5.8

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,333 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 192004

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

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

: the contact stated after the engine was started, the gear lever did not come off the park position, and the engine warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the lever shifted to the drive position but the transmission went to third gear and remained in it. The vehicle was taken to the dealership seven times, and the diagnosis machine indicated the defect in control module (P700). The control module was replaced seven times. The manufacturer was contacted, and coincided with the dealership diagnosis. The contact expressed concern because the lack of enough power while the vehicle was loaded presented a serious risk to safety while driving up or down a hill.

- Pacific Palisades, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 012005

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles
I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 laramie 4X2 with 17000 miles. I purchased it from my local Dodge dealer with 2300 miles on it. Around 15000 miles, my vehicle engine light turned on, and a strong burning odor began to come from the cab. I thought the error was serious, and immediately scheduled an appointment with an appropriate five star Dodge dealer herb gordon Dodge in silver spring, md. Kevin with the orange team, at herb gordon, verified that one issue with this vehicle is the powertrain control module. Unfortunately, the burning smell cannot be identified at this time. As the vehicle is under warranty, the PCM is currently being replaced. While herb gordon has done an excellent job providing me with service, Dodge has scarred me and encumbered my time. I have had to rent while my vehicle is in the shop, my truck smells really bad inside (due to the burning PCM, ) and I really do not trust the safety of my vehicle. Why would a PCM go bad after 17000 miles" is the burning smell going to cause a fire in the future? am I at risk in this vehicle"

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

problem #1

Sep 122003

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the transmission. When the vehicle is in reverse it gets stuck in the gears. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

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