This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard cracked all over. If involved in an accident the sharp pcs of hard plastic would definitely impale the occupants. Dodge states its only a few trucks but I have not seen one 2003 Dodge Ram with a dashboard on one pc. Once I was forced to brake hard and my passenger reacted by slamming her hand on the dash and a sharp point of a broken pc stabbed into her palm which began bleeding. Definitely need to look into this matter as it's a real hazard that could most probably result in a death if someone were to get in an accident.
The truck was brought in to dealer to inspect/repair wiring for trailer outlet. When they and began raising the vehicle, the rear lift arms broke through the frame on both sides. When I drove it short way to the repair shop (about 5 miles), the frame on the left broke and sagged and I nearly lost control. The repair shop was in sight and I was able to make it at under 10 mph. The road between the dealer and repair shop was an old country road and I never exceeded 45mph. The rusted frame was first noticed by Witt Ford in Pulaski and the frame was reinforced/surrounded by welded plate steel. There was no warning of the defect. If I had been travelling at highway speed and this failure occurred, I would have lost control, the left side of the truck would have been dragging as well as fuel tank. There would have been a crash and probably a fire.
On August 1 2020, my 2 adult children and another passenger was in a crash and my truck flipped several times from front to back and all passengers were badly injured and not one of the air bags were deployed. The truck was hit from the passenger side causing the truck to air lift and flip.
Truck body rusted through around rear wheel wells starting in 2005. Rusted completely through in 2007 (dealer wouldn't repair under 7-year rust-through warranty, and appeared much the same as in recent photo. In 2019 the frame on both sides in the rear were noted to be rusted all the through and reinforcing patches needed to be welded on as seen in photo.
- Oconto Falls, WI, USA
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The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V312000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to local dealer hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of gainesville located at 3115 frontage rd, gainesville, ga 30504, where she was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced before the recall repair could completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. -the frame was severely corroded. -vehicle unsafe to be driven ( diagnostic by independent mechanic ) -rust -the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, they determined vehicle not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. -frame corroded -vehicle unsafe to be driven.( by independent mechanic ) -rust -the contact had the vehicle diagnosed by an independent mechanic that determined the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the rear driver's side of the vehicle was rotting. The contact called miller motor sales (located at 1196 milwaukee ave, burlington, wi 53105, (888) 449-0974) and informed them of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 260,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that cracks were present on the dashboard. Also, while operating the air blower, debris blew into the cabin and distracted the driver. Furman Dodge (24252 state rd 54, lutz, fl) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 66,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a large thump. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and found that the fuel tank had detached from the body of the vehicle. The police was present, but no report was filed. The fire department and hazmat unit were also at the scene. The vehicle was towed to kahlo Chrysler Dodge (9900 pleasant St, noblesville, in 46060), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Thanks for reviewing. I bought not just one but two 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 slt laramie off road 4/4. after only 6-7 years of service the truck started to rust. I went for maintenance and when raising the vehicle the technician got excited and stopped he called me over to show me my driver side frame rail was so deteriorated he was unsure he could safely raise the vehicle. I was shocked. Because I had the truck from the dealer brand new and knew the care in which the truck received. The truck is unsafe and thought I could just buy a repair. The repair cost as much as buying a different truck which I did. Same one. And guess what the same problem. Rust over the wheel, bumper and yes the frame rail. I could poke my finger thought it and it would fall apart. I called Dodge to express my concern for the amount of trucks like this on the road. They told me my truck was old and that's why. For a company to advertise their trucks being the toughest on the plant I don't think so. The problem I have is my son has a 1986 Ford truck which everything fell off except the frame, on the other hand, I have a truck which all works and I can't drive. I'm sure a little investigation you will find 100000S of these broken frame trucks that most don't even know it's happening. It's unsafe to have confidence in a vehicle to provide protection in case of the unthinkable. But Dodge handed out a bunch of trucks that have ticking time bombs in them. I imagine the vehicle responding much differently if in a collision with a rusted un supported frame. Just like a house in Florida without building for a hurricane to pass. I feel Dodge covered up the problem and sacrificed the very people that kept them in business. I will continue to bring light to this and I'm sure many people out there have the same problem. A vehicle that is unsafe to drive and valueless. Thank you for your attention.
Extreme rust and corrosion above both sides of the rear wheel wells. Door locks will randomly lock by themselves while driving, stopped or in park. Has locked me out after stepping out to open a gate, had to go get a spare set of keys to unlock.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was premature deterioration on the dashboard. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V312000 (air bags). The dealer (auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1901 grass valley hwy, auburn, ca 95603, (888) 268-8026) stated that they would be able to provide the remedy for the recall; however, the dashboard needed to be replaced first in order to receive the repair. The dealer opted not to complete the recall and asked that the contact replace the dashboard first. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for their response concerning the dashboard and the remedy for the recall from the dealer. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
The dash pad has suddenly developed a large crack across the top. I'm concerned that should my airbag deploy, this piece will shatter and cause the airbag to deflate prematurely, or cause injury from plastic shards. This occured while the vehicle was stationary, and unoccupied.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked, and the interior lighting in the cabin and exterior cargo area lighting became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
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- Miami, FL, USA