Three problems related to transfer case have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The steering is very loose, when going over a bump the vehicle is pulled into another direction and you temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The 4x4 was not operating properly, so the transfer case was replaced. Upon replacing transfer case the rear differential locked up and the rear wheels won't move. This seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle. All of these issues are common among Dodge Ram 1500s of this year( 2003) these issues should be recalled!.
Dodge Ram 1500 was brought into local 5 star dealer and repaired 3 times prior to the accident for 4-wheel drive "popping out of gear". Vehicle was parked, 3 hours later rolled back and hit a building with significant damage to the left rear quarter panel, undercarriage, possibly frame and right and rear bumper. Vehicle was found in park, documented in police report as being found in park. Brought into same 5star dealer who let it sit on the lot, never looked at it. I initiated an investigation via Chrysler. An investigator came out, looked at the transfer case with a flashlight, never put the vehicle in four wheel drive, and left. We now own a wrecked vehicle with a defective transfer case and nobody will repair it. We have 17k on this engine and all components are supposedly on a full and extended warranty. Chrysler will do nothing!!!!.
While driving 60 mph driver heard a bang coming from under the vehicle. Then , consumer noticed the vehicle was on fire. Consumer pulled the vehicle over, and called the fire department to put out the fire. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transfer case failed.