2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
Introduction The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Van is a full-size passenger van offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 5.9-liter V8 engine produces 345 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine produces 305 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 2500 Van is known for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and towing capacity. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues over the years.
Engine
- 5.9L V8
- Failed Intake Manifold Gasket:
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, loss of coolant, overheating
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000
- Recalls: 14V581000
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent engine stalling, rough idle, difficulty starting
- Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
- Recalls: 14V580000
- 6.7L Cummins Diesel
- Turbocharger Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased exhaust smoke, high-pitched whistling sound
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000-$3000+
- Recalls: 14V596000
- Fuel Injector Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, loss of power
- Solution: Replace the fuel injectors
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000+
- Recalls: 14V595000
Transmission
- Five-Speed Automatic
- Slipping Gears:
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission refusing to engage gears, loss of power when shifting
- Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500-$4000+
- Torque Converter Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, or overheating
- Solution: Replace the torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$2000+
- Recalls: 14V364000
Suspension
- Front Suspension:
- Ball Joint Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises when turning or hitting bumps, loose or wobbly steering
- Solution: Replace the ball joints
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000+
- Sway Bar Link Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises when turning or hitting bumps, excessive body roll
- Solution: Replace the sway bar links
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
- Rear Suspension:
- Leaf Spring Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken rear end, difficulty towing or hauling heavy loads
- Solution: Replace the leaf springs
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000+
- Shock Absorber Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or bouncy ride, excessive body roll, poor handling
- Solution: Replace the shock absorbers
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
Electrical
- Battery Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, difficulty starting, electrical system malfunctions
- Solution: Replace the battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200+
- Alternator Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, loss of electrical power, difficulty starting
- Solution: Replace the alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000+
- Recalls: 14V583000
Exterior
- Rust:
- Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the body, frame, or suspension components
- Solution: Repair or replace the affected parts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage
- Recalls: 14V594000
Interior
- Dashboard Rattling:
- Description/Symptoms: Noises coming from the dashboard when driving over rough roads or bumps
- Solution: Tighten or replace loose components
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200+
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, excessive noise from the blower motor
- Solution: Replace the blower motor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
Summary Overall, the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Van is a capable and versatile vehicle. However, it has been plagued by a number of issues over the years, particularly with its engine, transmission, and suspension. Some of these issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used Ram 2500 Van.