2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500, 8% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 12,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “park reverse” (13% of reports).
- 55power train complaints
- 12,000median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Park reverse: mentioned in 7 of 55 complaints (13%)
- Automatic transmission: mentioned in 5 of 55 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 39 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 55 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Dodge RAM 2500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 2500 | 35 | 12% | 48,250 |
| 2011 RAM 2500 | 16 | 5% | 44,761 |
| 2010 RAM 2500 | 13 | 6% | 118,000 |
| 2009 RAM 2500 | 6 | 3% | 37,500 |
| 2008 RAM 2500 | 20 | 6% | 79,000 |
| 2007 RAM 2500 | 17 | 5% | 64,621 |
| 2006 RAM 2500 | 37 | 6% | 80,000 |
| 2005 RAM 2500 | 63 | 15% | 25,000 |
| 2004 RAM 2500 | 110 | 19% | 26,200 |
| 2003 RAM 2500 | 55 | 8% | 12,000 |
| 2002 RAM 2500 | 19 | 12% | 65,000 |
| 2001 RAM 2500 | 28 | 6% | 44,929 |
| 2000 RAM 2500 | 15 | 7% | 50,520 |
| 1999 RAM 2500 | 35 | 11% | 56,880 |
| 1998 RAM 2500 | 29 | 13% | 95,105 |
| 1997 RAM 2500 | 32 | 15% | 97,420 |
| 1996 RAM 2500 | 44 | 15% | 105,500 |
| 1995 RAM 2500 | 39 | 15% | 160,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine and removing the key, the driver may inadvertently leave the automatic transmission shift control in indicated reverse.
Risk: This error is an unintended action that may result in a lack of transmission park pawl engagement and possibly delayed rearward movement of the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving on I55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my…
On a 35mph street, truck suddenly bucking as if it was going to stall, and the rpm's were erratic. I put it in n pulled over and shut it off. It restarted with no issues. I drove about 9 miles, pulled into my driveway and was coasting up it, when suddenly the truck accelerated. I depressed the…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT CALLED MARK DODGE AT [redacted] (LOCATED AT 3777 GERSTNER MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKE CHARLES, LA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2003 Dodge RAM 2500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints about power train for the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 (8% of the 661 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 12,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500?
The most frequent phrase is “park reverse”, in 7 of 55 complaints, followed by “automatic transmission” (5).
Other 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 problems
- Steering problems (159)
- Structure problems (146)
- Air Bags problems (138)
- Suspension problems (122)
See all 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 problems or power train problems across all RAM 2500 years.