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1997 Dodge RAM 1500 body complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 70, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 body problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 22, 2012 · Body · 139,550 miles · CO

The plastic dashboard top suddenly began breaking into large, sharp shards and falling apart. Once this began, electrical problems inside the dash began, including radio feature failures, headlight switch wiring, etc.

Filed Sep 17, 2011 · Body · 20,000 miles · SC

Dash top broken into multiple pieces. Loose pieces do not stay in place while driving.

Filed Sep 14, 2011 · Body · 98,000 miles · VA

The dash board on my 97 dodge ram has cracked in several places. One major concern is the dash cracked over the air bag, I can see electrical components inside the dash area. The local dodge dealership refuses to repair the damaged dash board. Consumer wanted to know the outcome to the many complaints involving the cracking of the dashboard. Updated 11/01/11.

Filed Sep 7, 2011 · Body · 180,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the hood latch separated from the vehicle and flew over the vehicle, fracturing the front windshield. The dealer and manufacturer concluded that the contact was no longer qualified for repairs under a silent recall, due to the circumstances surrounding the incident and denied any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 180,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2011 · Body · 120,120 miles · SC

97 dodge ram 1500 cracked dash in many places.

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Body · 60,000 miles · SC

Dashboard cracked in two places. This cracking was apparently spontaneous.

Filed May 8, 2011 · Body · MO

The dash in my 1997 dodge ram 1500 is completely caved in and in thousands of pieces. This dash piece is what holds the VIN in place, I now have it stored in the vehicles glove compartment. I have been informed by many dodge owners that this problem is not just mine but many of their products. I was also informed that contacting dodge directly would get me nowhere. Im here asking for help in righting this situation, im a disabled veteran and cant afford to buy a dash for my truck. Thank you very much

Filed May 5, 2011 · Body · 100,000 miles · TX

1997 dodge ram pickup truck dash board is cracking and falling apart. Started summer of 2010. Now whole section has caved in.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Body · MO

The dash in my 1997 dodge ram 1500 is disintegrating. It's just falling to pieces with sharp jagged edges everywhere.......

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Body · 61,589 miles · GA

The dashboard on my 1997 dodge ram 1500 has not just cracked, but broken into jagged pieces. I have never used any type of chemicals or polishes on the dashboard, and it still just cracked into pieces.

Filed Jul 29, 2010 · Body · 100,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated while driving with the windows opened, the top of the dashboard suddenly flew up and into the contact's face, obstructing his view of the roadway. The contact was able to locate similar complaints via internet for the exact failure in his year, make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2010 · Body · TX

I have a 1997 dodge ram 1500 and the dash is cracked seems to be a problem with this model of dodge I live in texas dodge wont replace the broken part its obviously defective.

Filed May 16, 2010 · Body · CA

I purchased a 1997 dodge ram new in 97. Paint defect started over last 7 years. Clear coat began peeling off on top of cab. Paint is peeling off in sheets on bed sides and tail gate. Paint has also failed on lower side panels. Vehicle has been well taken care of. Want to know if there is any recourse to get fixed.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Body, Electrical · DC · 1 injury

1997 dodge ram 1500 dashboard shattered under consumers hand.*cw the consumer also wanted to add that chrysler pt cruiser has the same dash problem. Updated 03/08/10

Filed Feb 28, 2010 · Body · 150,000 miles · CA

I own a 1997 dodge 1500 pickup truck and the dashboard is literally falling in pieces. This truck has been treated with a lot of care and has been detailed frequently to keep its appearance like new. It surprised me to see a small crack and I immediately sealed the crack to avoid it getting larger. I was amazed that larger cracks started appearing in various areas of the dashboard and soon it started to fall in pieces.

Filed Feb 13, 2010 · Body · TX

I have a 1997 dodge 1500. My dash started cracking, which appears to be stress cracks. Since then my windshield has starting cracking as well. They both have not stopped cracking.

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Body · 30,000 miles · NE

1997 ram 1500 cracked dash is dangerous. Pieces are sharp and I feel is unsafe to drive in the event of an accident..

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Body · 100,000 miles · OH

1997 dodge ram 1500 pickup dash board cracked in several places. This is a replacement of a previous dashboard that had also cracked. First dashboard cracked after windshield was replaced due the a crack. Windshield company stated windshield cracked from stress.

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Body · CA

1997 dodge 1500 ram truck, cracked dash board in several places. Many owners new and old are having problems with this issue. Dangerous for airbag deployment and wiring issues in dashes.

Filed Oct 24, 2009 · Body · 68,000 miles · TX

Dashboard cracking and falling apart.

Filed Aug 2, 2009 · Body · 101,436 miles · NC

1997 dodge ram 1500 - tan interior - 2 cracks opened up from the front to the rear of the dashboard about 1/8" wide. This happened overnight, with no adverse weather conditions and no changes in habits. Nothing was placed on the dashboard. I am concerned that the location of the cracks will interfere with or damage the air bag if it is deployed, not to mention the shrapnel that would be created because the crack is so close to the airbag area on the passengers side. There is no reason for this on a 12 year old vehicle.

Filed Jul 6, 2009 · Body · CA

When I got the truck there were minor cracks in the dash nothing to noticeable and I don't use armor all or any silicone based product on it and the cracks have worsened mainly on the driverside and on the passengerside the dash is cracking over the glove compartment and the windows are 5% tinted and a window shade is always used day or night put I've read up on the problem and its on all models 94 and up and it makes no sense to buy a new one from the dealer when the same thing is going to happen with the poor quality of materials used to make.

Filed May 16, 2009 · Body · 58,000 miles · TX

Upper dash panel cracking into 15 to 20 pieces and the pieces are falling into inside of the dash. I've used a dash cover that fits in the widow since the vehicle was bought new.

Filed May 10, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · MO

I bought a 1997 dodge ram slt 1500. It is used and has 135,000 miles on it. However, I like the truck and I don't want to sell it because it is not safe for my family and I to be in. It has cracks all in the dashboard...and they are getting worse every day. I can actually see wires and the internal part of my dash components. It squeaks and I can also see steel mounting post that look really dangerous for a sudden stop or even I miner fender bender. It is actually caving in....and completely deteriorating. Nothing has been done to correct this problem by dodge as far as I know. I have researched this and there is no recall that I can find...and I do not feel that the original..or even a second owner should have to pay for this...nor do chryslers job...and make the vehicle safe for driving. I take good care of the vehicle...and not only is it unsightly...but is a hazard that needs to rise concern in all dodge owners.I am requesting a replacement dash for my vehicle either from dodge...or a safety certified after market dash that will not do this again!!!! This is also the second dash to do this on this vehicle...that is apparent.

Filed Apr 28, 2009 · Airbags, Body · 40,000 miles · MS

I have a 97 dodge ram that started cracking around 2004 and has steadily gotten worse and worse. As a result I have a terrible looking interior and I believe my electrical problems are a testament of the dashboards exposing my electrical wiring to the sun. The only way to halfway fix it I've found is to mount formica squares(not cheap mind you) over the wholes with mounting squares, though it looks terrible. My electrical problems are but are not limited to: power door locks that only unlock the driver side door and power windows that only work half the time and a cupholder that has fallen out on more than one occasion and caused me to rig back into place. Of course besides inconvenience of having a lousy dash that sticks out like a sore on a usually sound truck, I am afraid of the other problems it can bring I.e.: worse electrical failures and the possibility of an airbag deploying when it's not supposed to or not deploying when there is need.

Filed Apr 4, 2009 · Body · 110,000 miles · OK

The dash on my 1997 dodge ram and 2000 dodge ram have cracked for no apparent reason. They not only have cracked but they look like jig saw puzzles.

Filed Feb 9, 2009 · Body · 80,000 miles · NC

1997 dodge ram 1500 the dash is crack all over.

Filed Feb 8, 2009 · Body · NM

I have a 1997 dodge ram and the dash board is now cracked in 4 different places were one of the screws is holding it on there were now you can see wires through the dash so my lawyer told me to check with u all to see if there were any recalls on the dash boards ???

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Body · 148,000 miles · MS

1997 dodge ram 1500 dash is cracking and falling out in chunks. Bezel is also cracking.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Body · CA

My dashboard in my 1997 dodge ram started cracking and before I knew it I had gaping holes in the dash board. It is an eye sore to me and I am currently trying to look for a dash board through the internet. I wish I could get some help in paying for this.

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