Cracked dash. Like so many other 2003 dodge ram 2500 owners, my vehicle has developed cracks along the dash for no apparent reason even though the vehicle is well cared for and maintained in pristine condition. The first hairline crack appeared in 2010 at the center of the dash beginning on the windshield side. Over time the crack has progressed towards the instrument panel to the point that the dash has completely split in half. To date, two additional cracks have developed, one six inches to the left of the center crack and another over the passenger airbag section. With so many complaints of cracked dashes, particularly with the 2003 model year, it's apparent that a manufacturing flaw exists and chrysler should acknowledge this fact and effect replacement of the defective dashes. Is a cracked dash a safety issue? Absolutely, considering the additional injuries that can be inflicted on vehicle occupants in the event of a collision and the deployment of air bags. Since chrysler has set a precedent by acknowledging that a problem existed with cracked dashes on dodge ram model years prior to 2003 (1998-2002), and has agreed to replace the cracked dashes on the previous model years, then why not do the same for the 2003 model year that seems to have the most complaints/issues? So what if the cracks appeared after the warranty has expired on these vehicles; it's a matter of integrity. Given that chrysler is fully aware of this manufacturer defect, they should admit accountability and do the right thing by recalling these vehicles and providing the necessary replacement of the defective dashes.
Dodge RAM 2500 windshield crack problems
10 of the 6,440 owner complaints about the Dodge RAM 2500 describe windshield cracks, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 73,800
By model year
- 20031
- 20013
- 19992
- 19981
- 19961
- 19942
Often reported together
Won't shift 1Pulling 1Steering lock-up 1Harsh shifting 1Airbag light 1
What owners say
1999 dodge ram 2500: the complete dash assembly is cracking and flaking into pieces along the top cover from left to right and from the cluster to the windshield. Features are cracking along the lower section of dash, also, from the left to the right side. This will soon effect the structural housing area around the right side SRS airbag mounting. I'm concerned about the stability of the SRS airbag deployment functioning properly in the event of deployment. There is also the possibility of the wiring harness being damaged or failing due to sharp edges of the plastic in the dash assembly. If the sharp edges cut the wiring and the cut wire edges rub together, this will cause a premature deployment of the SRS airbag. There is also a concern of the main dash harness being damaged from sharp edges and causing the possibility of a short between voltage and ground circuits touching causing excessive heating of shorted circuits and causing fire in the brittle plastic areas.
Dash board cracked leading to a crack in my windshield. I went out to my truck on the 4th of july and found that my windshield had a crack in it, upon further inspection I found that the dashboard was cracked in about 4 places. I have recently found a number of reports on the internet about dashboard failure.
The dashboard cracked from the windshield towards the driver. A separate crack also extended on the passenger side from the windshield towards the passenger . The cracks did not meet they were separate. Consumer was concerned that the windshield will eventually separate. *ak
The dashboard on my 2001 dodge ram 2500 pickup is cracked from the passenger air bag to the nut showing at the front of the dashboard(windshield). The crack extends from the width of the dashboard.
While driving vehicle's steering wheel locked up. Dealer notified. Ts steering wheel wouldn't turn. Power steering pump replaced. Tire pressure was too low. Steering box failed and replaced. Windshield cracked and replaced. Vehicle won't shift at 40 MPH. Clunking noise from park to reverse. Found normal operation. Oil leak in front of motor. Overflow bottle too full. Vehicle wandered all over the road. Steering box adjusted. And low tire pressure was to blame. Console on seat doesn't close properly. Turbo whistles on acceleration. No problem found. Transmission surges at 10 to 45 MPH. No problem found. Power steering box leaked and replaced second time. Leak was found at vacuum pump seal caused leak at power steering reservoir. Steering drifts to right and wheel is off center. Center drag link adjusted second time. After set for a few days, vehicle won't move when it is placed in drive. Normal. No problem found. All accessories work with the keys out of ignition switch. Could not duplicate. Fluid leaking from truck. Replaced steering box for third time. Brakes pulsates when applied. Low fluid found due to steering leak.
Consumer states that while driving a small rock hit the windshield. Consumer is concerned because windshield immediately cracked all the way across. Nlm
Windshield cracks every time its struck by a pebble.
Owner states that front windshield keeps breaking, he also notes that when door is shut or when driving on the highway the windshield cracks, dealer said that it was stress cracks.
Front windshield cracked while driving; no apparent reason; owner believes manufacturing defect while installing or with glass itself. Tt
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Dodge RAM 2500 windshield crack
Which Dodge RAM 2500 years have windshield cracks problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (3 complaints), 1994 (2 complaints) and 1999 (2 complaints).
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