1.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
154,488 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #9

Oct 192023

Ram 1500

  • 230,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Additionally, the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed that due to a crack in the dashboard, he would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

- Elizabeth, CO, USA

problem #8

Jan 062019

Ram 1500

  • 240,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed that the driveshaft was detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called mike patton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at (706) 882-0600 (located at 1408 lafayette pkwy, lagrange, ga 30241) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to schedule an appointment with a local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

- Lagrange, GA, USA

problem #7

Apr 042016

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 201,281 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, black smoke emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes, calipers, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bearing, wheel hub, axle shaft assembly, and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Lastly, the front driver side headlight failed to operate. The head lamp was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,281. Updated 06/29/16

- Vulcan, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 052015

Ram 1500

  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 40-45 mph, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact noticed that the driveshaft disengaged and detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear end and driveshaft had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

problem #5

Jan 292015

Ram 1500

  • 259,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at approximately 60 mph, a loud noise came from the rear of the vehicle and the rear wheels suddenly seized. The contact was a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear driveshaft axle failed due to a loose rear axle pinion nut. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 259,000.

- Fiton, TX, USA

problem #4

Dec 262014

Ram 1500

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While making a right turn at approximately 10 mph, the driveshaft suddenly detached from the rear of the vehicle and caused the rear wheels to seize. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

- Horn Lake, MS, USA

problem #3

Jun 192007

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,625 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Just had a warranty repair made to a somewhat notorious problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The retainer clips broke and came out of the trac loc differential, causing failure in differential bearings and driveshaft. The Dodge dealer was aware of the many problems, but has yet to recall the notoriously defective part and continued to replace faulty parts with the same faulty parts.

- Wylie, TX, USA

problem #2

Jun 062003

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,490 miles
Starting at June, 06, 2003. 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 series. Warped rotors at 5490 miles, again at 10643 miles. Have been to dealer both times for repairs. Pulsating still occurs after repairs. Braking ability problems still occuring. Brakes locking sometimes when putting in drive to move.grinding and pulsating sensation when turning and braking.ohter problems drive-line vibration -has been in for repairs. Computer printed circuit for overhead console replaced at (2023 miles) keyswitch replaced, left rear tail - light printed circuit, replaced, left rear shock absorber left loose from factory.

- Madera, CA, USA

problem #1

Jul 172003

Ram 1500

  • miles
While traveling 65mph on the highway and without prior warning felt vibration due to driveshaft breaking.

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?