The truck randomly shuts off while driving. There is no warning and no pattern. There are no error codes associated with these occurrences. When truck shuts off there is no power steering and it becomes difficult to steer. A quick check online shows hundreds of people with the same issue and no specific fix.
2003 Dodge RAM 1500: loss of power steering
8 of the 1,171 complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 106,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
All of a sudden the truck started shutting off, whether in idle or on the freeway. It would happen multiple times during the day. When shutting off, the truck would loose power steering and brakes. Took to multiple dealerships and mechanics who couldn't find anything wrong with the truck, would never throw any codes, finally spoke with a mechanic who talked to a computer person who stated that we needed to have the computer fixed but it wouldn't be available for 3-6 weeks due to it being on national back order. This needs to be recalled, due to safety issues. You are unable to control the vehicle when you lose power steering and brakes. National back order tells me that there is a problem and dodge knows about it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and there was a sudden loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear pinion nut loosened and detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Pulling boat and rear end broke leaving me with no steering. The trailor jackknifed and the boat ended up next to the truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would suddenly malfunction and cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified . The failure mileage was 83,000.
Vehicle cut off while making a right turn, no power steering, no engine response.
While driving came up to lights and the engine stalled had no steering and no brake put engine in park restarted and drove on this has happened numerous times in nd out of traffic. When pulling hard to the left or right the engine will begin to stall did this while truck was sitting in front yard. Had a tune up done and went away for a while but now it is starting up again.
Rack and pinion failed on 2003 dodge ram 1500, 5.7l hemi. No steering. Happened at 76,000 miles.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500?
8 of 1,171 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
Stalling 30Airbag light 29No deployment 27Premature wear 23Grinding brakes 22Engine failure 17Check engine light 15ABS 13Loss of power 13Ball joint 10Whining noise 9Knocking 8Fire or smoke 8Seat belt 7Brake failure 6Headlights 6Wipers 6Door locks 5Shudder 5Pulling 5Tire blowout 5Won't start 5
VIN decoder
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