general problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500

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

1 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2016

Sudden loss of braking while approaching intersection; the brake pedal just went to the floor when applying approximately two hundred feet before intersection; applied emergency brake to effectively stop;speed was below 30 mph when approaching intersection and brake loss occurred; truck has also had four "death wobble" experiences even with pittman arm and associated parts replacement; two experiences of sudden acceleration (possible jammed open throttle) of the turbo, leading to loss of control; sudden accelerations occurred shortly after cruise control usage and traveling less than 30 mph; while stationary, vehicle has experienced wiring harness short and fire on firewall while connected to trailer. Pictures attached were taken within 12 hours of sudden loss of brakes.

2 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2015

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v313000 (air bags) and 15v528000 (service brakes, air bags). The part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

3 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving various speeds and depressing the brakes, the vehicle would jerk to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that they were unable to duplicate the failure. As a precaution, the brakes were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was approximately 104,000. The VIN was unavailable.

4 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/02/2012

Driving in the mountains on dirt road heard horrible sounds in the front of truck. Noticeably louder and very concerned to driving the truck any more, my two small children and I 9 months pregnant are very lucky. Made to our home 15 miles away. I called mechanic and truck was in the shop next day.

5 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 06/21/2011

On a road trip I was driving on a highway at 65 mph and I hit a small light decal that delineates the lines on the road and my truck began to shake violently and so severely that I nearly lost control. Braking did not stop the shaking, not accelerating until it slowed to about 35 mph did stop the shaking. I pulled over immediately because I was terrified that it would happen again. Since I was in the middle of nowhere I decided that I would drive again but at a slower pace. This time I drove at 55 mph and when it hit a tiny bump again it began to shake horribly again. And once again I was stressed beyond belief that I was barely able to control this truck. This continues to happen at high speeds and if there is any ruffness on the road. Please recall these trucks and fix them. I paid alot of money for a truck that I thought would be good quality and now I am stuck with a piece of junk that I cannot drive faster than 35 mph for fear that I will kill myself or someone else. And I refuse to sell this lemon to some other poor soul.




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