Problems with 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dashboard falling apart; sharp/jagged pieces of dash cutting into electrical wiring causing shorts, failure of electrical equipment on board truck; while driving on street, highways in motion straight-line and turning.

I have a dodge ram 1500 truck. my entire dash is coming apart. a piece flew off and hit me in the face while driving i slammed on the brakes and my wife hit the windshield cracking it. my lights on my ceiling went out don't work

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving 30 mph, the power steering failed. the vehicle had a past failure with the brakes, corrosion of the frame, a cracked dashboard, and warning indicators illuminating since 26,000 miles. the vehicle was repaired for these failures, but not for the steering failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was approximately 41,000.....updated 01/04/2016 *bf

Dash is falling apart and causing electrical problems. while driving

Blows fuse for dash lights and tail lights. *tr

I have the same issue as thousands of others with the dash falling apart, this incident happened when the bezel just fell off of the dash onto the steering wheel while traveling down a busy highway. i had to try and steer with one hand while using the other to dislodge the bezel and hold it away from the steering wheel until i could safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. since then my glove box has fallen off along with the drink holder. i am also concerned that if i am involved in an accident where the air bags may be deployed that the passenger side airbag will cause the dash to explode and send plastic schrapnel inside the cab. this could cause serious damage or death for the passenger and\or driver.

The dashboard has been cracking for over 2 years. large pieces are breaking off and falling into the dash area where there are many electrical wires and vacuum hoses. the pieces that are breaking off are large and have sharp edges that may cut into the wires and hoses and may start fires or electrical failures/shorts. i researched and found out this is a common failure in this vehicle year due to manufacturing. sometimes as i'm driving, the broken pieces pop out towards passengers in the vehicle. i'm also concerned that a short may deploy the airbags. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. the fire department extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. the contact was not injured. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the mechanic stated that the cause for the fire was unknown. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 227,000. the vehicle was destroyed.

i am an owner of a 2001 dodge 1500 truck that was in perfect condition up until 2 days ago, that was when my dashboard caved in. i took my truck to my mechanic for a summer tune-up. i live in arizona and when those triple digits start rolling in you want to be sure your ac is blowing cold and mine seem to be having some airflow problems. when my mechanic got through inspecting the truck he discovered that my dashboard was slowly "caving in" causing some electrical problems. he decided to take the dash off to get a better look and when he took the screws out the whole dashboard just broke into many pieces. i am very concerned because that dash has many electrical components behind it which could potentially cause some major problems. i am also in favor of a recall, because the dashboard inspector must of been on vacation in 2001 when they let this truck leave the factory with issues like that. recall that dash!!! *tr

The dashboard get destroy to easly and the debries flies to the face making drive insecure because the plastic parts were hiting the face. the powers train gets very easly damage by rocks and debris on the street making it to vulnerable to get destroy (and that happen to me) . the charging regulator gets brokes for nothing anytime and you need to be changing the computer or ading an external one and solder it to the principal cables that goes to the alternator, and relays.

i own a 2001 dodge ram 1500. this vehicle however, has a defect, the dashboard cracks and is starting to basically disintegrate. i however, am not the only one with these issues. as you can see on the forums and websites below. http://www.dashcover.com/dodgeramdash.html http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6297146/pickups-suvs/is-your-2001-dodge-ram-dash-falling-apart/index.html http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard.shtml http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard-2.shtml http://www.automotiveforums.com/t429358-cracked_dash_in_2001_2500_truck.html the failure is so common there are youtube videos on how to fix it temporarily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wfcxsy8xi i have seen quotes to get this fixed anywhere from 800 to 1500 dollars. absolutely absurd. some people are reporting that their dashboard is cracking and pieces are falling behind the dash and creating rattling noises and some even as severe as taking out electrical equipment causing headlight failure, ac failure, etc. despite all of these issues dodge will not issue a recall. one of my biggest concerns is if i were to get into an accident the dashboard could shatter sending sharp edged pieces of plastic towards me under high impact, which could lead to severe injury and/or death. i am highly concerned with this issue and i hope that by you showing interest on mine and others behalf we can resolve this. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

My 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4 keep stalling when decelerating. the engine will start right up again when i turn the key but unless i keep my foot on the gas it dies again and again. it's always at low speeds like in a parking lot or approaching stop signs or red lights. this is very dangerous in traffic. i have had it to 3 different mechanics and we've replaced the alternator and the battery (twice on the battery) and it is still doing the same thing. sometimes it runs fine and then it just starts quitting on my. *tr

Headlights were on high beam and dimmed lights and lost all of the headlights . it was early morning but there was enough light for me to slow and pull over to the side of the road. i kept moving the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam until the lights finally came back on. i left them in low beam and drove the rest of the way to work on low beam. when i got home later after work i waited till night time and pulled my truck into my car port and repeated what had happened on that morning. on about the fifth try the lights went out again , i then repeated flipping the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam and after many attempts was able to get the headlights back on. the next day took it to the dealer for repairs , they replaced the dimmer switch and the mechanic who worked on my truck told me that was no the first one he had replaced and told me i was very lucky. if it had failed in heavy traffic on a two lane highway and under darker night conditions and at a higher rate of speed i probably would have wrecked. i believe this is a design flaw. *tr *js

Interior dash has several severe cracks. dash is starting to crumble and collapse. *tr

Dashboard cracking and caved in causing all gauges to stop while driving working and airbag light to come on all wiring was exposed the ( dashboard was cracking for over two years but i just learn of other who had the same issues . *tr

Truck was running just fine. when truck was parked for less than 10 minutes, with engine off it suddenly ignited in the engine compartment. the truck was a complete loss. there was no warning before the event took place. *tr

Dashboard has cratered and pieces break off to this day. have had multiple cuts and wiring issues since the beginning of this problem and worried that air bag might be involved with the issues. have placed a cover over gaping holes while waiting for a recall regarding this problem. *tr

Several electrical issues due to pieces from broken dashboard falling into dash area wearing and cutting away wiring insulation. have had problems with headlights turning off and gauges not functioning properly. also on several occasions have seen smoke rising out of large holes in dash area. glare from mounting brackets reflecting off inside of windshield has created visibility issues on bright days. *tr

Dash is cracked and falling in. vehicle stops running due to wires being exposed.

Two- three years ago years ago i notice a break in my dashboard that break has led to the dashboard falling apart exposing wiring. when the dashboard cave (part of ) in all the gauges stop working (speed,temp. gas, ect.,) and the air bag warning light came on. this happen while driving . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the glass shield on the instrument panel fractured. the gauges were still operable yet they were exposed. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. the failure mileage was 54,000 and the current mileage 64,000. updated 11/11/10 *bf the entire plastic part of the dash cracked and fell a part. updated 11/18/10*jb

Like many others, the dash fell apart...you aren't doing a thing about it until what? someone dies? 2001 dodge ram 1500 truck. everyone i talk to knows someone whose truck did the same thing. if we are in a wreck and the airbag doesn't deploy due to the support system being missing....falling apart totally....then if we die, will something be done to make chrysler stand good for the repairs? i have contacted them and they want us to pay 800 for our part. no...it is their widespread defect and we will not pay a penny. we have had a fire in the dash as everything is open to the elements now....we had to stop on the side of the road and crawl up under and find the wires burning. whenever you turned on the key, it smoked and burned. finally, after the truck was towed home, he traced the wire to the heated mirrors and removed it. waiting for the next fire, i guess. what a shame for chrysler to take bailout money and not help customers and ensure their safety. will someone please step up????? *tr

I filed a complaint a few weeks ago about my 2001 dodge ram 1500 since then i am now having electrical problems. first the windows then the radio and dome light and now this morning when i was leaving for work at :30 my head lights went out. this is ridiculous. what if i had been on the road. i drive down the interstate every morning at around 5:30. *tr

The dash panels on my 01 dodge 1500 ram quad cab truck have cracked and are falling apart. the holes in the dash have exposed wiring and electrical components. it appears the molded plastics used in the dash panels are deteriorating over time due to the sun's heat and rays. i suspect, like polypropolene tubing, all dashes made of this defective plastic will desinigrate. anyway, after some research it seems that a aftermarket dash cover is the best remedy, however i'm concerned about the sharp edges of the old dash panel could cut some wiring over time and cause a vehicle fire. *tr

I own a 2001 dodge ram pu truck 5.2 .i was driving down road at night and went to click my bright lights on and the lights went out. this has happened several times. checked the fuse and it was good. this is very dangerous. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dash assembly for the instrument panel failed and caused the controls to collapse inward into the dashboard. in addition, the air bag on/off switch was attached to the panel, the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, and other controls. the contact was concerned that the failure could cause electrical issues and prevent the air bags from deploying or operating correctly. the dealer was no longer in business. the contact stated that the failure has been occurring since 2009 and was initially informed that it was a cosmetic issue with the vehicle. the manufacturer was informed again of the failure and stated that since the vehicle was sixteen years old with 240,000 miles, it could not be serviced by them. the failure mileage was 110,000. *bf the consumer stated the failure had been ongoing since 2005. in 2005 the failure was not considered a safety defect, but now that it is the vehicle is out of warranty due to age. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the instrument panel shattered into small pieces and fell into the dashboard. the dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 93,000. the vin was unavailable.

Flashing light on odometer reads, "no bus" and the gauges do not work. what is wrong with this trucks electrical system? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, she drove over a bump in the road and the entire the instrument panel lights failed. the contact moved the vehicle off the roadway and attempted to shift into park but the shifter was stuck in the drive gear. the contact attempted to move the shifter several times before engaging. the contact stated the failure would occur whenever she would drive over an uneven road surface. in addition, often when the failure would occur, the key would not turn in the ignition until after several attempts. the contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall and the failures did not occur until the recall work was performed. the dealer advised the recall repairs were not related to the failure the contact was experiencing. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure mileage was 88,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.

2001 dodge quad cab pickup has failing wiring in steering column which makes truck die while driving . which in turn there is no power brakes or steering and no electrical functions that makes the truck run . dead on the road literally. who knows at what speeds this problem may occur. luckily, it happened to me while going slow and i was able to stop the truck. no known human deaths yet that i have heard of from this. if the problem is not fixed with wiring harness there will be deaths, i'm pretty sure due to this problem. i would like to do my best to keep my family and other families safe. this needs to be dealt with before someone does die unnecessarily in an accident that can be avoided by replacing the problem part of the pickup. *tr the bearing clutch, rear carrier bearing, axle seals, rotors, power steering pump, pinion carrier bearings were all replaced. also, the right turn signal and headlights failed. the center seat console bolting system fell out of the truck, the plastic dashboard panel and housing around the instrument panel was cracked in four places. the gasket on the water pump was leaking. the gasket, water and timing chain were replaced. the clutch failed, due to the wrong year transmission being installed in the vehicle. a 2000 transmission was installed in the vehicle, instead of a 2001. updated 10/15/14

My father bought this truck new in 2001, and i bought it from him in 2008. about 20000 miles on the unit when i bought it. in 2008, the dash started cracking and became very brittle, pieces began to break out and has continued to crack and break. it is now 2014, about 32000 miles on this unit, and i am going to have to replace the dashboard with an aftermarket product. based on the number of complaints from other owners, i would believe that the materials used in the original dash were below acceptable quality. no front end zerk fittings for steering components- cheap design and construction. i had to have new front end assemblies with zerk fittings, at a cost of about $1400.00. (because chrysler/dodge went cheap in construction.) my last dodge vehicle, i think i can do better. *tr

Dashboard cracking and falling apart has led to electrical malfunctions. the main one is that when switching from dim to bright lights during night driving, the headlights go out completely. *tr

My dodge ram 1500 truck's dashboard started breaking up into pieces and has become worse since 2007. pieces from dash are falling down into the area that houses the speedometer & other electrical components that are vital to the functioning of the vehicle plus we are very concerned about the air bags being exposed. every time we go over a bump in the road.....pieces fly off the dashboard & surrounding areas of the dashboard.......my granddaughter was hit by one of these pieces. after checking on computer, i found out that this problem has existed for years on the 2001 dodge ram 1500 pickup, complaints range from california to florida...i am very concerned our safety and the safety of others. please go online and check complaints about this problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 1500 quad cab. the contact was pulling into a residential driveway at relatively low speeds. he utilized the tilt adjust for the steering wheel and when he lifted upward, the electrical components of the vehicle failed. when he adjusted the steering wheel back downward, the electrical components became operable. the contact repeated several times and the failure occurred with each instance. the dealer discovered that the wiring harness wires were too short and was beginning to loosen. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurred and the headlights failed. the high beams were the only front-end lights that would operate. the contact was concerned that the failure could potentially cause a crash. updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 04/20/11

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the instrument panel was cracking and falling apart. the dealer and manufacturer stated that there was no open campaign on this defect. one of the plastic pieces from the instrument panel fell into the air vent when he activated the air conditioning system. the piece of plastic cut his wife's eye. the manufacturer stated that they could replace the instrument panel at the cost of $500. the failure mileage was 81,000 and current mileage was 84,000.

The dashboar d is cracked in several places , and also a few places have caved in. there are some electrical problems with dashboar d also.*ak

The dashboard has fallen apart piece by piece. wires are now dangerously exposed and the broken pieces could turn into dangerous, sharp flying debris in the event of an accident. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that he is unaware of how his vehicle's dashboard became cracked. he stated that the dashboard is also collapsing. the current and failure mileages were 74,000.

Dodge 2001 ram truck has a fracturing and collapsing dash, i have recently been made aware that there are many other people with the same model truck experiencing the same problem including headlights shutting of when alternating between highs and lows possibly caused by the pieces falling from the dash and interrupting the wiring. *tr

My 2001 dodge ram dash is cracking. i seen a special on my local news station and the parties present on the news cast had the same problems as i did but worse. i think this should be looked at before someone gets killed by the air bag deploying or lights going out. *tr

The dashboard started falling apart shortly after i purchased the truck. pieces of the dash keep falling down into the area where the wires are at. *tr

My 2001 dodge ram 1500 has a dash which began cracking several months ago. the cracks have gotten progressively worse in size and number. a little over 3 months ago a large portion of my dash caved in exposing the wiring underneath to direct sunlight. also more recently, the molding around my instrument panel is cracking. this could become a hazard should the wiring melt due to not being protected from sunlight. no recall has been made by dodge and i am not in a position to spend several hundred dollars for a factory defect. *tr

Front dash collapsed, pieces of broken dash have fallen into areas where wiring is. numerous other owners of the same year/make/model have had exact same thing happen. can't be considered safe driving around with a 24" hole in the dash with pieces loose within the electrical components, to date not considered a recall item by dodge. *tr

The dashboard on my 2001 dodge ram 1500 pickup truck has cracked and i believe may be affecting my control panel (odometer and speedometer). i went to drive my truck one afternoon and the whole control panel wasn't working. i also have some kind of fumes coming from my vents whenever i turn on the air conditioning, heat or defrost which may be related to the dashboard also. my defrost doesn't work at all due to the cracks in the dashboard because the air isn't going where it is supposed to go.

Dodge ram 1500 continues to stall while driving at low speeds or braking to slow on highways. the loss of all power steering and brakes occur until the truck can be re-started. the problem seems to be heat related since it occurs most often when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees and the car driven over 1-1/2 hrs in duration. this problem has been occurring for the last three years and the manufacture has made many repairs but none that has fixed the problem. they have changes sensors, throttle body and then cleaned same. changed air filter but nothing has corrected the problem. as recently as last month the dealer had the truck for three weeks and could not find a single thing wrong. i can tell from the internet i'm not the only person having this problem. it most be fixed or loss of life will occur. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. approximately one year ago, the contact noticed a crack in the dashboard of her vehicle. she took the vehicle to be repaired and the dealer and the manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because no recalls were issued for the vehicle. the contact has since noticed another crack in the dashboard. the current mileage is 81,000 and failure mileage was 72,000.

When are you folks going to do something about this hazard? are you just waiting for someone to get hurt?? it is irresposnsible to continue to neglect this. you have 802 complaints on this vehicle and most are the following issue!!dodge ram dashboard manufacturer defect; falling apart creating a serious safety hazard in numerous ways. updated 04/12/10

2001 dodge 4x4, 1500 quad cab truck. while driving down the hwy going 75 mph, at night time, the head light turned off and would not come back on until you kept flicking the high and low beams. vehilce was taken to dealership and they replaced the (multifunction switch) if there would have not been other vehilce drivng in front of my vehicle, it could of been a serious or deadly crash with no lights at night going the hwy speed limite on winding roadways. *nm

My dash has been cracking out over the last few years. for about the last 10 months to a year i have had check engine light that has no significance to the way it runs, and the code is unrecognizable to auto garage. also i have wiring problems for about the same amount of time. my dash lights will go out completely on their own and sometimes come back on, sometimes not. also there are sharp edges on the plastic dash everywhere. as of two weeks ago, a section caved in, leaving a gaping hole about 6 by 8 inches in size. the cracks and hole look identical to pictures of other dodge truck dashes i've seen on the internet and news. i feel that the sharp edges alone make for a safety issue, and since the cracks are so sharp and sever by the passenger airbag deployment site, i wonder if it would fail during deployment. combined with the wiring issues that i and so many other owners are experiencing that a safety recall should be issued immediately before someone is seriously injured because of the faulty plastic used on all these dodge trucks. *tr

My 2001 dodge ram 1500 dash is completely cracked and has several holes in it where the plastic has caved in. i am concerned the holes and continued cracking will cause exposed wires to be burnt or severed, which could endanger the lives of the passengers in the vehicle. *tr