2003 Dodge RAM 1500: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 1, 2019 · Body · NJ

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.

Filed Dec 15, 2018 · Airbags · 161,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

Due to a medical condition I was not even aware of I passed out while driving. Unconscious I drove into a ditch, came out airborne (according to an eyewitness), proceeded on straight into a tree. My airbag did not deploy resulting in my head being thrown into the steering wheel, resulting in knocking out 5 teeth requiring oral surgery, a gash on the chin requiring stitching and an on going jaw issue. I had no other bodily injuries. Had the airbag deployed I may have been injury free. *dt

Filed Jan 16, 2016 · Airbags · ID

Takata inflator. I received the safety recall notice in the mail sometime in june 2015. As of january 16, 2016, I have not received any more further notice regarding this issue. This defect can pose a serious threat to my family and other people that may be sitting rides in my truck. I do not feel safe riding this truck knowing that the airbag is defected. Airbags are supposed to safe lives, but in its current condition, it poses as a threat. Metal fragments can strike and potentially injure the vehicle occupants, it is like driving with a ticking bomb. When is this issue going to be fixed?

Filed Oct 27, 2008 · Brakes, Transmission · OK · crash · 1 injury

This complaint is being filed on behalf of the 2003 dodge ram pickup truck 1500 mr. Jp waters by his stepson. Mr. Waters was severely injured on october 22, 2008 after placing the aforesaid vehicle in park on an incline, turning off the engine, and exiting the truck. As he went around to the passenger side to retrieve some items the truck rolled, knocking him down and dragging him across a curb into a neighbors yard. He sustained a fractured hip/ numerous lacerations/ contusions all over his body and consequently suffered heart failure and had to be air lifted to a heart hospital. His recall is that he definitely placed the truck in park position (it is an automatic)/ turned off the engine and noticed no movement of the vehicle when he exited--it was parked on a steep incline. The rear movement of the vehicle did not occur until he had come around to the passenger side of the vehicle.

Filed Jun 18, 2007 · Engine · 45,000 miles · TX

I own a 2003 dodge ram 1500 2x4. Clutch was replaced at 36000 miles, and motor was rebuild at 46000 miles, both times under warranty. Each time I' had the oil changed there appeared to be a white substance building up on the oil cap as if it was condensation. I now have 88000 miles and have a "ticking. Like a valve sticking, and continues to have this white substance. When it rains or I go through a puddle of water the belt starts to slip and all power is lost.

Filed May 12, 2007 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NC · 1 injury

I put my truck into park and started to get out with the engine running and the truck rolled backwards, catching me with one leg on the ground and one leg still in the vehicle. The driver's side door hit me in the chest, knocking me to the ground. The above events took place extremely quickly, and I had no time to react. Luckily, someone was nearby and stopped the truck before it hit me or anything else. *ak unfortunately, my leg was still in the vehicle, even while I was on the ground. I was dragged about 5 feet and received some lacerations on my shoulder.

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Engine · 12,000 miles · WI

Loud knock coming from lower end of the 5.7l hemi motor.

Filed Jan 28, 2006 · Engine · 75,000 miles · MI

Driving down I-94 on 01/24/2006 from work going 70 MPH and oil gauge bottomed out, and I had a ticking noise. Pulled off the highway and had truck towed to the dealership. Was told the engine was shot due to sludge. I maintained a excellent 3000 mile oil change. Currently, the truck sits at the dealership and I owe $27000 on something I could not drive. Help!!