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Problems with 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 STRUCTURE

On average, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 starts to “feel” problems with the STRUCTURE and its various aspects after 89 045 miles.

Components Affected by STRUCTURE Issues

We have classified the 232 complaints from 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 about STRUCTURE into the following categories.

BODY 37 FRAME AND MEMBERS 2

Recently reported STRUCTURE problems on 2002 Dodge Ram 1500

I have had large cracks develop in the structural portion of my dash. there has been no accident or damage to the vehicle. *tr

2002 dodge ram quad cab - reporting the cracking of the dash board, there has been no damage to the dash, the ram was kept in a covered garage and still has several cracks complete across the dash. the broken and loose plastic parts could pose a safety hazard. *tr

Cracked dashboard just flaking and really sharp edges. *tr

2002 dodge ram 1500-dash board cracks in several locations. seat belt latch covers disintegrated. *tr

Starting at the being of 2007, my dash has been falling apart. when i complained to the dealership, i was told it wasn't covered and it would cost about $1400 bucks to replace and install the new parts. i've tried to talk to dodge but they refuse to help. now not only is the dash falling apart but switch panels and the overhead console panel. it's like i'm driving a large potato chip; every week, i find something new that's falling apart. (pictures are available if i need to post them here). *tr

Dashboard falling apart/ cracking. *tr

Cracked dash. *tr

My dash on my 2002 dodge ram has been falling apart and dropping into my vents. it is so bad i had to put carpet over it. now i'm having heater repairs done on it. i called dodge and they won't do a thang about it. i have kids and both of them have cut themselves on the sharp pieces on the dash. i had to take one to the dr. dodge needs to fix this on all the truck dashes now. *tr

Dashboard started cracking - dealer said out of warranty - cracking has continued. this vehicle has 44000 miles on the odometer and is in beautiful condition except for the awful dashboard problem. if i ever have a bad accident the dashboard will come apart and cause added injuries to the driver and passengers. it is time for ram to step up and give some help to all its customers with this problem. i have seen various pictures showing the dashboards completely collapsed. this is clearly beyond a cosmetic issue and into a safety issue. *tr

2002 dodge ram 1500 pick-up truck has huge cracks and holes in dashboard. the sunlight and heat directly hitting wires and other components as a result of the cracks and holes is a safety hazard. dodge should recall all models/years effected with these defective dashboards. *tr

Dash board cracking. *tr

I have a 2001 or 2002 dodge ram 1500 (can't recall the year sitting at my desk) and the dashboard has started to crack. at first it was one small crack and now i have 4 separate cracks and my dash appears as if it might cave in. i know there have been several similar issues like this with this model vehicle. *tr

Seriously cracked dashboard, no wrecks or damage to cause the cracks. *tt

The dash board on my 2002 dodge ram is cracking and in danger of collapsing exposing the wiring and electrical components required for safe operation. *tr

Dashboard cracking, breaking, on my 2002 dodge ram 1500 quadcab. there have been rashes of this type of complaint on '01 dodge ram 1500's, i would like my '02 dodge ram to be included in any settlement, should there become a class action event brought against daimlerchrysler. here in central florida the sun degades many items of plastic type manufacture. i believe this is what has caused my problem with the deterioration of my dashboard, it could also be from something else in nature. i taped over the cracks with plastic tape, and bought a carpeted dash cover from jcwhitney, made for my '02 dodge pick up. in the mean time the little grille area over the center passenger defrost vent deteriorated to the extent that it fell into the vent. i fished it out, but it broke in my hands in the process of trying to retrieve it. by covering the dash, i have not seen a progression of the cracking, but i have to look at that "4x4" (approx.) sized hole every time i got to drive my truck. also, as reported on local tv the last two (2) nights, at least one of these faulty dash boards has failed, and is causing head lites to go off on their own while driving. i am a 100% disabled veteran, and use my truck to carry my elec.powerd scooter, every where i go, and do drive after dark. i do not need this kind of thing worrying me as i drive. *tr

Dodge ram 1500 dashboard - first began cracking in 2006. dealer was made aware of problem and refuesed to do anything. in sept ember 2006 the dashboard completely cracked into 3 pieces. again told me it was not their responsiblility. the entire middle section of the dashboard was loose and vibrated. after seeing recent news stories on this i realized that was not the only 'victim. the dealer mad me feel like i had done something wrong and was responsible. this was obviously a manufacturing defect and should be repaired by dodge - at dodge's expense.*ak

Another dodge dashboard cracking. what are the dangers of flying dashboard pieces if the airbag(s) deploy? also, if the dashboard itself breaks down so easily under uv exposure, how quickly will the components under the dash decompose? and what dangers do they present? *tr

2002 dodge ram 1500 has many cracks in the dash. *tr

I own a 2002 dodge ram 1500. around july of 2006 i noticed a crack developing on the passenger side of the dash board that ran from the windshield to the airbag cover. since that time the dash has cracked in 7 different locations including the passenger side defrost cover which fell into the vent. i contacted my local dodge dealership and they said that there was nothing they could do short of replacing the dash at a cost of $1000.00. i understand that this is a common occurrence among this model of truck and i would like my complaint to be on file with you. thank you. *tr

The dashboard cracks by itself and for no apparent reason. while driving down the road the dashboard will just split. the noise is very loud and startling and could create a potentially dangerous distraction while operating the vehicle. this has occurred several times, resulting in numerous cracks in my dashboard and exposing the components inside my dashboard to the heat of direct sunlight coming through my windshield. *tr

Dashboard has been cracking since 2006, now dashboard has completely crumbled apart. totally unsafe hazardous situation now. *tr

The dash on my dodge ram is cracking in several places, i am concerned that it is going to cave in. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated that the plastic bar used onto to get in and out of the vehicle on the passenger side completely detached from vehicle. this caused the contact to fall and land on the ground outside of the vehicle. there were no injuries. 08/01/06 updated. *tt

2002 dodge ram 1500. dash has been cracking for last several years and i just now started researching on internet for fear of some electrical short or serious injury. this is an apparent very common defect with dodge, that dodge does not want to rectify. i've always used a sunvisor and tried my best to protect the dash and interior. 1. events leading up to failure - defect in materials used by dodge. 2. failure and occurrence - dash keeps cracking. 3. actions taken to correct - filing complaint. *tr

The dashboard cracks by it self and i`ts rely sharp edges i`ts like is dissolving by it self and as i can see all the models from 1999 to 2006 are the same dodge is not doing anything about it and if you have a accident with the truck sharp peaces can injure the passengers in the truck if you can do an investigation you will see that this is a urgent recall. *tr

The vehicles dashboard is falling apart, cracking up like thin potato chips. no abuse to the vehicle of any kind. it is just cracking up from poor lousy plastic that can't handle weather conditions inside the vehicle. dodge/chrysler/fiat should recall the vehicle for defective product which is the dashboard plastics. this is an issue that has most of there trucks doing this exact same thing. *tr

Cracked dashboard in 2002 dodge ram 1500. started cracking 18-24 months ago and now has totally fallen apart. *tr

The dashboard began cracking two years ago and has continued to do so. there are now several large cracks in the dashboard. *tr

Crashed dashboard! the vent coverings are no longer present and have fallen into the air ducts. there are large cracks starting from where the dash meets the windshield and extending out to the end of the dash. there are triangular holes where the dash has fallen through. there are roughly 8 large cracks, each having roughly 3 or 4 smaller cracks radiating perpendicular to the main cracks. the cracks are very sharp, and can cause the potential for harm. when the a/c is turned on, there has been pieces of small plastic thrown out of the duct. this is a major hazard, especially when driving. another problem with the cracks and holes is that there is now a change in contrast upon reflection from the windshield, which is very distracting. instead of having a constant tan color being reflected, there is tan with black interruptions. *tr

Joining the group of people with cracked dash problems on our 2002 dodge ram 1500. over. 2 years ago, we noticed a crack on the front portion of the dash at the center of the windshield. this is separate to the main dash cover. now, we have a new crack near the right side air bag on the main portion. at best, it is unsightly for a vehicle as expensive as this. as a safety concern, who knows what would happen in an accident. the vehicle is garaged most of the time because it is a second vehicle. it appears a waste of time to talk to a dealership unless you have an extra $800 kicking around the wallet. if dodge/chrysler does not want to face up to the problem and the nhsta is not taking action,maybe some picketing of the dealerships and media investigative reporting should be done. is there any class actions pending? if not, it looks like there are enough people with the same problem to start one. *tr

Dashboard is cracking and little pieces of plastic are coming out of the ac. *tr

I have a 2002 dodge ram that i bought used in 2006. i did not have the truck six months and i noticed a small crack. a couple of days later i noticed two more including the speaker grills in the dash completely falling apart. this is a nationwide problem that needs to be fixed before someone takes a piece of plastic to the face if in an accident. once it starts cracking it is not going to stop and this is a safety issues for not only exposed wires but also airbags that if deployed will send sharp pieces of plastic everywhere. *tr

2002 dodge ram 1500 truck - the dash has cracked in several places. i actually saw it crack as i was driving home from work, on a smooth highway. also, the rotors warped within the first year, the dealer turned them, even though we asked that they be replaced. several months later we had the same problem with the rotors and the dealer turned them again. once more, we had asked that they be replaced and we were told dodge would not pay for the rotors to be replaced. *nm

Dashboard begin cracking and finally in a couple days of weeks broke apart completely as i had been in a crash.i called the company they said the warranty had expired.i told them i have 1992 ford aerostar whose dashboard was completely .intact and that it was much older it had to be a structural defect. they offer to pay half which meant i had to pay 500.00 dollars, which i didn't have. i felt they should pay all of it. also the airbag light is on and the rpm accelerate without me pushing the gas pedal.i took many times to the dealership and they said they would fix it but they never did. *tr

I purchased 2002 dodge 1500 truck new. now the dash board is cracked 3 different places,and the dodge dealer will mot replace or fix the problem without charging me 1000$. this seems to be a big problem facing dodge truck owners from 1998 to 2006. please help. thanks michael *tr

Dash board cracked and fell in leaving sharp pieces of plastic all over dash board. plastic has fallen into defroster vents. now no heat on left side of truck. *tr

Dash is cracked on my 2002 dodge ram 1500 in multiple places. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that he was unable to feel heat on the drivers side of the vehicle; all of the heat was on the passenger side. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that they could do nothing about the problem. furthermore, the dashboard began to crack. the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. the manufacturer was not notified. the current mileage was approximately 146,000. the failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

2002 dodge ram 1500 dashboard started crumbling to pieces after only 3 years. dodge dealer told us it was not covered under warranty. we would have to replace the dashboard at our own expense. the dealer even told us this was a common complaint from dodge truck owners. *kb

My dashboard has deep cracks all across the top which crack and are falling apart down into the mechanical parts of my truck. i went to dodge and they told me they could not help, i priced this repair with a body shop and they said it would cost $350 for the dash but the labor would cost $700-800. dodge needs to make this right my truck still runs fine, but i'm hoping i will not have any problems with air bag deployment from this as the cracks are on top of the passenger airbag as well. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that multiple fractures developed on the dashboard of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the failure mileage was unknown.

2002 dodge ram 1500 dashboard cracked falling to pieces just after 3 years dodge told me it was not covered under warranty and a common complaint. *tr

Dash board cracking on my 2002 dodge ram 1500 5.9. *tr

at 48,000 miles and only 3 years old my dashboard started cracking . now it is cracked all over and starting to run down the center towards the floor. i know there are alot of complaints about the dodge ram dasboards and it is time they are forced to recall and fix this problem. *tr

Dash in 2002 dodge ram 1500 quad cab. *tr

Dashboard is cracked in several places. pieces that have come loose may fall and cause system failure or become projectiles in an accident. *tr i haven't replaced the dash. it needs to be recalled. this is a common problem on this vehicle

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled without warning. however, the check engine light had illuminated after the failure occurred. the vehicle was merged to the emergency lane and restarted the vehicle. also, the vehicle over heated multiple times. in addition, the dashboard began to crack and later collapsed. the contact noticed that the crack was near the air bag and could potentially inadvertently deploy the air bag. the failure caused the entire instrument panel to malfunction. the contact stated that the pieces from the dash board fell into the air vents causing the a/c unit to malfunction. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the engine and dashboard needed to be replaced. also, the technician stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

I own a 2002 dodge ram pickup, as noted in overwhelming number of complaints, the dashboard has numerous cracks developing as we speak. again, after taking it to the dealership to no avail, they would be so happy to replace it for $723. i believe that these dashes are defective and should be replaced. i have owned much older cars with not one crack developing as long as i have owned them. i am appalled that nothing has been done before now to fix the problem. i am afraid that if we were in an accident, we would be severely hurt by sharp flying debris compounding it with the force of the airbag deployment. this truck has never been in an accident whatsoever, so the damage is caused by a defect in workmanship therefore should be replaced!!!!!! *tr

2002 dodge ram pickup- dash has been cracking in several places for the past 2 years. multiple cracks are deepening and widening an new cracks developing. concerned about exposed wiring and potential airbag malfunction. *tr

Corroded dashboard. as of two years ago the dashboard has literally been cracking into small pieces exposing the internal wiring/airbag equipment, which will have the tendency to cause defects with headlamps, engine failure, etc. *ak

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