Dashboard cracking and falling apart.
2003 Dodge RAM 1500 body complaints
Page 6 of 9: complaints 131 to 160 of 237, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Yes I own a 2003 dodge ram 1500 and about 2 years ago I started noticing that there were small cracks forming in my dash board and wasn't sure why. Done some calling around and research and found out that there was nothing that could be done about it short of dropping 500 dollars on a new dash board. Now two years later my dash looks like a jig-saw puzzle. I am worried about my dash falling apart one day going down the road. I work in the emergency field and it scares me for me and my family to ride down the road in my truck for fear of pieces of plastic falling off the dash. Please help me......
Cracked dashboard in my 03 dodge 1500
The dash on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 is cracked in several places and the assist handle on the driver side a post fell off. I purchased a new handle but the insert that the screw goes into is damaged and loose so only the top screw is holding it in place. I am dis-abled and need the handle to get in or out of the vehicle safely. I'm concerned that the passenger side airbag will not deploy correctly because of the large crack over the glovebox, also a piece of the dash has fallen into the ventilation shaft and is lodged stopping air flow and rattling noisily. The dealer where I purchased the vehicle is currently out of business. This is terribly discerning and certainly not what you would expect from such an expensive product. These problems started in the fall of 2008.
I'm a dodge ram owner and I'm concerned about my cracking dashboards I have a 2003 dodge ram truck the dash cracked when it was 4 years old and the dash is getting more cracks in it I'm afraid the air bags will come out when we are driving I called big old dodge where we got it new in 2003 and they said they could not do anything about it
Bad cracks in dash of 2003 dodge ram pickup
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracking and breaking off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that he would have to cover the expenses to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000. Updated 10/05/2011
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated the dashboard on the vehicle was cracked open. The contact stated the gauges are currently working, but the dashboard and instrument panel was broken. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the dashboard was not covered under warranty. The contact stated there was also a problem with rear differential which was wearing out the gear, but the dealer was unable to pinpoint the cause. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 61,000.
Dash cracking falling apart on 2003 ram 1500 rear end chewed up either axle clip or posi clip.
The dash on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 is cracked in several places on the passenger side. I originally thought of this as a cosmetic defect however, I now believe this is a more serious hazard as the airbag is stored under the dash. Should the airbag deploy, pieces of plastic then become shrapnel. Additionally, the electrical wiring can become damaged causing the airbag not to deploy when needed. Either way, you're taking a chance on the unexpected when something bad happens. I don't think it's worth the risk. Prevention is key. Therefore, this is a very serious concern and I hope the federal safety agency convinces chrysler to take it seriously.
In 2008 when the truck was under warranty the dash started cracking. I was advised and up until october, 2010 (when the warranty expired) that the cracked dashboard is considered cosmetic and not covered by warranty. Starting in dec. 2010 the defroster instead of sticking once in a while and requiring a switch from defrost to vent back to defrost to get it to work, started not working. Dodge will not repair the defrost issue which is a safety issue unless I replace the dash. I believe that the cracked dash which by itself is probably something that is more a customer satisfaction and poor engineering effort becomes a safety issue when it must be replaced because of issues that occur with the defrost system. Many times I have driven this truck in bad weather conditions where I need the defroster just to see out of the windshield and the fogging occurs while I am driving (typically on a highway/interstate). Now I'm forced to replace something "cosmetic" or "not a safety issue" due to something that is? The issues with the defrost breaking are common. I strongly encourage the federal safety agency to require dodge to replace or repair broker defrosters as these systems even in vehicles dating back into the 1950's rarely if ever require any repair and for good reason...safety. If dodge then believes the dash needs replacing they should be required as part of the safety replacement requirements to "replace/repair and all peripheral components required to correct the issue". I, and as I read many others, would truly appreciate an evaluation of this matter and attention by the federal safety agency. Thank you for your time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The was cleaning the dashboard area when his finger was cut as a result of the dashboard being cracked. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. The contact called the manufacturer to make them aware of the failure but was offered no further assistance. The current and failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Dash is disintegrating. Could be very dangerous and hurtful situation, if the air bag were to deploy, which could result in serious injury or possible fatality. Apparently, this problem has been ongoing for years. Updated 10/20/11
2003 dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.7 hemi rusting out from the inside out around the rear wheel wells. Between the outer bed side and the inner metal fender. There are factory drilled holes that let the road dirt in and get trapped to rust out the bed sides.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving under normal road conditions, the dashboard exhibited an abnormal popping and then completely cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the failure was a constant issue with the year, make and model but the manufacturer had not issued a recall. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that although the failure was a known issue they were not willing to assist with any repairs. The contact had to tape the dashboard to the vehicle in order to stabilize and prevent the windshield glass from fracturing. The contact believed the failure to be a huge safety hazard and the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 117,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.
Besides heat not working, numerous gas cap replacements, numerous shorts in brake light, radio cutting off, my dash has cracked in several places which could cause injury if touched by youngsters. Apparently numerous complaints on all of the above!!
2003 dodge ram 1500 quad-cab. During normal use and care the dashboard has cracked in two places. A piece has broken off the dash and fell down into the area behind the dashboard. Subsequently, the heater stopped blowing hot air. The heater failure appears to be due to the broken piece of the dash interfering with the heater mechanism behind the dash. No repair or replacement has been attempted at this time. The plastic inserts in the door handles have also failed. This includes the components that hold the window, mirror, and door lock controls.
2003 dodge ram 1500 dash cracking & coming apart. Dodge should cover via recall this potentially dangerous defect. Its a mess & dangerous.
2003 dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.7 hemi dash has several cracks. Dodge acknowledges the problem, yet will not recall and replace the dash. It is defective plastic and effects almost all dodge trucks from 1998 to 2006.
I was driving down the highway and my dash split 2 times. I have done nothing for repair, since I have seen many other complaints on the internet.
Cracked dashboard on a 2003 dodge ram 1500.
The dash board develops major cracks and overall material breakdown exposing wiring under the dash for a possible catastrophic failure of safety and electrical systems due to inadvertent exposure (airbags, headlights, taillights, gauges, ignition, ventilation, etc) . It threatens the occupants (riders) with possible projectile shards of plastic if there is an accident, causing more damage than an impact itself. Possible injury upon exiting the vehicle if a hand is placed in the dash area and it collapses. The integrity of the structure is faulty creating a unsafe environment. The cracks are not from abuse or mistreatment of the vehicle. The part is not a wear item that mechanically deteriorates over time. The vehicle is garaged and well kept regardless of mileage. Inspected regularly, registered as individual use not a commercial vehicle.
I went to work one day in the company truck and when I got home I went to my dodge and opened the door to find a 16 inch crack in the dashboard that was not there when I left that morning. I have recently heard that dodge may have used defective plastic in the fabrication of their dashboards from 1998-2006. Since I'm not going to spend $800 on a new dash that is probably just going to do the same and dodge is not paying for any replacements the only options at this point are 1) buy a dash cover or 2) do nothing.
On november 19, 2009, I was driving my 2003 dodge ram 1500 on the expressway with my windows down. The wind from the windows being down caused part of the cracked dashboard to fly up and hit my face. It caused me to lose control for a second but was able to overcome. Cracked dashboards are a known issue with dodge ram trucks and is a safety hazard. Someone is going to get killed from this. I guess dodge will fix their defect once this happens. Hopefully I won't be the test case!
2003 dodge ram 1500 dashboard's cracking. Started in 2008 around 88k miles and is progressively getting worse. No recall to my knowledge, even though my neighbor, a relative, myself and almost everyone that's owned a dodge truck from 200 to 2004 has had or has heard of the same issue! Amazing what does it take to be recognized as a problem! Two weeks ago I went again to buy a pwr steering pulley that had disintegrated on an 04' dakota and the parts mgr said that he thought they were using better materials on the replacement dashes. He thinks!!!! He should know since he obviously knew this was an issue, and said so!!!!! Why should a materials defect come out of my pocket? Where's our government?????
Dash cracking into pieces, read online that this is a huge problem for dodge rams 1998-2006 but dodge has done nothing about it.
My 2003 dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi quad cab has a cracked upper and lower dash. It showed up shortly after I purchased the truck used in 2008. I did not think much of it because of being used. Now it is cracking all over the place and I am worried that it will become a safety issue if pieces hinder the air bag deployment or cause electrical malfunctions in my dash. Dodge has not been helpful other than to recommend very expensive replacement which may or may not crack again.
Dashboard cracked above airbag on passenger side.
2003 dodge ram 1500 a large crack appeared on dash on passenger side im real concerned because its right over the air bag and I've noticed that there are alot of complaints about this same issue on the dodge trucks.
Dodge ram 1500, 2003 slt 4x4. Dash board is cracking and falling apart. Less then 30,000 miles I noticed my first crack. Only a few years old. Now I have more then 60,000 miles and can't even clean it for fear of cutting myself. It has looked like I don't take care of my truck for over 3 years. I can't even sell it and paid over $30,000 for it new. This is a defective part and dodge knows it. The replacement part is from dodge and is also defective. It also cost $800.00 for the replacement defective part from dodge. This just isn't right.
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