This vehicle had last been started and driven 7 hrs prior and exploded in the driveway, caught the house on fire and nearly killed my son who was near the inside wall of the house. The engine blew and then the front tires. Three explosions in all before the fire department was able to stop the fire. Luckily they were only a mile away. This was an older but well running vehicle.
2003 Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems
77 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,000.
- owner complaints
- 77
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 63,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine23
- Engine: gasoline5
- Cooling system: radiator assembly2
- Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Cooling system: fan1
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 30Engine failure 17Check engine light 15Loss of power 13Knocking 8Won't start 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When driving the truck the vehicle randomly shuts down and I have to pull over or put it in neutral to restart it I believe there might be a problem with the tipm that dodge has had a ongoing problem for years and ignored the issue
While driving, truck stalls, happened twice. No warning lights, no codes, first time at stop sign, second while on straight run
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of engine power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 319,000.
Vehicle loses power completely or goes into idle "creep" mode when driving in temps of -15 or colder. Loss of acceleration and power steering. When vehicle dies will not restart for 15-20 minutes. Currently has 160k miles. Has occurred last 3 winters. Looked at by private mechanic the first time. Removed ice from pcv valve. This fall had mechanic look into the problem. He spoke with dodge dealer and they recommended replacing the pcv valve. Replaced pcv valve and throttle body. Problem continues to occur. Died while driving 45 MPH, 2 outside temp. Will typically die in these circumstances when no longer engaging throttle, ie slowing for traffic or preparing to turn.
Engine stops running while drving electric power turns off to gages pull over turn the key off and back one the truck starts up after a few tries replaced computer.and module still stops running no codes dose this every time I drive it
Paint corrosion on the hood and top of cab, doors and had I had engine failure at 70,000 plus and at 107,000.
While driving down the interstate my 03 dodge 1500 started making a whining noise. We pulled over and check the rear end fluid. It was fine. Got back on the highway and it was still whining. Made it about 50 miles do that and my truck shuts of. No power at all. I put it in natural and got it started and got off on an exit. It barely had power to move. Pulled into a motel and power picked up. I was 265 miles from home. I had to have my truck towed the 265 miles not knowing the problem and awaited to drive it any :* that. Got home my husband replaced the bearings and seals in the rear end. Well that didn't fix it. As we had the cover off the punkin of the rear end we found a broken piece in the bottom. A friend told me it was a part of the opinion gear. I don't know but a new rear end cost 2500.00 if not more. A used one costs 350.00 to 800.00. I'm stuck and don't know what to do.. I love my truck but I can't afford the rear end and I have to have a way to work.
2003 dodge ram 1500. Consumer writes in regards to passenger airbag recall replacement parts still on back order. Vehicle has multiple recalls that relates to steering, lighting, visibility, electrical, engine issues and requests loaner vehicle. *smd the consumer stated the additional recalls, would probably explain, why he had to replace the thermostat, vehicle speed control and the radiator three times.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted gears abnormally. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an o2 sensor malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags), but the part to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Questions about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 engine
Does the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 have engine problems?
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Dodge RAM 1500 have bad engine?
The Dodge RAM 1500 model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (190 complaints), 2012 (170 complaints) and 2011 (156 complaints).
Other 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
Airbags 458Body 237Transmission 125Brakes 73Electrical 62Suspension 57Steering 44Visibility 33Acceleration 20Wheels 19Lights 18Tires 15Fuel system 11Seat belts 9Seats 5Locks 3Driver assistance 1
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