7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$480
Average Mileage:
107,600 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. repaired by dealer (2 reports)
  3. recall (1 reports)
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #10

Jul 012006

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ok , problem which could cause an accident . When the steering wheel is moved up or down the wire harness which controls the turns signals is pulled loose causing the turns signals to work backwards , when turning left the signal is for turning right when turning right the signal is turning left. Not to mention I have two Dodge trucks a 03 and a 04 on both trucks the window switches quit working because of the window lock control doesn't make contact . Both trucks have massive play in the pinion gear which caused wear and had to be fixed for $1200 out of pocket , the check engine light has been on since 50k on the 03 the dealership stated because they could duplicate the problem they couldn't fix it even with the light on ....

- James P., nokesville, VA, US

problem #9

Nov 082011

Ram 1500 LST 5.7L Hemi V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

The battery in my Ram keeps going dead. I have replaced it 9 times in the last 3 years. The dealership said it is because of my aftermarket alarm system draining the battery except I then pointed out to them that my alarm is, in fact, not aftermarket and came as standard equipment when I bought the truck new from the dealer. I never experienced any problems with the alarm or battery until this. Their solution was to disconnect my alarm, not to fix it or find the problem. A car not being driven for 2 days should not kill a brand new battery.

- Patrick W., Westlake Village, CA, US

problem #8

Sep 092011

Ram 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

The instrument panel on my 2003 Dodge will not read mileage right. When I open the door or start it up the mileage will show about 8000000 miles and then just blurs out and can't tell correct mileage. When I turn my overdrive off the 4x4 light comes on, and when I pull the shifter down in drive it will show that d and 2 light up. This is one of many problems that should be recalled.

- dcoots, Vicco, KY, US

problem #7

May 182012

Ram 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,100 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

check eng light came on laser flashing light started flashing,started losing power and the cruise control wont turn back on.. if i turn the truck off and restart the truck problem would go away ...also the lamp out light will start beeping but the light still works and when you kill the truck and restart it...it stops....once I got in the truck and nothing would work...the windows, the radio, the air..nothing...kill truck and restart...and it all works again

- bettywhite, Paris, TX, US

problem #6

Feb 062010

Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

This has been my favorite truck so far But the door locks, door windows,and ignition switch, work when they want to ..If I wanted a truck that windows don't work,and I have to manually lock and unlock doors ,and fight to get the truck to start , I would have bought a STRIP down model,and hope it starts the first time. I sure would not have spent 3 times the money for one to give me so much of a pain in the Butt. now the Lamp out light comes on at different times , and the check Gauges light comes on, and Nothing is wrong. This is not what I would expect from a well talked up (HIGH DOLLAR )Truck. There are so many different things wrong with the electrical part of my DODGE RAM 1500 I won't be putting another Dodge in my Driveway..Looking at Toyota Tundra

- p redden, McConnells, SC, US

problem #5

Jun 012010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,200 miles

Passenger side electric window operates when it feels like it. Recently, it has been less and less likely to feel like operating. I am really ticked when I have to roll down the passenger window for passenger.

- Royce S., Conway, AR, US

problem #4

Feb 052010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,552 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In cold weather, the ignition takes a notion to not work. After several tries, it starts.

Estimates run several hundred dollars. Will continue to work with problem until I can get time to get a Toyota.

- Royce S., Conway, AR, US

problem #3

Dec 042009

Ram 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

throttle stuck wide open when i was pulling out of a drive resulting in an accident, no injuries but substantial damage to my truck. the check engine light has been flickering for a few weeks but the owners manual said it was still drivable. i had an appt. at the dealer to get it fixed but there were no indications that anything like this would happen. it could have been much worse. it just seems to me that this is extremely dangerous and there should be some sort of automatic shut down for this. cant imagine if my wife had been driving - like i said it could have been much worse. im wondering if this is a safe vehicle. i really like my truck but it is scary to think that it could happen again.

- terrajet1, El Dorado, AR, US

problem #2

Nov 032008

Ram 1500 1500 5.7L Hemmi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This electrical problem was misdiagnosed then it was found to be the ignition switch.

But first they thought it was a problem in the heater blower then it was a fuse problem well then they thought it might be a short in the cigarette lighter which never gets used.

They finally found it to be the ignition switch. Then it happened six months later and now less then five months later again. As the snow is starting to fly once more I have no blower on my heater. I have asked about the wiring and was told it is fine and I am sure as long as I keep paying the to fix it, it will always be fine.

- Mark J., Bronson, MI, US

problem #1

Aug 072008

Ram 1500 ST 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

Had to replace the blower motor, wiring harness, and ignition switch... which are all "linked together" in the electrical system, one problem screwed up all three parts! Cost $500 +

Ignition switch is still not right... being looked at AGAIN. Heater door is malfunctioning... only blowing air through vents. That repair is gonna cost over $600!!

Of course, this happened AFTER the Warranty was up! Go FIGURE! GRRRRRR...

I love my truck... but their are certain things about it that are just plain CHEAP quality and poor workmanship.

Its no wonder why the "Big Three" are in the "trouble" they're in!

- David L., Midlothian, VA, US

Not what you are looking for?