2003 Dodge RAM 3500 fuel system problems

Filed May 9, 2012 · Fuel system · 145,210 miles · FL

The fuel systems in these model trucks are bad. There was a recall on them years ago, which I just found out and now I still owe on the truck. I was not the first buyer. The original owner did not go to fix the truck when the recall came out and he traded it. Yah, that will fix the problem! Well, the place we bought it from didn't fix the problem either. And we didn't find out about it until way later. And now we are going to be stuck with a truck that doesn't work, but we have to put in a lot of money into. Anyone have any suggestions. If a vehicle has a recall why do they only give you a certain amount of time, to get it fixed. That is not fair for people that buy vehicles later on, when your not the first to purchase it. What do we do?!?

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Fuel system · 216,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500 diesel. The contact stated that the engine stalled while at a car wash without warning. The vehicle was then taken to a private mechanic. The mechanic stated that the lift pump failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notifed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 216,000 and the current mileage was 227,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2011 · Fuel system · 135,000 miles · VA

Seems to occur when it is damp or raining. Doesn't occur when it is dry. Revs up on its own, even in gear with foot on brake. It has done this at least once. When first cranked up it has revved up wide open. It has done this at least twice. Will accelerate on its own while driving down the road. Has done this several times. When accelerating and you let up on the accelerator a little it acts just like you have taken your foot completely off the accelerator. It has done this several times. After the weather dries up and you crank it a few times the check engine light will go off. The light will stay off until the next time it is damp and it decides to go crazy. Then the check engine light comes back on just as soon as the engine starts to accelerate on its own. I think this is extremely dangerous.

Filed Sep 23, 2010 · Fuel system · 66,500 miles · CA

The lift/transfer pump of the fuel system failed while driving on the freeway. (separate from the main fuel pump ). After talking to my mechanic and researching online, I found that apparently the original system was such a terrible design, and the problem I had so common, that dodge doesn't even make a replacement part for it anymore. Instead, they sell you a kit which requires about 5-6 hours of labor to totally re-do the system (plus $500 parts). Customer service? Forget about it. If you finally get through to talking to your "case manager" all you'll hear is: "it's no longer covered by the warranty" the problem manifested itself by my truck stalling out in the fast lane on the freeway during rush hour- not a lot of fun trying to steer/brake a 6000+ pound truck with no power steering or brakes! How could this not be a safety recall issue?

Filed Jun 10, 2010 · Fuel system · 119,000 miles · WV

Failure of 2003 dodge ram 3500 with ho diesel engine and manual 6 speed transmission - engine turns over but fails to start. Been to crown in nitro and courts in hurricane a total of 7 times. Dealerships fail to fix. Have spent approx. $2500 and still not fixed. Can stall at intersection or railroad crossing causing grave injury or death; need help to get problem fixed by recall process. All chrysler-dodge says "I apologize". Chrysler-dodge knows of problem b/c will fix on as need basis if under warranty; told by crown, nitro that we were lucky fuel pump lasted as long has it had when replaced (we had to pay) over a year ago. Has caused compounded problems with injectors. Mostly likely has caused high pressure pump then injectors to fail as these parts use the lubricating properties of diesel fuel as the lubricant for these parts.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Fuel system · LA

Started noticing truck hard to start, then it dies at idle, in traffic etc, it happens about anywhere from 4 times a day to 4 times a week just depends, told that the truck transfer pump is a dealer item only at about 400.00 over the coast of internet pricing for the kit, wouldn't this be a recall? I have searched an found numerous other complains on this same problem , but since dodge discontinued the exterior transfer pump then it was a design flaw and should be a recall I had my truck die on my 2 times today in traffic moving 70 miles an hour with kids in the back seat and an 18 wheeler behind me , the truck has no other problems but I don't think dodge should be allowed to change the design with out having a recall.

Filed Feb 25, 2008 · Fuel system · 53,500 miles · WV

On the seventh my truck started missing and sputtering. It only had 53,000 miles on it. When I went out the next morning to start my truck, it would not start. I could not make it to college or work that day. It was due to a lift pump failure. I had to buy a whole new fuel system for my truck because dodge does not make a replacement. It cost me about $700 for the fast fuel system and another $50 for my fuel pressure gauge. Plus time and the damage to my truck during the install. If this would have happened at an intersection, someone could have been hurt.

Filed May 26, 2006 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 68,000 miles · NM

When towing with the vehicle it does not respond when pressing the gas pedal. Have to pullover let truck rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before truck will move when gas pedal is pressed.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Fuel system, Transmission · KS

Poor fuel mileage in comparison to several other dodge's of the same year. *ph while pulling a trailer at 63 MPH the vehilce had a low of 6.85 mpg. On average the vehicle got 7.5-8.0 mpg loaded and 12-14 mpg empty. The dealer reflashed the computer. The vehicle was returned to the consumer but now it was missing. The vehicle was taken to another dealer. The truck was left there for a week but they were unable to determined the problem. The vehicle was ereturned to the consumer. The dealer contacted the cosumer to bring the vehicle back to the dealer to perform service suggested by the manufacturer. On the way to the dealer the truck started blowing transmision fluid through the radiator overflow. The dealer had to rebuild the transmission, replace the radiator and transmission cooler. The u-joint at the rear axle snapped which caused the drive shaft to collapse onto the highway. The fuel lift pump failed which caused the vehicle to stall while driving. Transmission cooler line leaked.

Filed Aug 25, 2003 · Fuel system · 207 miles · MD

The vehicle would not start, driver contacted the dealer, dealer said to pop the hood pump, the primer. Vehicle started 10 minutes later and stalled on highway, consumer feels could have been t-boned as a result of engine stalling and did not feel safe driving.dealer said fuel injectors needed replacement, and will only be replaced one at a time as they fail.