Body problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 - part 1

On August 1 2020, my 2 adult children and another passenger was in a crash and my truck flipped several times from front to back and all passengers were badly injured and not one of the air bags were deployed. The truck was hit from the passenger side causing the truck to air lift and flip.

The truck was brought in to dealer to inspect/repair wiring for trailer outlet. When they and began raising the vehicle, the rear lift arms broke through the frame on both sides. When I drove it short way to the repair shop (about 5 miles), the frame on the left broke and sagged and I nearly lost control. The repair shop was in sight and I was able to make it at under 10 mph. The road between the dealer and repair shop was an old country road and I never exceeded 45mph. The rusted frame was first noticed by witt Ford in pulaski and the frame was reinforced/surrounded by welded plate steel. There was no warning of the defect. If I had been travelling at highway speed and this failure occurred, I would have lost control, the left side of the truck would have been dragging as well as fuel tank. There would have been a crash and probably a fire.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to local dealer hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram of gainesville located at 3115 frontage rd, gainesville, GA 30504, where she was informed needing the dashboard to be replaced before having the recall repairs completed. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. Dp.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the rear driver's side of the vehicle was rotting. The contact called miller motor sales (located at 1196 milwaukee Ave, burlington, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) and informed them of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 260,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a large thump. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and found that the fuel tank had detached from the body of the vehicle. The police was present, but no report was filed. The fire department and hazmat unit were also at the scene. The vehicle was towed to kahlo Chrysler Dodge (9900 pleasant st, noblesville, in 46060), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Truck body rusted through around rear wheel wells starting in 2005. Rusted completely through in 2007 (dealer wouldn't repair under 7-year rust-through warranty, and appeared much the same as in recent photo. In 2019 the frame on both sides in the rear were noted to be rusted all the through and reinforcing patches needed to be welded on as seen in photo.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that cracks were present on the dashboard. Also, while operating the air blower, debris blew into the cabin and distracted the driver. Furman Dodge (24252 state rd 54, lutz, FL) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Extreme rust and corrosion above both sides of the rear wheel wells. Door locks will randomly lock by themselves while driving, stopped or in park. Has locked me out after stepping out to open a gate, had to go get a spare set of keys to unlock.

The dash pad has suddenly developed a large crack across the top. I'm concerned that should my airbag deploy, this piece will shatter and cause the airbag to deflate prematurely, or cause injury from plastic shards. This occured while the vehicle was stationary, and unoccupied.

Dashboard made of inferior plastic material that has spider cracks and disintegrated in some areas. The results are jagged pieces that can injure drivers and passengers in a vehicle crash due to the impact itself and deployment of the airbags. With the most recent recall regarding the air bag inflators, the chances of creating additional fragmentation in an air bag deployment is made more likely.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge ram 2500. -the frame was severely corroded. -vehicle unsafe to be driven ( diagnostic by independent mechanic ) -rust -the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, they determined vehicle not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Bp.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 40 mph, there was an abnormally loud noise under the vehicle. A couple of days later, while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the frame was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that rust was discovered on the torsion bar mount up to the front of the leaf spring mount. In addition, after the vehicle was mounted on jack stands, it was discovered that the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While the vehicle was stationary, the dashboard fractured and caused razor sharp pieces to form. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Conversion van --while parking at children's school heard a very loud snap-noticed front wheels turned outward. Van towed to shop. Told by mechanic that pitman arm snapped off at frame--can not be repaired due to extensive frame rot. Snapped at mounting bracket bolts missing . Nothing left of frame to attach new parts . Purchased 11 months ago and driven approx. 6000 miles. Mileage at purchase only 63,052. Sitting at repair shop not drivable will need extensive costly frame repair. Dealership unwilling to help.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 to 45 mph he heard an abnormal loud noise, he looked back and noticed that the dry shaft disengaged and had fallen from underneath the truck, the vehicle was coasted to a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a auto repair shop. The vehicle was diagnosed that the rear end and dry shaft had to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Bd.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured in fragments. The fractured pieces fell into the air vent system and fractured the foot of the contact's wife. The contact stated that the dashboard started fracturing about seven years ago. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing the dashboard replaced, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was premature deterioration on the dashboard. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). The dealer (auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram, 1901 grass valley hwy, auburn, CA 95603, (888) 268-8026) stated that they would be able to provide the remedy for the recall; however, the dashboard needed to be replaced first in order to receive the repair. The dealer opted not to complete the recall and asked that the contact replace the dashboard first. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for their response concerning the dashboard and the remedy for the recall from the dealer. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

The dash board is completely falling apart , breaking into many pieces they are falling into the duct work and rattling when the defrost is turned on. Looks like the manufacturer should make this right. I am not the only one with this problem.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v354000 (air bags) and 14v770000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician was unable to perform the recall repair due to two fractures on the passenger side dashboard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,062.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact noticed that the dashboard fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was unable to receive the repairs under NHTSA campaign number: 14v770000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. Tried to raise truck to check wiring under truck. The lift only crunched about halfway through near the middle of the frame. That was the point when the technician noticed the truck was lifting unevenly and making a crunching sound when he started trying to lift it. He left the truck as it was - with two wheels on the floor and two wheels about an inch off the floor he hollered for th shop supervisor to look at, who came and got me in the waiting room to show me what happened. The dealership could not repair the frame, but said there was a welding shop a couple of miles away down a back road in zachow, WI where I could safely drive to if I went really slow. I don't know when the frame started rusting or the date the dealer's hydraulic lift broke through the frame. The truck's rear fenders were starting to significantly rust when it was about 3-4 years old. It was purchased new. I don't know how badly the frame had rusted at that time. I'm fairly certain the truck had less that 100,000 miles on it when the dealer found that the frame was rusted through. It's 22 years old now and was bought new in 2003. It has 147,000 miles on it today. Assuming that the miles/year were roughly the same at 6,682, and the tail lights started acting "funny" (the reason we brought the truck to the dealership),happened the year after we bought our new 2013 lund boat (2014), that would put the mileage on the truck at 73,502. This type of dangerous deterioration should not happen with a low-mileage vehicle like ours.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the front passenger's side door released independently. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician was not able to provide a remedy to correct the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 300. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 3/28/cn.

Tire popped and I spun out of control when it started to rain. I spun into some trees.

Ok, so I recently buy this one owner Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. 2003, 90,000. In pristine condition. I mean primo. I get in the pickup, and am pulling out of my driveway and hear what was a loud craking sound, like breaking plastic. I didn't think much of it, thinking I ran over a can or something. Later in the day, I notice my dash board. Oh my god. It has this large crack in it. Right above the glove box from the glove box to the window. I then notice another crack right above the passanger door vent (dash) that is working it's way up toward the window. I do some more inspection and see yet another crack near the defrost vent and a small part of the vent missing. I figured that out today when I piece of plastic blew in my face and hit me in the eye when I turned the ac on. I thought, well, maybe I was duked. Maybe it was in an accident. I check it all out with carfax. Nothing. Clean title. Well maintained one owner. Wtf. I call my local dealer. 'well, we are aware of the issue, we have heard about these things happening, but your truck is out of warranty". What? this is not a warranty issue. It's a defect. After hours of research, I see this is a huge problem with these trucks. The dealer said it's about a $2800. 00 fix?? what?? so now I am stuck. I am going to persue this matter for as long as it takes. This is not "sun damage" I know what sun damage is. This is a defect. I have been driving cars/trucks for 30 years, never ever seen a dashboard do this. Ever. Please keep the complaints coming. Tomorrow I am doing battle with Dodge at 800-992-1997. I am one pissed customer. Who was a loyal Dodge fan. . . . Not any longer.

Dashboard directly above the front passenger side airbag has completely cracked creating a significant gap. This has caused my wife to inadvertently get her finger caught in it and be cut and injured. Additionally the location and severity of the crack has significantly weakened the dashboard and compromised it's structural integrity. This problem will only get worse and expand. Should the vehicle be involved in a collision which causes the airbag to deploy it will most certainly pose a great risk to all occupants as the dashboard is likely to fragment at high velocity, sending sharp shards of plastic throughout the passenger compartment. Additionally, this may cause the airbag to be punctured upon deployment and fail to operate as designed.

Vehicle dash board came apart while driving at 45 mph. I had noticed it had already cracked. When the dash came apart small pieces became air born. Was not injured neither was my wife, surprised though and we could have been.

I had just stopped my truck in front of my garage and, with my foot on the brake, shifted into the park gear position. Suddenly the engine began to race and my foot on the brake peddle went to the floor as if I had no brakes at all. I took my foot off of the break peddle and the engine leaped forward through my garage door. I hit the brakes immediately and came to a screeching stop. I put the truck in reverse but it would not engage. A neighbor came and asked if I needed help. I asked him to try backing out of the garage for me. He took my place behind the wheel and shifted into reverse with the same result. He asked me if I had the emergency brakes on because the truck would not move. I told him no and when he attempted to use reverse again the gears engaged and he backed the truck out of the garage for me.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer inspected and took pictures of the failure, sending them to the regional representative. The regional representative denied the contact any assistance with the repair. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured and started falling apart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured and falling apart from the windshield to the front portion of the dashboard. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 111,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the entire dashboard was separated from the vehicle causing the wires to shorten. As a result, the horn and exterior lighting failed intermittently. The air bag was also exposed. In addition, the vehicle stalled intermittently while driving. The dealer had not been notified. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the electrical wires were compromised due to the electrical system malfunctioning since the fragments were tampering with the wires. The manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 97,643 and the approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle dashboard developed a fracture above the left side of the glove compartment that continued up to the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised the contact that the dashboard would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any immediate assistance and explained to the contact that once the repairs were performed, she could send the paper work in to determine eligible for reimbursement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard exhibited a hair line fracture that expanded over the dashboard area, to the defroster vents and caused the plastic to fracture into several pieces. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. Kmj.

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5. 7 hemi rusting out from the inside out around the rear wheel wells. Between the outer bed side and the inner metal fender. There are foctory drilled holes that let the road dirt in and get trapped to rust out the bed sides.