Problems with 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 VISIBILITY

1999 dodge ram dash cracking which could lead to failure of electrical safety functions such as air bags, headlights and windshield wipers. dodge and dodge dealerships are aware of this problem due to the tremendous number of complaints. reports of large chunks falling into electrical wiring. *tr

I bought my 99 dodge ram new in tucson, az. within a couple of months i bought a carpet dash cover to protect the dash from the sun. have not looked under cover till truck experienced heater core problems. took truck in to get part fixed and was informed my entire dash was cracked. i never used protective chemicals like armoral or removed the dash cover, so sunlight/chemicals should not have caused this problem. as with other people with this "dodge dash crack" problem i have lost my right front speaker and other electronic equipment appears to be having issues. nothing specific yet except for the speaker. have appointment for truck, but don't expect much as my truck is sitting at 64,000+ miles and it is a few years past warranty. am concerned that the dash could be causing electrical problems which could lead to fire or air-bag deployment. *tr

Tl* - the contact stated that when she got into her 1999 dodge ram 1500 (failure mileage: 100000) the seat belts were retracted and locked. the contact took the vehicle to the shop and they notified her of the recall on the retractor. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they were not aware of the recall and asked her to make an appointment. *jb updated 2/22/2007 - both front seat belt were locked in the retracted position and could not be used. the seat belt light is illuminated on the dash. the water pump has been replaced. the air conditioning has been replaced. the brake lines have been replaced. the rear end has been replaced. the driver's side window would not roll down. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor of anti-freeze present in the vehicle a few days after the date of purchase. two days ago anti-freeze leaked through the heater vents in the floor of the vehicle and the windows fogged after the engine warmed for a few minutes. there were no other warning indicators, other than the odor, prior to the failure. the contact inspected the engine and discovered the heater core was ruptured. a hose was attached to bypass the heater core and the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer.

1999 dodge ram experiencing problems with the brakes and the catalytic converter.*mr 1 year old and not on repository. when the brakes were applied a light on the dash illuminated. the dealer stated there was no problem with the brakes. the consumer took the vehicle to another mechanic, who stated he was sold a vehicle with no brakes. the mechanic stated the vehicle needed to front brakes with shims, front rotors, two front calipers, bearings, two rear shoes, two rear hardware, two drums and two rear wheel cylinders. the vehicle jerked when the consumer placed the gear into reverse. the front wheel on the drivers side would shake when the consumer hit a pothole. the windows would fog with a greasy film, the heating coil was replaced. the check engine light illuminated and the 02 sensor was replaced. the pcv valve hose was replaced, the left brake light bulb was replaced, 4 injectors were replaced. *jb

Several cracks all along dash board from window seal to front of airbag/vent sections, when i showed the dealer who i bought it from, they brushed me off like i was complaining of cosmetic damage. i consider these cracks a manufacturer defect that hold vital components if i or my passengers were ever in a wreck, my vehicle interior was in excellent condition when i bought it from the used lot in october 2001, i can't say the same for the mechanics. the first day i had to return it for the harmonic balancer, then the emerg brake light stayed on, then the abs brake light which lead to replacement of drums,rotors, and calipers. in feb 2003 i had to take it in for windshield wiper motor burn out, and this last month the waterpump went out. can you advise me as to what is normal wear and tear and what parts aren't supposed to have to be replaced on a vehicle that now has 82,000 miles and regular upkeep? and if the sound of air blowing thru loose metal is what my truck should sound like when i accelerate from a normal stop? thank you for your time,amber. *ak

Winshield wipers occasionally quit working when first turning them on for use. it did not make a difference if vehicle was running for awhile or just starting vehicle. if wipers were left on even though inoperable, they sometimes started working later. *ak

While driving on hwy 67, travelling about 65mph, driver's side window shattered. no evidence of anything hitting the window. driver side window was cracked about 2 or 3 inches. consumer will contact the dealer. *ak