One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact stated after the vehicle was parked for eleven hours he turned the key in the ignition and heard a loud backfire noise coming from the engine. The passenger compartment filled with smoke , and he exited the vehicle. The parking attendant extinguished the fire and there was minimal fire damage. Eleven days later the vehicle was towed to the insurance company's salvage lot. Upon inspection the insurance company determined it was a mechanical problem. The vehicle was towed to a Dodge dealership, and although the dealership stated the vehicle needed to be taken apart to correctly diagnose it, the dealership claimed that the intake manifold exploded. No repairs have been made. Updated 2/7/2006 -.