Model year guide

2003 Dodge RAM VAN

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Dodge RAM VAN is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 79 on record.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN — representative photo
Representative photo

2003 Dodge RAM VAN at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints1,239
Combined13–14 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1,239 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 VanFrontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN MPG & running costs

Combined13–14 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,721
EPA size classVans, Cargo Type
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Automatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$11,607 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 7 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Dodge RAM VAN costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,605
Fuel only$23,605
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 5

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #EA15001 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2015

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #PE14016 · Air Bags · opened Jun 2014 · closed Mar 2015

FALSE PARK Closed

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES. A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEIN…

NHTSA #EA04025 · Power Train · opened Aug 2004 · closed Dec 2005

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE Closed

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT. WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K). THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE E…

NHTSA #PE02082 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 95

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 95.

Plate - Planetary

Bulletin 101232 · Power Train · Oct 2024

Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.

Bulletin 9001784 · Power Train · Feb 2021

Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.

Bulletin 9001784 · Equipment · Feb 2021

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Bulletin 23-015-20 · Equipment, Structure · Apr 2020

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM VAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

On certain vehicles, aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector and compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. This may allow development of a high resistance short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage, and replace the…

Transport Canada #2004129 · Apr 2004

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Dodge RAM VAN

The Dodge Ram Van is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. The B series replaced the forward control Dodge A100, transitioning to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that shared components with the D series pickup truck and had a conventional exterior hood for engine access. The model range consisted of a cargo van, a passenger van marketed as the Dodge Ram Wagon after introduction of the Ram nameplate for model year 1980, and a cutaway van chassis which was dropped in 1979.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2003 Dodge RAM VAN vehicles on record

Other Dodge RAM VAN model years

2003 Dodge RAM VAN — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN?

Across all 1,239 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, structure, power train.

What is the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge RAM VAN get?

The 2003 Dodge RAM VAN has U.S. EPA estimates of 13–14 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (7 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.