Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
07/25/2012785631
 While pulling out into busy traffic my truck lost power and i had no acceleration. after about 30 seconds the vehicle kicked back in and took off. this has occurred multiple times, at random, with no warning. i have had it in the shop and repaired the throttle positioning sensor, and treated it for water in the gas. neither one of these solved the problems, and they have no answers for what else may be wrong. this is a dangerous situation that is not unique to my vehicle. i have read many other cases online for the same problem. i do hope that dodge issues a recall and finds a remedy before someone is seriously injured or killed. *tr
07/08/2012720001
 I was driving the truck at approximately 45 mph when suddenly their was a loud bang and the rear wheels completely locked up. this caused the vehicle to skid about 60 feet before coming to a stop in the right lane of traffic. upon examination, it appeared that the rear differential had locked up, causing the drive shaft to separate from the rear differential. i was sitting in the right lane of traffic, unable to move the truck from the road way. we had to direct traffic until the tow truck arrived. fortunately no one was injured. total repair bill to replace the faulty rear differential: $2,681.31. *tr
07/08/201272000
 I was driving the truck at approximately 45 mph when suddenly their was a loud bang and the rear wheels completely locked up. this caused the vehicle to skid about 60 feet before coming to a stop in the right lane of traffic. upon examination, it appeared that the rear differential had locked up, causing the drive shaft to seperate from the rear differential. i was sitting in the right lane of treaffic, unable to move the truck from the road way. we had to direct traffic until the tow truck arrived. fortunately no one was injured. total repair bill to replace the faulty rear differential: $2,681.31
12/29/2010110000
 Was driving our vehicle 2003 dodge ram 1500 p/u in normal conditions, suddenly there was a whining noise from the rear end and a lot of drag. shortly after a loud thud, the driveline had disconnected from the rear differential. the repair shop said the differential had siezed, most probably due to a bad pinion bearing. after conducting research, both by myself and the shop owner, we both have found that it is a defect common to dodge, as even acknowledged by the local dealership and that it is extremely difficult and/or expensive to locate replacement parts for the problem
05/23/2004165851
 Driving on highway in 2004 & 2008, engine quit running(dodge calls it a stall). dodge trouble shooting database does not include this problem. other independent data bases point to loss of crankshaft or camshaft pulse. there are no codes for this event, therefore no corrective action was taken after several scans at dealers. safety hazard: possible multiple rear end collisions and possible fires. ref. dot / nhtsa vehicle owner's questionnaire no. 10251962. *tr
09/11/2009605731
 Hydraulic clutch went out, unable to shift gears (standard trans) odom under 60,000 could cause crash due to low speed. and inability to safely stop vehicle. *tr
08/12/2009840001
 2003 dodge ram 1500 laramie (5.7l hemi). vehicle passed warranty, began to hear a low hum upon acceleration and deceleration. hum/whining noise became increasingly worse, led to catastrophic failure of the rear end. dodge engineers have determined that the rear end in the 2003 dodge ram 1500 - 3500 truck has an engineering flaw which causes the c pins in the rear end to break off and destroy the rear end. this damage has cause some of these vehicles rear ends to seize up and other to literally shear off the rear wheels. repair consists of total replacement of the rear end in these vehicles. although there have been numerous injuries and wrecks due to this failure and because dodge does not recognize this as a major problem, there has never been a recall on any of these vehicles to correct the deficiency. dealerships will not honor warranty, or accept liability for this catastrophic failure of one of their systems, for full or partial repair costs. *tr
03/13/2009550001
 03 dodge ram 1500 was in for service, mechanic found clip broken in rear end. service adviser said the broken clip was problem seen many times, i was glad it was found at this time, rear end could have locked up at high speed and caused a accident. rear end was replaced with 70,000 mile warranty for $100.00. i have talked to people that had this problem more than once. the dealer replaces the rear end with the same defective parts. there should be a recall before someone gets hurt or killed. *tr
02/10/200668000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the vehicle would immediately stall and restart when it was initially started. while driving at an unknown speed on the highway, the vehicle would also stall without warning to the point that the contact would be unaware that the vehicle had shut off. the dealer replaced several sensors; however, the failure still persists. the failure mileage was 68,000 and current mileage was 120,000.
06/01/2008550001
 The 9.25 lsd rear end on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 has keeper springs that are notorious for failing and damaging the rear end. the dealer is replacing it but with the same parts. so in all likelihood it will fail again. there are pages and pages of people with this same problem going back to at least 2001 year vehicles. *tr
06/25/20053
 2003 dodge ram 1500 quad cab-lsd clip/differential/ rear axle assembly failure. clips fell out twice with rebuild twice in warranty. first incident around 12000 miles. currently at 96000 miles. both times at highway speed with accompanying bang and jolt. clip runs up in ring and pinion, damaging same along with bearings/races/housing. noise followed by failure each time. currently out of warranty, making noise, and found partial clip on differential magnet during oil change. failure imminent soon. rear axle assembly now requires third complete rebuild. the truck is used in a light duty manner generally hauling people at highway speeds. this is an inferior part/assembly and have not been able to remedy through daimler chrysler. this problem is experienced eventually with all ram 1500 owners that have a limited slip differential in the rear axle assembly. *nm
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
01/03/200759000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact states while driving approximately 20 mph and shifting the vehicle into reverse, their was a 15 second delay. the contact is concerned that if the vehicle was on an incline it could began to roll and cause a crash. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the transmission and they informed the contact that the 15 second delay is how the transmission functions and that information is provided in the owners manual. the failure mileage was 59,000. updated 2/22/10 *cn
10/17/2008199591
 This is an update to the complaint i filed due the incident with my stepfather. that complaint is #10246879 wherein i reported a failure in the ignition/parking system that caused his 2003 this is an update to complaint odi 10246879 wherein i reported the failure of the ignition / parking system of his 2003 dodge ram 1500 truck. the failure caused his truck to roll over him, catching him up under the truck and dragging him over a curb where it jumped the neighbors fence before coming to a stop. at first it was thought he would survive his injuries but he died from complications of his injuries after a long and painful hospitalization. i am updating that complaint to advise of his death. this appears to be a not so unusual occurrence with this vehicle and i note that the 2002 models were recalled for a similar problem. *tr
11/28/2008160001
 I would like to make a complaint in reference to my 2003 dodge ram 15 quad cab that caused injury to myself by jumping out of gear. brief description of incident that happened on the date of nov28 wile in a convenient store parking lot i have two of my vehicles that were running at the time and the gear selector was in park position. i hopped out of my truck to go in store but to my surprise i felt a sharp pain in the lower right leg when i looked at what was going on to my surprise i was hit by my own vehicle i was stunned my truck which was in park hit me and there was noone else in my truck lucky for me that store had a big concrete curb to stop the truck or i might not be the one writing to you so i hurried in to my truck to see to my surprise the truck shift indicator was in park. so my compliant is that my truck is now a fearful thing to drive my wife wont even drive in the truck which only has 18000 miles on it i bought it in june of,2007 with 4800 miles i tried to get dodge to handle this issue but i never got a response so i feel its my duty as humanbeing to inform everyone of the issue that dodge wants to keep ignoring this safety concern. i wrote emails to them and get nothing in response. i feel they owe me atleast a response to the issue and am very fearful of driving this vehicle that i will be making monthly payments on for the next 48 months. i hope this letter falls into the right hands and someone who can help me with this new truck. thank you for taking the time to read my letter mr edward riding. if you have any questions feel free to call me . *tr
10/22/20081
 This complaint is being filed on behalf of the 2003 dodge ram pickup truck 1500 mr. jp waters by his stepson. mr. waters was severely injured on october 22, 2008 after placing the aforesaid vehicle in park on an incline, turning off the engine, and exiting the truck. as he went around to the passenger side to retrieve some items the truck rolled, knocking him down and dragging him across a curb into a neighbors yard. he sustained a fractured hip/ numerous lacerations/ contusions all over his body and consequently suffered heart failure and had to be air lifted to a heart hospital. his recall is that he definitely placed the truck in park position (it is an automatic)/ turned off the engine and noticed no movement of the vehicle when he exited--it was parked on a steep incline. the rear movement of the vehicle did not occur until he had come around to the passenger side of the vehicle. *tr
07/20/2005300001
 Has happened numerous times! when parked on any kind of incline, the truck running or not (has happened both ways) has rolled backwards and is very difficult to stop with the brakes. luckily no one has been run over, and it hasn't hit anything, but next time may not be so lucky! i now use the parking brake at all times when truck is parked. this is a very dangerous problem that needs addressed by chrysler! *tr
10/26/200632000106/24/2003
 I placed the truck in park and exited the vehicle. the truck then began to roll backwards in reverse. i was knocked down by the open door before i could reenter the truck and rolled away to avoid being run over. the truck backed into a fence post damaging the drivers door and right front fender. the fence post was also bent over. *nm
03/12/200637100104/06/2003
 I was driving my 2003 dodge ram 1500 truck and my transmission went out. i was able to get it to my service dealership where they repaired it. i only had 37,000 miles on my vehicle at the time. i didn't have the extended warranty on my vehicle. i had to use a rental car. then on top of everything, chrysler damler would not pay for my rental. the real issue here is that my transmission should not have gone out under 40,000 miles. *jb
11/28/20033500107/07/2003
 On friday, nov. 28, 2003 my husband died as the result of our 2003 dodge ram jumping from park into reverse, the drivers door hit him from behind and rolled him over forward, penning him under the drivers door and pavement. this incidnet was reported to and investigated by the birmingham police dept. *nm
11/26/20022147810/25/2002
 10/25/02-bought new 2003 dodge 1500 extended cab. 11/26/02, abs light and brake light on. dealership said connection at cab had water in it, and dried off and sealed. 12/19/02, 3685 miles, took back because of abs and brake light on. short in brake switch and replaced the brake switch. 12/20/02 returned with abs light and brake light on. brake switch and rear abs sensor shorted. replaced both sensors and found water in the wiring connector. disconnected, cleaned, dried and sealed. returned to me on 12/24. 12/30/02, 4339 miles, abs/brake lights on/rpm spiked. 8-way plug had water in it. contacted star and was told to cut out plug and solder wires. truck returned to me on 01/02/03. 01/24/03, 5864 miles, abs and brake lights on/speedometer spiking at idle. dealership checked codes, checked wiring, rear abs sensor, connector, abs controller connector, cleaned, sealed connector. truck returned to me on 01/28/03. 08/20/03, 19775 milest, transmission wouldn't kick out of passing gear until 80 mph and when it did, made loud popping noise. dealership said transmission not upshifting, flash program transmission control. 10/11/03, 23180 miles, i was driving, power steering pump came out and caused me to lose control/run into ditch. damage to bumpers and tailpipe. i had also noticed that day before the wreck that the transmission was kicking into passing gear at 40 mph. had towed to nearest dealership on 10/13/03. would not give me a rental-i had bought the truck from a different dealership. dodge sat on this truck for five months leaving me without a vehicle, saying that they were sending an inspector out to look at it, inspector would be there any day. dodge would not replace bumpers and did not fix/return to me until 03/09/04. truck was still not right/acted like it was going to quit running when started. 09/09/04, abs and brake lights on again/speedometer spiking. over 36,000 miles, have extended warranty, going back to dealership tomorrow. *ak
09/03/20034145106/06/2003
 Transmission is not shifting properly. there is a period of free-wheeling when it downshifts from the od back into fourth gear, causing increased pressure to have to be applied to braking the pickup which in turn causes a jerking while braking. there is also a pause before the transmission shifts, it is slow getting into each gear and does not downshift properly. the rear-end has excessive slack to the point of startling people if nearby when shifting into gears. these have all been described as normal by the dealer. not so! *jb
09/24/20031
 While shifting from park into reverse or drive consumer heard clunky noise. dealer inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem.*ak a factory rep. looked at the vehicle and stated it was a normal characteristic of the ram 1500. consumer stated he was not informed of the transmission problems until it was too late. *ph *nlm
01/26/2003301/06/2003
 Consumer stated transmission shifted hard at times, stalled and hesitated. dealer notified. *ak this happened when pulling into traffic. on three occasions, vehicle had failed to start. when it did restart black smoke emitted from the vehicle. *ph *jb
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
12/19/200427000706/10/2003
 Dt*: 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.
03/01/200516000203/06/2004
 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?*ak
1
 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. *ph
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
05/12/200770000111/09/2006
 I put my truck into park and started to get out with the engine running and the truck rolled backwards, catching me with one leg on the ground and one leg still in the vehicle. the driver's side door hit me in the chest, knocking me to the ground. the above events took place extremely quickly, and i had no time to react. luckily, someone was nearby and stopped the truck before it hit me or anything else. *ak unfortunately, my leg was still in the vehicle, even while i was on the ground. i was dragged about 5 feet and received some lacerations on my shoulder.
09/01/200418000107/31/2003
 The consumer shifted the vehicle in park and was getting ready to turn the ignition off when the vehicle started moving backwards. the vehicle went over the curb before the consumer was able to apply the brake. the vehicle's indicator light indicated that he vehicle was in park , however it was in reverse. when the consumer attempted to shift the vehicle again the shifter had no tension. *ak *nm
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
12/15/200651584102/01/2003
 Keeper failure (clips) in 2003 dodge ram 1500 pickup, replacement of rearend by the dealer (under warranty) out of pocket costs of $239.00, what happens after warranty is up?? this is a huge problem with this rearend, have heard from many owners with same problem
08/11/200654000111/11/2005
 From 2002 to 2005 dodge ram 1500 pickups fitted with a 9.25 corporate rear end differential complete with lsd. c clips which locate the clutch packs within the lsd, over time, slip out of place causing major damage to the carrier bearings usually leading up to a complete replacement of the entire axle assembly. also, these clips can and do, foul the differential causing catastrophic damage to the ring and pinion gears etc ultimately leading to the locking of both wheels as the vehicle is moving. the potential for both wheels to suddenly become locked whilst at speed/moving in the truck, is lethal. please note well i have filed this complaint using incorrect zip code/state information as you don't have the ability to submit a complaint from overseas, namely england. my full address is:- mr allan barmby. 7 stanhope gardens, belle-vue, middlesbrough, cleveland, ts4 2qa england. i'm submitting this complaint to you, as there is no one here in england who can help and in support of the many american friend i have in the us who have the same issues over this lsd c clip failure. daimler chrysler must be held accountable for this potentially disastrous defect and it should be dealt with free of charge on a recall basis. *jb
08/11/200656000105/26/2006
 Dt*: the contact stated the rear axle flange detached and the wheel separated from the vehicle. the dealership was contacted. *ak updated 10/25/2006 - as a result the consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided with a concrete wall. *nm
06/14/20060109/30/2004
 Upon taking my vehicle in to have maintenance performed, i was notified of a problem with the clutch retainer clip in the rear differential. i was told the part would not be covered under warranty as i had not performed the service therefore they would not cover the replacement. the problem was that the clip broke inside the axle housing did not affect the performance and wore away the housing inside. there is no timeline to pinpoint how long this has been broken. the dealership stated that if not repaired the part would break and cause the rear end to lock up. *nm
02/13/200530000107/18/2003
 Left rear axle broke while backing up. *ak.
06/04/2004190001
 While driving at 72 mph with out any warning, the consumer heard a little noise coming from the front and suddenly lost the control of the vehicle, as a result the vehicle rolled over twice. the vehicle landed upside down and the airbag did not deploy. the driver sustained minor neck and back injuries. the all family was transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. the police report indicated the axle separated from the wheel. please provide further information. *jb
11/16/200312001
 Dodge hemi both wheels snapped at axle, brakes still on tires. *ak
04/11/200411000110/01/2003
 I was on i-95 driving about 55 mph when a car cut in front of me then slammed on brakes. i had to slam on brakes to avoid this car. then all of the sudden my drivers side rear wheel sheared off and spun me across the left lane of i-95 and into the steel cables in the middle. i was towing a car on a car trailer at the time. the truck was messed up pretty bad, the whole passenger side and bed are gone due to the steel cables in the middle. the car i was towing had damage to the front bumper and a side skirt. me and my brother managed to make it out alright though.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
12/24/200530000109/02/2003
 While making a u-turn traveling 3 to 5 mph, the rear right wheel sheared off at the axle leaving the truck sitting on the back side of the 20 rim. the wheel still had the brake assembly attached to the rim. the dealer had an investigator inspect the truck and in the report they said there was impact damage and they would not warranty the axle. i know the report has to be false. besides the axle shearing the only other damage is scratches to the face of the rim, caliper bracket, and brake line. the wheel and tire are still usable. the truck only has 30,000 mile. *jb
02/20/200531000104/16/2003
 After the light turned green, i began to make a left turn. the back of the truck dropped. after i came to a stop i got out and found my truck was sitting on my right rear rim. the inner axle and outer axle brackets had broken. i didn't hit anything or go in a pot hole. the dealer attempted to convince me that i hit something. it was snowing and i was not going more than 15 miles on hour, so even if i did hit the curb, which i didn't, it shouldn't shear my axle.*ak
10/23/200416000208/12/2003
 While driving down the road i hear a grinding and a pop noise and the rear end of my 2003 1500 ram drops down and immediately goes into a 3-60 spin. the whole axle assembly snapped off right by the hub. the whole brake assembly, still connected to the rim and tire this is the second time it broke on the same side, and it is identical to the first break. the first was at 8,000, and now 16,000 miles. *ak
04/04/2004180002
 Going 35 mph the rear axle on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 broke causing the rear wheel to fall off. there was no impact to the wheel beforhand. dodge will not cover it under waranty even though it was clearly a faulty product. after reaserch i found many people have had the same problem.
02/16/20031
 When i was driving home the entire rear left wheel fell off my vehicle. it lloked like the axle snapped on it end. i was lucky i was able to control my vehicle. *ak
02/02/200413500105/23/2003
 While driving down an on ramp toward the highway at about 20 mph my entire left rear wheel assembly sheared or the side axle. this caused the vehicle to veer to the left and in fact made a complete u-turn. my travel trailer i was towing then jackknifed striking the rear quarter panel. chrysler has denied liability. the vehicle was only 9 months only. a review of nhtsa site has shown 6 incidents within the last 5 months. also a report filed by an engineer at chrysler axle plant report # 10007842 acknowledges that chrysler is aware of a problem in manufacturing and the heat currying. my axle is brittle and also appears to be crystallized in the interior. this is in my opinion a manufacturing defect, the total damage to my vehicle and trailer exceeds $15,000.00. *jb see voq 10059475, same incident. *jb
12/18/20033000109/13/2003
 My son and others could have been killed because of this. he just pulled away from a stop lite in a 2003 dodge ram 1500, only 3 months old when the rear right axle snapped shearing off the wheel and sending him skidding on the pavement. he and others were very lucky toget out of the way of danger. i am writing this on december 23rd. we have not heard a word from the dealer where we had the vehicle towed which would be south oak dodge at 4550 lincoln highway in matteson, ill. phone is 708-747-7950. vin #1d7ha16d63j675887
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
04/23/20041108/17/2003
 Rear axle....lots of my friends have had them break on their 2003 ram 1500 qc. have my family in mine all the time and have no choice but to take the chance everyday.....3 children and my wife.*ak no breakage yet.....but not wanting it to either..all of us have a build date of may-2003 so far.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
06/19/200754625106/03/2003
 Just had a warranty repair made to a somewhat notorious problem with the 2003 dodge ram 1500. the retainer clips broke and came out of the trac loc differential, causing failure in differential bearings and driveshaft. the dodge dealer was aware of the many problems, but has yet to recall the notoriously defective part and continued to replace faulty parts with the same faulty parts.*ak
02/03/200769971102/14/2005
 On the way to work one morning, both the brake and abs lamps came on at the instrument panel on the dash. at the same time i noticed that the speedometer readings began to oscillate 5-10 mph from true vehicle speed. truck seemed to drive just fine otherwise but dropped it off at a local dealer just in case. dealer confirmed that the rear wheel speed sensor has been destroyed by debris accumulated in the tone or exciter ring in the differential housing. dealer also found the remains of numerous keepers used to align the clutch packs in the dodge 9.25 anti-spin differential housing and noted substantial scoring of the bearing caps. faulty retainer clips have rendered the anti-lock braking system inoperative and made the speedometer unreliable. *nm
06/01/2004150003
 03 quad cab 4.7 with 20 wheels rear end growling. dealer repaired it 1 time and told us to drive it and if it still made noise that they would replace the complete rear end. took it back a second time they took it apart and put more new parts in it ,took the vehicle and drove it and it still made the growling sound, took it back and was told they were having some problem's with those rear ends and they drove it and said (could not duplicate complaint) the truck still has a growl in the rear end now they say it is a tire problem, the dates in this report are a guess, but the vehicle was still under the factory warranty at the time of both complaints. vehicle was purchased at east tulsa dodge in tulsa ok. and all services have been by them. *jb
11/06/2006105/29/2003
 9.25 lsd rear differential in 02-2005 dodge rams. *jb
06/14/2006528501
 Dt*: the contact stated that the clutch retaining clip on the rear differential became detached, resulting in part of the axle to be worn away. the vehicle was taken to both a private mechanic shop, and a service dealer. the private mechanic informed the contact that that specific part should not have broken, and that a design flaw would be the cause of the problem. the service dealer expressed that it was a lack of maintenance on the vehicle causing the piece to become detached.
10/22/200557170210/24/2003
 Rear pinion seal went out at approximately 47000. began hearing noise in rear differential at 57000. took it into dealer. tech was very helpful. dismantled rear differential. showed me appx 3/16 groove worn into differential housing and carrier from limited slip differential clutch retaining clip which broke off and was grinding differential housing. tech says this is a common occurrence with the limited slip differential and could lead to catastrophic read differential failure during driving conditions. read various internet forums with numerous dodge ram 1500 owners having the same problems. some of these same owner have experienced catastrophic failures. *jb
12/04/200423646111/25/2002
 2003 dodge ram 1500, 4x2 (with limited slip 3.55 gear 9.25 chrysler corporate axle). built nov. 6th 2002. vin #1d7ha16n63j560716. while changing my rear differential fluid at 23,646 miles noticed gears looked o.k. there was however located, (stuck) on the magnet, a 3/4 inch c shaped clip and another small metal clip. went to dealer, scheduled for entire differential gear replacement under warranty. he said they've repaired eight or nine of them. worry now about it going out all together, was told to drive it until repaired. i find many, many experiencing same problem!! *ak
09/03/20034145106/06/2003
 Transmission is not shifting properly. there is a period of free-wheeling when it downshifts from the od back into fourth gear, causing increased pressure to have to be applied to braking the pickup which in turn causes a jerking while braking. there is also a pause before the transmission shifts, it is slow getting into each gear and does not downshift properly. the rear-end has excessive slack to the point of startling people if nearby when shifting into gears. these have all been described as normal by the dealer. not so! *jb
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
06/19/200754625106/03/2003
 Just had a warranty repair made to a somewhat notorious problem with the 2003 dodge ram 1500. the retainer clips broke and came out of the trac loc differential, causing failure in differential bearings and driveshaft. the dodge dealer was aware of the many problems, but has yet to recall the notoriously defective part and continued to replace faulty parts with the same faulty parts.*ak
06/06/20035490204/03/2003
 Starting at june, 06, 2003. 2003 dodge ram 1500 series. warped rotors at 5490 miles, again at 10643 miles. have been to dealer both times for repairs. pulsating still occurs after repairs. braking ability problems still occuring. brakes locking sometimes when putting in drive to move.grinding and pulsating sensation when turning and braking.ohter problems drive-line vibration -has been in for repairs. computer printed circuit for overhead console replaced at (2023 miles) keyswitch replaced, left rear tail - light printed circuit, replaced, left rear shock absorber left loose from factory.*ak
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
04/13/200517000405/13/2003
 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!!!!*ak
12/01/200430000501/31/2003
 Have had the truck less than two years and have had service because of faulty motor in windshield wipers, bad coil in engine, mis-firing, causing the cylinders and valves to be replaced, fuel cap replaced, fuel line replaced because of water in the lines, heater had bad piece, causing heat to not come out of defrost or floors, shifter for 4-wheel drive will not shift. has been in shop 13 days(3 visits) in last 4 weeks. needs to go back this week for shifter. *ak