–987 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,112 | 815 | 1,170 | 1,097 | 1,168 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 65 | 55 | 76 | 84 | 108 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 35 | 14 | 12 | 29 | 16 | |
| Injuries reported | 80 | 62 | 80 | 95 | 66 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup?
Airbags & Restraints: 464 of 1,170 NHTSA complaints (40%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup get?
EPA rates it 13–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup?
EPA estimates $3,900–$4,800 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 13 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.9L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 77 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 125 | 22 | 2 | 17 | 2 |
| Fuel System | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 62 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 74 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Steering | 44 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 86 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 464 | 35 | 1 | 47 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 20 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 244 | 5 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 48 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 77 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 15V312000 · May 27, 2015
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.
WHEELS:HUB · Campaign 10E040000 · Aug 23, 2010
Defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN · Campaign 10E013000 · May 3, 2010
Defect: FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · Campaign 07E104000 · Dec 11, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Campaign 06E024000 · Mar 17, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.