Engine
3.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 277 of 286 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 160 of 286 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
80 complaint records3 crash reports
"2003 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY TRUCK BEGAN TO GET CRACKES IN DASHBOARD AROUND YR 2009 2 LARGE CRACKS ARE NOW IN DASHBOARD. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Body & structure
53 complaint records
"CRACKED DASH BOARD THAT COULD BECOME PROJECTILES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THESE DASH BOARDS ARE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC AND CRACK BAD. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Steering
38 complaint records1 crash report
"TIE ROD ENDS WORE OUT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER VEHICLE. *AK THE STABILIZER BAR AND WHEEL BEARING ALSO FAILED. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture 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. |
| EA15001 opened Feb 2015 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945 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... |
| AQ14003 opened Oct 2014 | closed May 2016 | Steering | Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529 RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to... |
| PE14016 opened Jun 2014 | closed Mar 2015 | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000 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... |
| EA04025 opened Aug 2004 | closed Dec 2005 | Power Train | FALSE PARK - led to recall 05V462000 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... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04039 opened Apr 2004 | closed Aug 2004 | Power Train | FALSE PARK THERE HAVE BEEN 50 COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY IN SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED.THE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN 42 CRASHES AND... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V312000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator... | Normally free |
| 13V528000 | Steering | Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks... | Normally free |
| 11V350000 | Steering | CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY... | Normally free |
| 05V462000 | Power Train | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE... | Normally free |
| 03V212000 | Wheels | CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK. | Normally free |
| 03V033000 | Vehicle Speed Control | CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015229 2015-05-27 | Airbag | 38,837 | On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2015093 2015-03-03 | Airbag | 1,000 | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain... |
| 2013395 2013-11-07 | Steering | 11,000 | A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks. |
| 2011253 2011-07-14 | Steering | 49,800 | On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. |
| 2009081 2009-03-11 | Electrical | 363 | Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in... |
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009019 2009-01-21 | Steering | 4,500 | Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. |
| 2005307 2005-10-12 | Other | 30,357 | Certain Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission may experience inadvertent rearward movement. |
| 2003148 2003-06-05 | Wheels | 263 | On certain 2500 and 3500 heavy duty pickup trucks, the optional cast-aluminum wheels may exhibit an elevated level of porosity, which could result in reduced wheel durability. Correction: Dealer will replace affected wheels. |
| 2003033 2003-02-13 | Other | 2,922 | On certain 2500 and 3500 series heavy duty pickup trucks equipped with a Cummins diesel engine and a manual transmission, an elevated idle speed may occur after extended use of the cruise control. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101232 Oct 2024 | Power Train | Plate - Planetary | |
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 23-015-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
Show 22 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | 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. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | 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. | |
| 68332810 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. | |
| 68332810A Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9003215 Feb 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. | |
| 9002828 Sep 2014 | Structure | Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. | |
| 9002849 Sep 2014 | Equipment | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. | |
| 9002872 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | 56045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch | |
| 9002519 Mar 2013 | Equipment | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,... | |
| 9002688 Feb 2013 | Electrical System | 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is... | |
| 14-005-12 Nov 2012 | Equipment | Heavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available | |
| SB19-001-11 REVA Aug 2011 | Steering | DODGE: BULLETIN PROVIDING ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES FOR TIE ROD BALL STUD HOUSING FOR THE RIGHT AND LEFT. MODEL YRS FOR CAB CHASSIS (REG AND MEGA PICKUPS AND 4X4) 2003-2011. *PE | |
| ECM K-01 May 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DODGE: CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS RECALL REPROGRAM ECM-OBD READINESS. RECALL AFFECTS RAM TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS. CSC LETTER WAS REC'D. *PE | |
| 05002 Apr 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT | |
| 1801705 Apr 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LONG CRANK TIMES IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. *TT | |
| 10182004 Oct 2004 | Electrical System | ADDED DIAGNOSTICS FOR P0421 AND P0431. *EH | |
| 04032004 Apr 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL PRESSURE FALLS BELOW NORMAL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS INCLUDES CHEVROLET AND GMC 4500 SERIES AND ISUZU NPR AND NPRHD MODELS. *EH | |
| 28 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION TO TIGHTEN THE DIESEL ENGINE COOLING FAN WHICH MAY BECOME LOOSE AND SEPARATE FROM THE PULLEY. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 3500 →