Problems with 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 AIR BAGS

I'm worried that the air bag on passenger side is defective as the strangest noise is coming from behind the dash like a rubber band is tightening and then clicking on and off. doesn't happen all the time. i've also had my truck in for the steering before and it has never been right. now the hood will not shut right. it's always been a lemon. i fight to keep it on the road. it doesn't even have 36,000 miles on it. i'm wondering what recalls i've missed so i'm checking. thank you.

Takata inflator. my air bag light stay on all the time when the truck is running. as there not been a recall on this concern? i don't if it will work or not if i where to have an accident. i would like to receive any notification recalls.

Dash components cracked under normal use creating a very dangerous, if not deadly, situation where in the event of air-bag deployment creating projectiles from such deployment that cause egregious bodily harm to the occupants. dodge knowingly is allowing such conditions to exist.

I went out to my truck the other day and noticed that the dashboard was starting to crack above the airbag. i have owned this truck since new buying it from the dealer. this truck has never been in a wreck. now that the dash is cracking right above the airbag i'm afraid to drive in anywhere let alone putting my family at risk.

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact crashed into a tree trunk to avoid striking a deer. both frontal air bags failed to deploy. there were no warning indicators illuminated. there were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent repair shop. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Dash boards caving in possible causing air bags, lights and other electrical parts to fail.

[xxx] *tr

Was in a collision with front end impact at 45 mph into another vehicle. the airbags on truck did not deploy. driver suffered a fractured sternum with swelling from iimpacting steering wheel. driver was wearing seatbelt at the time of accident. *tr

Dash board has cracked from exposer to sunlight. in past year it has broken into very sharp pieces above passenger side air bag and directly in front of driver. one can cut himself and i have just trying to dust or clean inside of truck. i am very concerned about what these sharp pieces of the defective dashboard would do in an accident and if air bags would push these sharp pieces into faces of both driver and passengers in front seat of truck. *tr

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

The 01 ram 1500 "t" boned a mid sized passenger car at approximately 50 mph and the air bags did not deploy as a result of the accident the vehicle was totaled. *tr

I bought my truck brand new in daytona beach, fl in 2001. about 2 years ago the dashboard started cracking and proceeded to get worse. when i was driving monday, 11/26/2012 part of the dash fell out and now there is a big hole in my dashboard! i have been looking for a replacement but found nothing i can afford. *tr

I could not get past the enter 'failed component' requirement so i had to chose air bags because it is the closest component related to the dash area i could find. i am one of the thousands of people who owns a dodge truck with a severely cracking dash. i realize that this may not seem to be a 'safety' issue, but believe me, when you have a dash that is cracked into pieces with numerous sharp edges it should be. i would never let any child be in my truck unsupervised because this dash is so bad i truly believe an injury could result from contact with the sharp edges. i realize dodge would be out an incredible amount of money to recall this problem, and i've also been told they are still selling the same bad plastic dashes as replacements, but something should be done. at least they could offer a new dash made from different material at a much more affordable cost. please find a way to help those of us who are trying to cope with this problem...thank you for your time. *tr

Dash cracked above airbag which could cause sharp plastic to impale passenger if airbag deploys. *tr

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving 25 mph in rainy weather, the vehicle began to slide abnormally, causing the contact to crash into a tree. the air bags did not deploy. the contact sustained lacerations to the bottom of the chin and mouth, requiring 24 stitches. the contact was immediatley taken for medical attention. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was destroyed. the failure mileage was 171,000. kmj updated 02/01/12 *bf the consumer also stated the seat belts didi not perform as designed. updated 02/10/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that he was involved in a crash while driving 35 mph and none of the air bags deployed. the vehicle was towed to a body shop and was awaiting examination. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and the current mileages were 105,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. when the contact started the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and a brief chime sounded inside of the vehicle. the warning indicator remained illuminated until the vehicle was turned off. the failure also occurred when the vehicle was in motion. the contact stated the defect was contributed to the air bag clock spring. the failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 146,000. updated 10/12/11*lj updated 10/24/11

Dashboard and cap is cracking up into jagged pieces. should the air bags deploy, severe injury could result from being punctured from plastic shrapnel much more than the cause of the airbag deployment. i feel the manufacturer should implement a replacement at no expense. *ln

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact was in an accident and the air bags did not deploy. the contact was traveling 40 mph when they were cut off and crashed into the side of an on-coming vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the contacts insurance companies storage facility. the contact stated that there were no problems with the air bags prior to the crash. the failure and current mileages were 60000. updated 12/15/10. *lj the consumer stated the vehicle was totaled. updated 12/27/10

Dash board is cracking into pieces actually disinegrating. if by chance cuts any wiring it could cut my lights out or something else i am not that familiar with the electronics of an automoblbile. thank you *tr

While my daughter was driving home late one night, she fell asleep and hit a large tree. she lives in ca. while i am in co. the truck she was in, a dodge ram 1500 4x4 extended cab, was a total loss. she was flown into a hospital 90 or so miles away. she was wearing her seat belt, as was her passenger. my daughter broke some ribs, her arm, and her pelvis in 8 places. her left leg was attached by skin and muscle only. the passenger side airbag fully deployed, whereas the drivers side did not fully deploy. by what i have seen during my research of this incident, and seeing the truck, her airbag should have deployed. as a matter of fact, it tried. according to the carfax i pulled, it has never been in an accident, and was purchased from the federal government, who would,i assume, have a vehicle repaired properly if it had been involved in an accident. *tr

2001 dodge ram 1500 vehicle dash is cracked to where is loosely attached on the passenger side. dash constantly rattles. this seems as though it will interfere with the passenger airbag since the dash is cracked around it. plastic dash trim ring is also beginning to crumble which may be a safety issue in the future. dash has been this way for several years but is beginning to grow worse at a much quicker rate. *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

2001 dodge ram dashboard - i am the owner of a 2001 dodge ram pickup. my dashboard has caved in and apparently, this problem is pretty common with this year and make. in addition to the wiring all now being exposed, i am now concerned about the extent of the damage in relation to its' proximity to the air bag on the passenger side of the vehicle. due to the total exposure in the area of the vehicles' placement of the dashboard, which is now non-existent, it could possibly endanger a passenger's life while riding on that side, unless i turn the airbag function off. this apparently is a major defect in the dodge line. there are indications throughout the website, but also specifically listing that there is no recall to date. i was told the same thing when i contacted my dodge dealer locally. *tr

I have a 2001 dodge 1500 pickup with a dashboard that is breaking apart and i'm concern with the sharp edges in the cab and how effective my airbag will be if deployed. *tr

I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 (sport) and for no apparent reason, my dash started cracking and has gotten worse as time goes. chunks have fallen out, and not only am i worried about the heat from the sun destroying the wires under my dash (brake lights, turn signals, etc) it also provides sharp edges for my passenger side air bag to get snagged on and effect the deployment of it. *tr

I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4. the last 3 years my dashboard has been cracking. 3 years ago i went to the dealer service department at tidewater dodge and the service manager stated they would not fix it under warranty and i left disappointed. he claimed it wasn't their fault. at the time i accepted his logic until lately i found out i am not the only one. since then i have a neighbor with the same problem with the same year truck. i then learned that if you go on a computer search engine and type "dodge dashboard cracks" there are numerous chat rooms and websites set up just for this problem. you will see how many people have the same problem without chrysler acknowledging the problem is theirs. you don't see this problem in other trucks. we need help please. my concern is safety. it is cracking so bad i feel unsafe driving it because if i have a minor accident and the passenger airbag deploys, it will explode and send splinters of plastic at me and my passengers. i can't help but to shiver thinking of splinters, propelled under pressure, entering my eyes and/or neck in a small front end accident that deploys the airbag. can you picture that? how would you feel? has this happened and someone thought it was their fault? i shouldn't feel unsafe in my vehicle and think chrysler should take responsibility for faulty equipment. the dealer cost of replacement is $1,000.00 - $1,200.00 each. that is the reason they won't recall the problem. is it a money maker for a failing company? i feel the dashboards came without uv protection and the sun has weakened the plastic. chrysler has covered this up by obtaining a new dashboard supplier after they found the problem. i need to get this fixed soon for my sanity. any help would be appreciated. *tr

The dash was cracked when i purchased the vehicle over two years ago. there were cracks running over the area above the steering wheel and over the glove compartment, running into the area of the passenger airbag. it has steadily gotten worse. just yesterday, 29 october 2010, the front cover quite literally exploded into fragments. the dash is currently not attached, it is just hanging. it stays in place for the most part but can very easily be lifted. i have seen, heard and read of many other dodge dashboards with this same problem. if it is so prevalent, the manufacturer should be held responsible. a solution to this defect, be it a recall or reimbursement for repairs, is seriously past due. *tr

I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 and the dash has started cracking really bad. my only real problem with that, that if i happen to have an accident and the air bag is deplode is there a chance that it will either become airborn and fly with the air bag and become even more of a danger or if it will cut the airbag and make it non usable .i've talked with a few friends and all there dashes are the same way you would think that dodge would have done something about this but i guess not..thanks *tr

I, like many others are experiencing cracked dash problems. i have had my 2000 ram 1500 and now my 2001 ram 1500 dashes crack and fall apart. the dealerships tell me that dodge does not support repair or replacement of the dash. they no longer stock and back orders are ignored the dash and the instrument bezel that cracks over a short period of time. this is a safety issue as the 2000 truck was totaled in a wreck and i was injured by the dash debris and not the accident. *tr

Air bags did not deploy in two separate crashes one being head on at 35mph over $6000. in damage to truck 2 nd time same truck after being rolled because steering box gave out again 2nd time for that too. no air bags company claims crash was not enough to deploy truck was totaled and my husband in the hospital for a evening with head trauma. *tr

I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500, about six months ago i noticed a small crack in my dash right behind the passenger airbag. now, i have three craks in the dash, two of them are about six inches long and the one above the airbag now goes all the way down the dash. i feel this is an issue that should be addressed due to the fact that it is a common problem in the second generation dodge rams. also, it should very easily be a safety concern as far as possibly ripping an airbag upon deployment, or sending loose pieces of jagged plastic flying in the event of a collision. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. while driving 55 mph in dry conditions the vehicle ahead suddenly came to a stop, and with no brake lights illuminating, the contact's vehicle struck the other vehicle from the rear and the air bags did not deploy. a police report was taken. the vehicle was towed to a garage , then towed to the insurance company inspection station. the insurance company stated that the vehicle was totaled. the manufacturer also inspected the vehicle and determined that the rate of deceleration required to activate the air bags was not present. the current and failure mileage were 75,000. *ak

I now have two ram 1500 trucks with dash top failures here in texas. i was hit from the rear in my 2000 ram 1500 and plastic pieces from the already cracked and cracking dash hit me in the face as it exploded on impact causing many minor facial cuts but none in my eyes. being blinded caused me to loose control of my vehicle. i then hit a telephone pole. air bag deployment occurred that cut both air bags on both sides with more shards of the dash. my 2001 ram 1500 also has a severely cracked dash and is getting much worse. this occurred within 6 months of purchase. chrysler corp. refuses to respond and the dealership will not respond with any help claiming they are not responsible plus they have no parts or any way to fix the problem. they claim there are no plans for the parts to be manufactured either. this problem has become an epidemic to ram owners and will someday become and cause serious and potentially fatality problems. accident reports are not showing the dash as a problem. they indicate the cracked dash was caused by the accident and is a result. insurance companies claim it is a manufactures problems. the owner takes the hit unless he can convince the insurance adjuster to total the vehicle. the present political situation nation wide is stopping my pleas to my representative on my complaints and pleas for assistance to fall on dead ears. dodge dealers are hiding the fact that a cracked dash ram 1500 trade ins are being junked to hide this major issue. thusly it is not getting the proper attention. at local auto auctions the dodge ram 1500's do not sell. as a note: there is also a major transmission problem as noted by most transmission shops all over the country. to my knowledge, nothing is being done to correct many and most of dodge ram 1500's problems because of the dashes. "get them off the road at the owners expense" is chrysler corporations plan as per the factory representative when he was cornered. i have bought my last dodge. *tr

My 2001 dodge ram 1500 was involved in a major crash resulting from the other car running a red light. the ram had major front impact and front driver side impact. the drivers airbag did not come out resulting in damage to drivers face, arm and wrist. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55mph in normal driving conditions, the contact lost control of the vehicle which left the roadway and struck a large tree without warning and the airbags did not deploy. the contact was not wearing a seat belt, and minor injuries were sustained. there was extensive damage to the front of the vehicle; the vehicle was totaled by the insurance agency as a result. the police were on the scene and a report was taken. the dealer and manufacturer were not alerted.

Dt*: the contact stated the frontal side airbag exploded inside the dashboard of the vehicle while driving 25 mph. there was not an impact to the vehicle to cause deployment. the contact expressed that the local dealers refused to service the vehicle after a brief inspection. the manufacturer has been contacted but also offered no resolution to the contact in regards to servicing on the vehicle.

Dt*: the contact stated that the passenger side air bag deployed and cracked the dashboard. there was no pre-braking occurred prior to the deployment. the vehicle did not encounter debris, potholes or anything else. the airbag warning light was not illuminated. the vehicle was taken into the dealer.

Head-on collision with tree going about 25 mph. air bags did not deploy, but car was totaled. no injuries. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 50 mph control of the vehicle was lost causing it to crash into a tree. upon impact the frontal air bags failed to deploy. although the contact was wearing the seat belt there were injuries sustained to the neck and head. the vehicle was driven away from the crash site. the vehicle has not been inspected. updated 2/28/2006 - *nm

The dashboard on the 2001 dodge ram, 1500 started cracking about 18 months ago. it has now progressed to the point that i am fearful that the structural integrity of the entire dashboard was compromised , and that the passenger side air bag might not function as designed. *ak

Dash has completely fell apart

I was involved in a crash on 8-26-05 / going west bound, and an east bound vehicle over corrected on a curve and hit my pick up at 30-35 mph in the front driver's side tire area, throwing us off the road and into a telephone pole - and neither of my airbags deployed. this caused injury to myself, and my daughter luckily just busted her lip on the dash. *nm

2001 dodge 1500 quad cab i called the daimler chrysler in marshall texas and they told me they have seen a few of the dashboards. i explained it was crumbling. he told me it wouldn't hurt anything as the air bags are bolted in he also stated it was out of warranty. i called the main customer 800 service line that tx dealer gave to me and once again i was told it was out of warranty and they didn't care who i contacted after i talked to them as it was out of warranty. i even told them i would call the better business bureau and they still didn't care. the dashboard has cracks running across the entire board. will it fall? will it cause an accident? i have pictures that i will be sending when i hear from you. *jb *sc

2001 dodge 1500 impacted into a creek embankment front end first and none of the air bags deployed.***no answer required***.*mr the driver sustained multiple injuries. the consumer contacted the manufacturer. *nm

Intermittently while driving at any speed air bag light and the abs light illuminated, and the other gauges become inoperative. consumer learned from a repair shop mechanic that the problem maybe the gauge clusters. the dealer was not notified.*ak

While driving 35 mph, the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. both frontal air bags failed to deploy. this caused the driver to sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. the vehicle was towed to a garage. *jb

Friday, october 15, the consumer had an accident and the airbag did not deploy. *jb

The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision of 70 mph and the air bag failed to deploy. the driver was transported to the local hospital by ambulance. *jb *sc

Chevrolet avalanche ran stop sign in front of me while i was travelling about 50 mph. i t-boned the avalanche between the front and rear driver's side door, rolling the avalanche onto it's side. neither the driver, nor passenger, airbags deployed on my dodge ram 1500. my ram was totalled due to frame damage. i was blown off by dealership, now waiting for a call back from chrysler.*ak