Body problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500

20 problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2018

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the frame was fractured. The contact called freehold Dodge ram at 732-462-1600 and was informed that there was no recall and the part was not replaceable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

2 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2017

Takata ?- on 7/15/2017 my son was involved in a single vehicle accident as he drove home on the freeway. Lost control of vehicle resulting in the vehicle spinning and impacting a guard rail post , ejecting him from the vehicle on to the freeway where he died. Upon examination of vehicle no airbags in the cabin deployed.

3 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2016

Ongoing subframe corrosion was identified while vehicle was stationary and undergoing component replacement. Extensive corrosion was removed between the front bed mounting point and right side rear shock absorber mounting point leaving a 6" x 2" hole. Identified on 11/10/2016 further assessment will take place on 11/12/2016 by a certified mechanic.

4 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2016

Dashboard disintegrated into plastic knives that fly off and cause injury. Also compromising the effectiveness of the passenger airbag and or creating additional debris to be thrown at the occupants during a crash.

5 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2016

The dash board on almost all of these trucks are severely crashing and if the airbags go off parts of the dash can injury or kill someone from flying parts of the dash board.

6 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard on the passenger's side of the vehicle was fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was not offered a remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Ah.

7 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2015

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact observed that the frame of the vehicle was severely corroded, from the inside out. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

8 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2015

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The dealer advised the contact via phone that she needed to have the dashboard repaired prior to the vehicle being repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 170,000.

9 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/23/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard deteriorated over time to the point that it was cracked all the way across and the dashboard may fracture. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v770000 (air bags), 15v312000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable timeframe to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the contacts vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure other than the dashboard deterioration. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Dyd.

10 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/23/2015

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was falling apart. When the air conditioner was activated, there were particles flying out of the vents. While driving approximately 10 mph over a bump, the steering wheel seized and something on the front end felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the dashboard was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

11 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2014

08/16/2014, dash board was intact and no flaws noted---------------on 08/17/2014, overnight, the dash was found split in two, my biggest concern is that this crack ( with sharp jagged edges ) is located directly over the passenger air bag. Should the bag deploy, it would likely be punctured and my passenger injured. I feel this safty hazzard should be Dodge's responsibility to rectify.

12 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2013

Vehicle was in motion when I identified a large crack had form in the center of the dashboard above the radio from front to rear. As I drive each day I have more and more cracks forming in all directions with sharp/angular pieces unexpectedly falling into the dash and the cab of the truck. I am concerned about the safety of myself and my passengers especially when I consider what might happen when the airbag deploys as designed, causing the dash to explode and send projectiles throughout the cab. I contacted Chrysler back in 2013 and was told by a representative that this defect is not a warranty issue because of the time since the purchase date. Since then the damage has become more severe and I am concerned that pieces falling behind the dash they will interfere with my ability to control the vehicle (acceleration/braking). These concerns represent significant safety issues that were not disclosed to me when I purchased back in 2003.

13 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2012

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that there was rust and corrosion on the passenger and driver¿s side bed near the upper fender well. The dealer stated that both outer skins of the fender well needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

14 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2011

The dash board on my 2003 Dodge ram is crumbling on some parts and cracking verry badly on others. If I should be in an accident the dash is so bad that it would cut the airbags no mater what chrystler says this is a safty issue that needs to be taken care of ASAP. Before someone is injured not after.

15 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured into several pieces due to defective material. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the dashboard defect was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 155,000 and the current mileage was 185,000.

16 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2010

Dashboard disintegrating into hundreds of extremely pointed and sharp shards of heavy gauge plastic some of considerable mass that pose a severe risk in the event of a collision. Daily remove pieces of dash as they break free. Many are heavy enough and pointed enough to severely injure driver or occupants even under severe braking let alone a crash with airbag deployment at supersonic speeds. Under severe braking these shards break free and fly forward toward the windshield then bounce back at the terrified occupants. We now have to always wear protective eyewear to avoid being blinded by a flying piece of debris from the dash. Every time the vehicle hits a small bump another piece or two breaks off or a new crack appears threatening to release another sharp flying object into the passenger compartment. This is not just cosmetic!! this is dangerous. This has been going on for years as a cosmetic issue but now is different.

17 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2010

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) (2003 Dodge Ram 2500 slt 4x4 w/ 64,186 miles) the truck has developed a three inch crack across the center of the dash. The crack starts at the front of the dash and works back towards the passenger compartment. Numerous complaints have been reported on multiple websites and/or forums regarding this issue. It is highly probable that fragments could become detached for the dash in the event of an accident and cause bodily harm to the occupants of the vehicle. Any assistance safecar. Gov can provide regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. Chrysler complaint reference number [xxx].

18 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2009

Vehicle was parallel parked at the side of the road. Upon entering the truck, I used the grab handle on the a pillar as I've always done. This time the grab handle suddenly broke free from the pillar causing me to loose my balance and fall backward out onto the roadway.

19 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2007

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 quad. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured and sharp edges were exposed. The dealer advised the contact to notify the manufacturer of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 104,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

20 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/23/2005

Contact states when she went to get into the truc, she put her hand on the grab bar and the whole panel that held the grab bar came out in her hand. She fell flat on her back. Thook the truck to the dealership, and they told her that all that was holding the grab bars on was plastic.


Other Structure related problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500


Ram 2500 Service Bulletins
Ram 2500 Safety Recalls
Ram 2500 Defect Investigations