Problems with 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). the vehicle was taken to local dealer hayes chrysler dodge jeep ram of gainesville located at 3115 frontage rd, gainesville, ga 30504, where she was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced before the recall repair could completed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer had not been informed of failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the rear driver's side of the vehicle was rotting. the contact called miller motor sales (located at 1196 milwaukee ave, burlington, wi 53105, (888) 449-0974) and informed them of the failure. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 260,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a large thump. the contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and found that the fuel tank had detached from the body of the vehicle. the police was present, but no report was filed. the fire department and hazmat unit were also at the scene. the vehicle was towed to kahlo chrysler dodge (9900 pleasant st, noblesville, in 46060), but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 159,000. the vin was unavailable.

Extreme rust and corrosion above both sides of the rear wheel wells. door locks will randomly lock by themselves while driving, stopped or in park. has locked me out after stepping out to open a gate, had to go get a spare set of keys to unlock.

The dash pad has suddenly developed a large crack across the top. i'm concerned that should my airbag deploy, this piece will shatter and cause the airbag to deflate prematurely, or cause injury from plastic shards. this occured while the vehicle was stationary, and unoccupied.

Dashboard made of inferior plastic material that has spider cracks and disintegrated in some areas. the results are jagged pieces that can injure drivers and passengers in a vehicle crash due to the impact itself and deployment of the airbags. with the most recent recall regarding the air bag inflators, the chances of creating additional fragmentation in an air bag deployment is made more likely.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked, and the interior lighting in the cabin and exterior cargo area lighting became inoperable. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the local dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. while driving 40 mph, there was an abnormally loud noise under the vehicle. a couple of days later, while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the frame was cracked. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. . updated 08/31/16*lj the consumer stated the airbag recall had not been completed. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that rust was discovered on the torsion bar mount up to the front of the leaf spring mount. in addition, after the vehicle was mounted on jack stands, it was discovered that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 81,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags); however,t the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard was fractured and needed to be replaced in order to receive the recall repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was unknown. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. while the vehicle was stationary, the dashboard fractured and caused razor sharp pieces to form. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 107,000.

Conversion van --while parking at children's school heard a very loud snap-noticed front wheels turned outward. van towed to shop. told by mechanic that pitman arm snapped off at frame--can not be repaired due to extensive frame rot. snapped at mounting bracket bolts missing . nothing left of frame to attach new parts .purchased 11 months ago and driven approx. 6000 miles. mileage at purchase only 63,052. sitting at repair shop not drivable will need extensive costly frame repair. dealership unwilling to help.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. while the vehicle was being serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags), the technician noticed that the dashboard was cracked due to dry rotting. the technician refused to honor the recall due to the dashboard. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard fractured in fragments. the fractured pieces fell into the air vent system and fractured the foot of the contact's wife. the contact stated that the dashboard started fracturing about seven years ago. the vehicle was diagnosed as needing the dashboard replaced, but the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 80,000.

Tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that there was premature deterioration on the dashboard. the contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). the dealer (auburn chrysler dodge jeep ram, 1901 grass valley hwy, auburn, ca 95603, (888) 268-8026) stated that they would be able to provide the remedy for the recall; however, the dashboard needed to be replaced first in order to receive the repair. the dealer opted not to complete the recall and asked that the contact replace the dashboard first. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for their response concerning the dashboard and the remedy for the recall from the dealer. the failure mileage was not available. parts distribution disconnect.

I was doing routine maintenance on my truck and located frame rusted through on left frame rail just in front of rear tire and behind rear door. in no way should this be happening since i purchased it new in 2003 . the truck has been well maintained . *tr

The dash board is completely falling apart , breaking into many pieces they are falling into the duct work and rattling when the defrost is turned on. looks like the manufacturer should make this right. i am not the only one with this problem.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v354000 (air bags) and 14v770000 (air bags). the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician was unable to perform the recall repair due to two fractures on the passenger side dashboard. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 124,062. updated 4/6/15*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact noticed that the dashboard fractured. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was unable to receive the repairs under nhtsa campaign number: 14v770000 (air bags). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 14v770000 (air bags) and nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. the contact initially brought the vehicle to the dealer on january 15, 2015. at that time, the dealer stated that the recall repair was performed; however, the recall did not begin until until february 3, 2015. upon review of the invoice, the document stated that the vehicle was inspected and that the recall repair would not be needed. several months later, the contact received a notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). the manufacturer stated that the repair for nhtsa campaign number: 14v770000 (air bags) had already been repaired on february 12, 2015 and the parts for nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags) were not available. the contact had not brought the vehicle back to the dealer after january 15, 2015. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact had not experienced an air bag failure. the contact also stated that the dashboard was cracked in several locations, including over the speedometer, the middle of the dashboard, and defroster grill. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The dashboard on the passenger side has a crack on the top, just to the left of the glove bos. it started out as only a small crack but is opening up. the entire area feels very soft when cleaning it, so i assume with most of the other comments, its only a matter of time until it completely falls apart. also why has there been nothing done with the rear fenders on the dodge ram 1500 p.u. the fenders on just about every one i see are rusted out, was told they used a cheaper metal for those fenders. glad they used junk, bit didn't charge you that way. you would think they would take pride in the vehicles. both of these are safety issues as, parts break and fly during accidents. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the plastic dashboard cracked and became very brittle. in some areas, the plastic fractured and created sharp edges on the dashboard. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 130,000.

While driving i had the dashboard crack in two spots. first crack is located in front of passenger seat above air bag, the second crack is located on the dash, in front of the drivers seat at around the 12:00 position of the wheel. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracking and deteriorating. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 95,000. updated 6/8/15*cn the consumer stated the dashboard is made of plastic and is cracking and falling apart. updated 06/11/12*jb

Dashboard completely cracked due to defective plastic materials. *tr

I bought this truck used and expected some components of the truck to be worn.the dashboard has several cracks in it when i bought it and have continued to crack even more. this does not appear to be age related but a serious manufacturing defect. i'm worried about pieces flying off and hitting me in the face as broken parts have already done but only landed at my feet.it's like driving with broken glass on your dashboard. i would hate for the passenger airbag to go off and be stabbed by pieces of flying dashboard. i've noticed that n.h.t.s.a. has received more complaints about this component than any other on this truck. why hasn't a recall been issued? this is a serious safety issue. let's not make this another recall debacle. chrysler needs to take responsibility for this defect. no dashboards crack like this with age. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while the vehicle parked, it was discovered that the paint was peeling off every wheel well and there was rust under the paint that was peeling. the vehicle was taken to dealer where it was confirmed that the wheel well were both rusted. in addition, the vehicle was showing signs of rust on the passenger side bumper. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. the vin was not available.

Dash is cracking and falling apart. *tr

The dashboard on this vehicle cracks and pieces fall down into air vents (made from cheap plastic). if air bags were to deploy the dash would designate causing preventable injuries if cracking was not an issue.

While driving down state highway i lowered the front windows and a piece of the dashboard (that is cracked in several places) broke off, flew around in front of me, and then hit me in the left eye causing me to completely loose site of the road and the other vehicles around me all while doing 60 miles per hour on a 4 lane road. *tr

The rear seat in the 2003 dodge ram quad cab does not have head restraints. i'm concerned that in an accident my children that sit back there can be injured. the back glass is right behind the seat and their heads world hit the glass causing brain damage, spinal cord injuries and possibly death. i've called dodge and they were not helpful. the 2004 models have rear head restraints. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard had several cracks along the surface. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage and vin was not available. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving various speeds, the front passenger's side door released independently. the failure recurred four times. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the technician was not able to provide a remedy to correct the problem. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 300. the vin was unavailable. updated 3/28/14*cn *tr

The dash board is cracking bad. i am scared to ride anyone in the passenger side because it cracking worst around the dash by the airbag. dodge needs a recall on this matter. they used cheap parts in this truck dash board. *tr

Dashboard has cracked in multiple places. cracks began appearing many years ago. *tr

Dash board is severely damaged/cracked in at least 9 or 10 different areas running the length of the dash in some places. in other places the cracks run up and down. the dash is in danger of coming completely off. *tr

I have owned my dodge ram from the very beginning and noticed early on that i had a crack in my dash board dealership stated they could do nothing form me. so i chalked it up to adds character to my truck. however, i turned the a/c on high and proceeded to get hit with a piece of plastic from my dash board. as of this writing i expect my whole dash to cave in. i have multiple cracks that run the entire length of the dashboard. 3 of the 4 vent holes have completely fallen apart. *tr

Tire popped and i spun out of control when it started to rain. i spun into some trees. *tr

Ok, so i recently buy this one owner dodge ram 1500 pickup. 2003, 90,000. in pristine condition. i mean primo. i get in the pickup, and am pulling out of my driveway and hear what was a loud craking sound, like breaking plastic. i didn't think much of it, thinking i ran over a can or something. later in the day, i notice my dash board. oh my god. it has this large crack in it. right above the glove box from the glove box to the window. i then notice another crack right above the passanger door vent (dash) that is working it's way up toward the window. i do some more inspection and see yet another crack near the defrost vent and a small part of the vent missing. i figured that out today when i piece of plastic blew in my face and hit me in the eye when i turned the ac on. i thought, well, maybe i was duked. maybe it was in an accident. i check it all out with carfax. nothing. clean title. well maintained one owner. wtf. i call my local dealer. 'well, we are aware of the issue, we have heard about these things happening, but your truck is out of warranty". what? this is not a warranty issue. it's a defect. after hours of research, i see this is a huge problem with these trucks. the dealer said it's about a $2800.00 fix?? what?? so now i am stuck. i am going to persue this matter for as long as it takes. this is not "sun damage" i know what sun damage is. this is a defect. i have been driving cars/trucks for 30 years, never ever seen a dashboard do this. ever. please keep the complaints coming. tomorrow i am doing battle with dodge at 800-992-1997. i am one pissed customer. who was a loyal dodge fan....not any longer. *tr

Dashboard directly above the front passenger side airbag has completely cracked creating a significant gap. this has caused my wife to inadvertently get her finger caught in it and be cut and injured. additionally the location and severity of the crack has significantly weakened the dashboard and compromised it's structural integrity. this problem will only get worse and expand. should the vehicle be involved in a collision which causes the airbag to deploy it will most certainly pose a great risk to all occupants as the dashboard is likely to fragment at high velocity, sending sharp shards of plastic throughout the passenger compartment. additionally, this may cause the airbag to be punctured upon deployment and fail to operate as designed.

My dashboard is falling apart, sometimes bits of plastic come out of the vents,im not sure if this can damage electrical components ,but my hvac is already acting up ,i've called dodge and they say its cosmetic , but if iget hit with plastic wile im driving it could be interesting to say the least. *tr

2 large cracks in dash, in front of steering wheel and passenger side, i have big concern that in an accident with airbag deployment dash disintegration will occur, resulting in injury to occupants. various reports online where dodge is not warranting dashboards and dealers are not doing airbag recall work because dashboards are falling apart during work. *tr

The dashboard has cracked and broken in multiple places. it clearly will affect the deployment of the passenger airbag. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard had begun to crack near the driver's side air bag and on the passenger's side near the glove box. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 54,000. the consumer stated there were two separate cracks on the dashboard. updated 03/11/14

The dash is just about ready to fall out, cracked in half,pass side defrost grid is gone,very poor material. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard became cracked. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that there were no recalls for the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 79,800 and the current mileage was 84,316.

My 2003 dodge ram 1500 has a defective cracked dashboard. this seems to be a common issue for dodge ram trucks and the manufacture is refusing to take any responsibility for a defective item. *tr

Vehicle dash board came apart while driving at 45 mph. i had noticed it had already cracked. when the dash came apart small pieces became air born. was not injured neither was my wife, surprised though and we could have been. *tr

I had just stopped my truck in front of my garage and, with my foot on the brake, shifted into the park gear position. suddenly the engine began to race and my foot on the brake peddle went to the floor as if i had no brakes at all. i took my foot off of the brake peddle and the engine leaped forward through my garage door. i hit the brakes immediately and came to a screeching stop. i put the truck in reverse but it would not engage. a neighbor came and asked if i needed help. i asked him to try backing out of the garage for me. he took my place behind the wheel and shifted into reverse with the same result. he asked me if i had the emergency brakes on because the truck would not move. i told him no and when he attempted to use reverse again the gears engaged and he backed the truck out of the garage for me. *tr

Dashboard developed large crack that can interfere with operation of the air bag or cause plastic shards to hit the passenger. per review of several websites, as well as complaints per the nhtsa website, this is a very common problem amongst these trucks and the car manufacturer will not take action. a recall should be issued to replace the defective dashes. *tr