Problems with 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 STRUCTURE

The dash has started to crack, and the latest one is right above the passenger air bag. my concern is what would happen in the event of a air bag deployment if a big shard of plastic from the dash were to fall in front of the air bag during deployment. what would happen to the front passenger, or my young kids sitting in the back seat? i have also found reports of owners reporting wiring problems due to parts of the dash falling down. *tr

Dashboard has developed cracks in multiple locations above the passenger airbag. cracks continue to increase in size and severity. electrical components of passenger air bag compartment are exposed to dust and dirt. i am also concerned about fragmentation of the brittle dashboard in the case of a crash and or airbag deployment. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. the dealer inspected and took pictures of the failure, sending them to the regional representative. the regional representative denied the contact any assistance with the repair. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 108,000. the vin was unavailable.

Cracked dash i opened the door to my truck one morning and looked up at my dashboard and there was a crack all the way across it. i have researched this and it appears that this is a factory defect and almost all dodge ram trucks have this problem. i feel that this should be taken care of by the manufacturer. *tr

Dash is cracked all way causing a safety problem with sharp pieces.

Dashboard cracked in multiple places. defrost vents disintegrated and fell into ducts. defrost blend door not functioning and causing windshield to fog up when using a/c. rear fenders rotted out from the inside out on both sides in the exact same place. random engine loss of power, re-starting fixes problem until next occurrence. *tr

Cut my hand on a crack in the dashboard. dodge is not standing behind its product, they have defective dashboards and will not replace them. *tt

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that his dashboard was severely cracked in multiple places. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was not notified of the defect. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 65,000. the current mileage was 97,000.

I love my truck and paid hard earned money for it. i keep it in good shape. earlier this summer, i noticed my dash has started cracking. i keep protectant on it and sun shields in the front windshield. it's dis-heartening to have something i took care of and spent good money on fail in this manner. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard fractured and started falling apart. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Very large and sharp jagged edges coming up from a very badly cracked dashboard. there needs to be a recall on 02-09 dodge ram trucks. very dangerous to driver and passengers. especially if that vehicle is involved in an accident. *js

On 1/9/2012 as i was getting something out of the passenger side of the cab, i noticed a crack in the dashboard. this crack was not there the day before. it is approximately 6" long, just to the left of the glove box on the top of the dash. *tr

The dashboard is falling apart in this truck. have done online research and in dodge ram trucks this is a common problem. have read where whole electrical systems have failed due to these dashboards cracking and falling apart and on occasion while driving these trucks. these trucks should definitely be recalled to fix this problem before someone is seriously injured. *tr

Dashboard cracked around speaker grill. then another, now 5 cracks one by glove box that is sharp and has cut me twice. i understand that this is a continuing problem with dodge trucks from model years 1998-2006. shameful!!!!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was fractured and falling apart from the windshield to the front portion of the dashboard. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 111,000.

Dasboard cracking - vehicle is not even 10 yrs. old yet. handle inside that you would grab to help yourself in has cracked and is not safe to use. my wife almost fell out of the vehicle when this handle cracked and came loose from the inside of the truck. dashboard cracks match exactly what i have viewed on-line while investigating other owners issues with this vehicle with same problem. obviously a common problem with this make (dodge) of vehicle. cannot find any info on any recall being issued. i am worried if an air bag deployed that the dash would become flying shrapnel.

If i were to be in an accident i am extremely concerned that the dash would fly apart with the air bag on impact seriously hurt someone, the dash is cracked badly and i have already seen chunks come out of my brothers dash this is an expensive repair. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was splitting apart from the vehicle. the dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 80,000.

Dashboard on my well cared for 03 ram 1500 has cracked and is spreading rapidly, and exposing sharp jagged edges above airbag which apparently is a well known problem on the dodge trucks. certainly could be a safety issue if involved in a crash. *tr

The dashboard on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 has multiple cracks in it. the most concerning crack is located above the passenger airbag. also the assist handle on the driver side has been replaced and has broken again. the part is expensive and i should not have to pay to replace this faulty piece again. consequently, i have had to discontinue the use of the assist handle. i am only 5'2" and it is difficult for me to maneuver in and out of the vehicle safely without the grab handle. the cracks began in 2008 and have been multiplying since then. i will be driving down the street and hear a crack and there is another crack in the dash. the vent areas have all fallen through into the heating/cooling compartments causing rattling. *tr

Dashboard cracked and hvac air flow recirculator vent broken as with many other ram 1500s from various model years. customer care only offers to remove the labor costs for replacement of damaged areas. owner is made to pay for materials at full retail cost. will never buy another chrysler product again! *tr

Cracks in the dash on my 2003 dodge ram. afraid that the air bags wont deploy properly. *tr

Dashboard cracking and falling apart. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the entire dashboard was separated from the vehicle causing the wires to shorten. as a result, the horn and exterior lighting failed intermittently. the air bag was also exposed. in addition, the vehicle stalled intermittently while driving. the dealer had not been notified. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the electrical wires were compromised due to the electrical system malfunctioning since the fragments were tampering with the wires. the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 97,643 and the approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Dash cracking falling apart on 2003 ram 1500 rear end chewed up either axle clip or posi clip. *tr

The dash on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 is cracked in several places on the passenger side. i originally thought of this as a cosmetic defect however, i now believe this is a more serious hazard as the airbag is stored under the dash. should the airbag deploy, pieces of plastic then become shrapnel. additionally, the electrical wiring can become damaged causing the airbag not to deploy when needed. either way, you're taking a chance on the unexpected when something bad happens. i don't think it's worth the risk. prevention is key. therefore, this is a very serious concern and i hope the nhtsa convinces chrysler to take it seriously. *tr

I bought my 2003 dodge ram 1500 new from the dealer..within the last year and half...several parts of the truck that are plastic molds have begun to break..the dash (both parts), lock switch bezels, hood scoop insert, and a few other pieces. it seems to me that the type of plastic or quality that dodge used in manufacturing these parts has led to numerous accounts of parts breaking where in most cases the parts should hold up to the life the of vehicle. i feel like a re-call, especially on the dashboards of the ram trucks, should be issued so that dodge can correct a problem from a manufacturing defect. thank you for you time and consideration into this matter. *tr

Truck has excessive rust over both rear fenders. had it looked at by a couple of body shoppes and estimate to have it fixed will cost about $5,500. rust is coming from underneath about wheel and rusting from under surface to exterior on fender. 90% of other dodge ram trucks with the same body style as my 2003 ram all have surface rust where the paint looks bubbled. this should have been a recall with chrysler. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the vehicle dashboard developed a fracture above the left side of the glove compartment that continued up to the windshield. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised the contact that the dashboard would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any immediate assistance and explained to the contact that once the repairs were performed, she could send the paper work in to determine eligible for reimbursement. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

The dash board is all cracked up now do to dodge using cheap materials. i have always put up a sun shade no matter where i park my truck and it is always in my garage when not being driven. shame on dodge chrysler products for making such a garbage truck. and the rack & pinion steering should last alot longer than it has. no wonder people buy foreign autos. they are far superior. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the was cleaning the dashboard area when his finger was cut as a result of the dashboard being cracked. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. the contact called the manufacturer to make them aware of the failure but was offered no further assistance. the current and failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Dashboard cracking and falls apart at the slightest touch. cannot order replacement parts due to dodge closing. chrysler advised it is not covered under warranty. cheap dash. *js

Dashboard has multiple cracks and the a/c venthole covers have completely collapsed into the a/c unit. *tr

Dash is disintegrating. could be very dangerous and hurtful situation, if the air bag were to deploy, which could result in serious injury or possible fatality. apparently, this problem has been ongoing for years. updated 10/20/11 *bf

2003 dodge ram 1500 quad cab, dash started cracking about 4 years ago and continues deteriorating, now has a couple of big cracks (3/8" wide) and some little ones. coupled with recall (r26/nhsta 15v-312) on defective airbag inflator housing (for which i have been waiting so far over 6 months for) this has potential for serious injury to occupants, i do not have luxury of using another vehicle. dodge do not seem in any rush to remedy this problem even though it is dangerous and a multi state issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated the dashboard on the vehicle was cracked open. the contact stated the gauges are currently working, but the dashboard and instrument panel was broken. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the dashboard was not covered under warranty. the contact stated there was also a problem with rear differential which was wearing out the gear, but the dealer was unable to pinpoint the cause. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 61,000.

2003 dodge 1500 ram dashboard cracking across the front and sides. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard exhibited a hair line fracture that expanded over the dashboard area, to the defroster vents and caused the plastic to fracture into several pieces. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. updated 02/12/13*lj updated 02/13/13

My 2003 dodge ram 1500's dashboard is completely shattered without and force to it. it started cracking back in 09 and is now becoming sharp edged pieces all over my car. in the case of an accident these sharp pieces could easily do some damage to a sensitive part, such as a persons eye. if this is to happen to me, or any of the other of 1000's of people with this issue, there will be lawsuits out the ass for lack of recall. there is something obviously wrong with the dashboard in these trucks, and they need to be fixed. *kb

In 2008 when the truck was under warranty the dash started cracking. i was advised and up until october, 2010 (when the warranty expired) that the cracked dashboard is considered cosmetic and not covered by warranty. starting in dec. 2010 the defroster instead of sticking once in a while and requiring a switch from defrost to vent back to defrost to get it to work, started not working. dodge will not repair the defrost issue which is a safety issue unless i replace the dash. i believe that the cracked dash which by itself is probably something that is more a customer satisfaction and poor engineering effort becomes a safety issue when it must be replaced because of issues that occur with the defrost system. many times i have driven this truck in bad weather conditions where i need the defroster just to see out of the windshield and the fogging occurs while i am driving (typically on a highway/interstate). now i'm forced to replace something "cosmetic" or "not a safety issue" due to something that is? the issues with the defrost breaking are common. i strongly encourage the nhtsa to require dodge to replace or repair broker defrosters as these systems even in vehicles dating back into the 1950's rarely if ever require any repair and for good reason...safety. if dodge then believes the dash needs replacing they should be required as part of the safety replacement requirements to "replace/repair and all peripheral components required to correct the issue". i, and as i read many others, would truly appreciate an evaluation of this matter and attention by the nhtsa. thank you for your time. *tr

I was driving down the highway and my dash split 2 times. i have done nothing for repair, since i have seen many other complaints on the internet. *tr

On november 19, 2009, i was driving my 2003 dodge ram 1500 on the expressway with my windows down. the wind from the windows being down caused part of the cracked dashboard to fly up and hit my face. it caused me to lose control for a second but was able to overcome. cracked dashboards are a known issue with dodge ram trucks and is a safety hazard. someone is going to get killed from this. i guess dodge will fix their defect once this happens. hopefully i won't be the test case! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving under normal road conditions, the dashboard exhibited an abnormal popping and then completely cracked. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the failure was a constant issue with the year, make and model but the manufacturer had not issued a recall. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that although the failure was a known issue they were not willing to assist with any repairs. the contact had to tape the dashboard to the vehicle in order to stabilize and prevent the windshield glass from fracturing. the contact believed the failure to be a huge safety hazard and the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 117,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.

Cracked dashboard in my 03 dodge 1500 *kb

2003 dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.7 hemi rusting out from the inside out around the rear wheel wells. between the outer bed side and the inner metal fender. there are factory drilled holes that let the road dirt in and get trapped to rust out the bed sides. *tr

The dash board develops major cracks and overall material breakdown exposing wiring under the dash for a possible catastrophic failure of safety and electrical systems due to inadvertent exposure (airbags, headlights, taillights, gauges, ignition, ventilation, etc) . it threatens the occupants (riders) with possible projectile shards of plastic if there is an accident, causing more damage than an impact itself. possible injury upon exiting the vehicle if a hand is placed in the dash area and it collapses. the integrity of the structure is faulty creating a unsafe environment. the cracks are not from abuse or mistreatment of the vehicle. the part is not a wear item that mechanically deteriorates over time. the vehicle is garaged and well kept regardless of mileage. inspected regularly, registered as individual use not a commercial vehicle. *tr

Several months ago, i purchased a 2003 dodge ram 1500 from a local car salesman. the first few months were perfectly fine, however, that did not last for long. one day, i noticed a small crack above my steering wheel. i figured it was nothing and began cleaning the interior of my truck. however, when i started wiping down the dashboard, that crack spread at least five or six inches. by the end of the month, there were several cracks throughout my dashboard, some leaving pieces completely removable. several the pieces have fell into my defrosting vents, leaving me to remove them. i quickly started looking online for replacement dashboards, and i noticed that several other people were having the same problems, some even becoming cut while trying to clean the interior. this poses a serious safety risk. if a person were to have a collision, that individual would most likely get cut by flying dash debris. it might even cost that individual his or her life. so i urge the national highway traffic safety administration to step in and fix this problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and causing the defroster to malfunction. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. the contact called the manufacturer and the manufacturer stated there was nothing they could do to assist. the contact stated that the lack of working defrosters could impair his vision and cause a crash. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 116,000.

The dash board has finally fallen apart after years of trying to keep it together. the obd connection has never worked fuse is good and several different scanners but no communication. *tr

Severe cracking of dashboard. cracking is so bad that pieces are falling into/inside the dash. these exposed edges are extremely sharp, posing a severe laceration hazard. *tr