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2003 Dodge Ram 2500

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its ruggedness and towing capabilities. Engine options included the 5.7L Hemi V8, the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, and the 8.0L Magnum V10. The 5.7L Hemi V8 produced around 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options varied depending on the engine and included manual and automatic transmissions. Owners often praised the Ram 2500 for its powerful engines, especially the Cummins diesel, its comfortable ride for a heavy-duty truck, and its towing capacity. Common complaints include fuel economy (especially with the V8), some reliability issues (as detailed below), and the truck’s large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

5.7L Hemi V8

  • Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise, especially upon cold start, exhaust leak, reduced fuel economy. Typically affects the rear-most bolts.
    • Solution: Replace the broken exhaust manifold bolts. Sometimes, the manifold itself needs to be replaced if warped or cracked.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the extent of damage and whether the manifold needs replacing.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Identify and replace leaking seals or gaskets. Common areas include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

  • Lift Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, loss of power, rough idle. Can lead to injector pump damage.
    • Solution: Replace the lift pump with an upgraded or aftermarket unit. Installing a fuel pressure gauge is recommended to monitor fuel pressure.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on the pump and labor costs.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: White smoke, rough idle, poor fuel economy, loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace faulty injectors. Ensure proper diagnosis to identify the problematic injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the number of injectors replaced and labor costs.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VP44 Injection Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, loss of power, engine codes (P0216 being a common one).
    • Solution: Replace the VP44 injection pump. This is a common failure point in the 24-valve Cummins.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+ including pump replacement and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

8.0L Magnum V10 No Issues Found

Transmission

47RE Automatic Transmission (Typically Paired with Cummins Diesel)

  • Overdrive Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure to shift into overdrive, slipping, harsh shifting, transmission overheating.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the overdrive unit. Upgraded parts are available for increased durability.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the damage and whether a full rebuild is required.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, poor acceleration, overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter with a new or rebuilt unit. Consider an upgraded converter for improved performance and durability, especially with a modified engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ including the converter and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

48RE Automatic Transmission (Later Production, also Typically with Cummins) No Issues Found

NV4500 Manual Transmission

  • 5th Gear Nut Loosening/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of 5th gear, grinding noises, difficulty shifting. This is a well-known issue with the NV4500.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the 5th gear. Upgraded, stronger 5th gear nuts are available to prevent recurrence.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the extent of damage and parts used.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Ball Joints
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises in the front end, especially over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints. It’s often recommended to replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the number of ball joints replaced and labor costs.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Steering Components (Tie Rods, Drag Link)
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, difficulty keeping the truck straight, clunking noises.
    • Solution: Replace worn tie rod ends, drag link, and other steering components. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty parts for increased durability.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+ depending on the parts replaced and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (e.g., speedometer, fuel gauge), lights flickering, complete cluster failure.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster. Some repair shops specialize in rebuilding instrument clusters.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the repair or replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, stalling, poor engine performance, various engine codes.
    • Solution: Replace the PCM. The replacement PCM may need to be programmed to the vehicle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ including PCM and programming.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust on rocker panels, bed rails, wheel wells, and undercarriage. Common in areas with road salt.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Treat remaining rust with rust inhibitors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the rust and the repair method.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the solution chosen.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is a capable truck, but owners should be aware of several potential issues. The 5.9L Cummins diesel can suffer from lift pump and injection pump failures. Transmission issues are prevalent, especially with the 47RE automatic found behind the Cummins. Suspension and electrical problems are also common. The severity of these issues varies, but some can be costly to repair. Rust is also a major concern in certain climates. Pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.

Dodge, Ram 2500
Dodge Ram 2500 2003
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