Problems with 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 STRUCTURE

2003 dodge ram 1500 dashboard cracked at 90,000 miles (noticed). *tr

Dash cracking into pieces, read online that this is a huge problem for dodge rams 1998-2006 but dodge has done nothing about it. *tr

I went to work one day in the company truck and when i got home i went to my dodge and opened the door to find a 16 inch crack in the dashboard that was not there when i left that morning. i have recently heard that dodge may have used defective plastic in the fabrication of their dashboards from 1998-2006. since i'm not going to spend $800 on a new dash that is probably just going to do the same and dodge is not paying for any replacements the only options at this point are 1) buy a dash cover or 2) do nothing. *tr

My 2003 dodge ram 1500 the dashboard is cracking and i'm concerned that the pieces will fall down and cut the wires in the dash or get into the airbag system causing blindness or harm when the airbags come out!! this is a defect on dodge's part and it needs to be a recall on this safety issue!! there are to many of these trucks on the road with this problem for it not to be a defect and a safety issue! you need to put a recall on them!!!! *tr

I purchased a 2003 dodge ram/ 1500 pick up recently and the whole dash board was/is falling apart. when i went online, i discovered that this is an evident problem with dodge, there are hundreds of complaints on www.carcomplaints.com,dodgeproblems.com and safercar.gov. an investigation regarding this problem was aired by local 6 news in 2007,(local6.com) the pieces of plastic that come off the dashboard are at most times large and very sharp. i definitely find this to be a hazard to my family. i addressed this with dodge, put in a claim and they asked that i get an estimate from my local dodge dealer to replace. the estimate was $1061.00 for parts, $800.00 for labor not including tax. dodge offered for us to pay a co pay of $750.00 for this to be repaired by dodge. i declined their offer because this is a manufacture defective product that they are neglecting to take responsibility for with their consumers. this has been reported to the nhtsa before, as claimed by many, and not been recalled yet. why? how can these sharp objects falling off your dashboard be safe? *tr

My 2003 dodge, 1500, 4x4 truck has two cracks in the dash. it has cracked completely from the front windshield all the way to the glove box. it has cracked in two different places. the windshield has also cracked in close to the same place in two different places. it appears that the entire vehicle is coming apart or splitting down the center. *tr

I have a 2003 dodge ram 1500 4x4, that has a dash that has become cracked spontaneously, which is leading to exposure of electronic components, the air bags, the vehicles engine and has severely sharp edges. this vehicle has never been in an accident, has been cared for, and yet, just like what seems thousands of other instances with this model has become unsafe, yet chrysler, who accepted taxpayer funds through the bailout, refuses to do a thing about it. this defect can lead to fire, explosion, improper airbag deployment or lack of, sharp plastic cutting, exploding, etc among other hazards. *tr

Dashboard cracked and has continued to crack across the entire length. *tr

Bad cracks in dash of 2003 dodge ram pickup *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. while entering the vehicle, the contact noticed four cracks along the hard cover of the dashboard. the dealer advised there was no recall for the failure and any repairs would be at the owner's expense. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 62,000.

The dash on my 2003 dodge ram 1500 is cracking. these are not cracks from the sun. two cuts/cracks appeared suddenly and a third about a week later. they look like cuts that were made with a saw blade. parts of the dash over the air bag are loose and flopping around. the edges are sharp and can lead to a person cutting them selves. i'm afraid that in an accident the air bag would not properly deploy. the dash is an intrical part of the cabin structure. this is not an isolated case as i've found hundreds on the internet. *tr

Ii own a 2003 dodge ram 1500,and my complaint is my dashboard is starting to fall apart. my issue is that the parts that are breaking off may cause an electrical short,due to the plastic falling into my electrical compartment. i am also concern it may even spark an electrical fire while i'm driving. so if you would please take this problem into consideration and investigate,because i do think it is a dodge problem not wear and tear. thank you very much for your time. *tr

2003 dodge ram 1500 dashboard cracked all over. would definitely be a safety issue if in an accident. i have to wonder if an airbag would do any good if it hits the sharp pieces of the dash. or worse if a person hit the sharp pieces. dodge told me it was only a few trucks with this problem, but almost every truck made around 2003 has same problem to some extent. *tr

2003 dodge ram 1500 dash board is cracking around passenger air bag. *tr

The side panels of the truck bed started to rust through with 2 inch holes. then a couple of months later we noticed the truck was making a funny noise underneath. climbed under to find out that the frame was all rusted and large holes throughout and it was only hanging on by a thin piece of rusted metal. a mechanic welded a small plate underneath towards the front of the frame to try and hold things together. *tr

The top dash board is a two part plastic cover. it is splitting and cracking in many places. i spoke with a service writer at the dealership and called dodge customer service. no help. *tr

2003 dodge ram 1500 quad cab swb 4x2 4.7l v8. the dashboard is cracked and has caused the heater operation to be degraded. major concern is what effect this may have on passenger air bag deployment. *tr

The dash on my 2003 dodge ram has cracked, full depth, on both driver and passenger side. the cracks keep getting bigger and deeper. it appears as though soon parts of the dash will begin to become separated and create a missile hazard. *tr

2003 dodge ram 1500 quad-cab. during normal use and care the dashboard has cracked in two places. a piece has broken off the dash and fell down into the area behind the dashboard. subsequently, the heater stopped blowing hot air. the heater failure appears to be due to the broken piece of the dash interfering with the heater mechanism behind the dash. no repair or replacement has been attempted at this time. the plastic inserts in the door handles have also failed. this includes the components that hold the window, mirror, and door lock controls. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and fractured, which created very sharp edges on the dashboard. the contact indicated that the cracks were located where the air bag was positioned. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that the damage was caused by excessive sun light. the vehicle was not repaired. manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 50,000.

Dashboards collapsing, cracking 2003 dodge ram 1500. *tr

Dash started to crack slightly a couple years ago, within a few days it was all the way across the forward panel in the center. i have noticed recently that there are several other cracks that have developed in both the forward and rear portions of this dash. there are places that i can literally pull pieces out out the dash, all of the grids over the vents are so brittle that when i put my sun shield in the front window 3 of them busted out just by touching them with the shield. the condition of this dash is so bad that i fear if the passenger side airbag were to inflate it could possibly throw pieces of the dash plastic at the passenger and severely injure them. i have spoken with a parts manager at a dodge dealership and he said that there have been problems with the dash boards of models from 1999 through 2005, but he said dodge has made no effort to fix the problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the rear corner panels were rusted. the failure recurred continuously. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water was trapped in the corner panels, which caused the rust. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 75,000.

2003 dodge ram 1500. dashboard cracked above the glove compartment. one day no crack - next morning, cracked from back to front. no reason - no warning. why won't dodge replace these dashboards???? *tr

Besides heat not working, numerous gas cap replacements, numerous shorts in brake light, radio cutting off, my dash has cracked in several places which could cause injury if touched by youngsters. apparently numerous complaints on all of the above!! *tr

Horrible cracks all over dashboard. plastic is crumbling. some parts are very sharp. *tr

Dashboard cracked because of defective plastic near passenger air bag. *tr

I have a 2003 1500 dodge ram the dash board started with a small crack and then within a few months it became a very large crack. also the driver's side grip handle has completely pulled off. *tr

2003 dodge ram 1500 dashboard cracked all over. would definitely be a safety issue if in an accident. i have to wonder if an airbag would do any good if it hits the sharp pieces of the dash. or worse if a person hit the sharp pieces. dodge told me it was only a few trucks with this problem, but almost every truck made around 2003 has same problem to some extent. *tr

Dashboard has cracked in two locations. *tr

2003 dodge 1500 pick-up, cracked dashboard. *tr

Cracked dashed in 2003 dodge ram pieces fell into heater and broke it now i have to pay to get it fixed which isn't cheap. *tr

The dash started to crack on my 2003 ram 1500 pickup, the cracks just get worse,and a pieace flew off while i was driving, and hit me in the eye, almost lost control of my truck, dodge needs to recall and fix these dashboards before some one is hurt or killed, afraid to let any one ride in the front seat. *tr

Cracked of dash pad on a 2003 dodge ram 1500 pickup. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was fractured. the contact noticed that the fractured dashboard pieces were falling into the vents. the contact sustained minor injuries on his hands that did not require medical attention. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The dash of my 2003 dodge 1500 truck developed a small crack. i thought this would not be a problem. after a few months the entire dash is cracking with pieces lodged in the air vents making the heater inoperable. i also worry that the air bags if needed to deploy may be affected by this defect. i consider this not a cosmetic defect but one that could cause grave bodily harm. *tr

I own a 2003 dodge ram 1500 pickup. unexpectedly, a major crack has occurred on top of the dash. there was no impact or force put upon the dash, it just seems to be cracking on its own. the cracks are causing very sharp edges where a serious cut can occur if a person's hand or finger goes across it. *tr

Cracked dashboard in my 2003 dodge ram 1500. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracking and breaking off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that he would have to cover the expenses to have the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 79,000. updated 10/05/2011 *ln

I have a 2003 dodge ram 1500 truck with 54000 mile 2 month ago i found a small cracked on the top of the dashboard with in 2 month it is all over the dashboard with sharp edges in about 3 places i called the dealer which refused to do anything aboutthat problem . later on i found out there is a lot of complaints with similar problem so please do something about it. *tr

Thanks for reviewing. i bought not just one but two 2003 dodge ram 1500 slt laramie off road 4/4. after only 6-7 years of service the truck started to rust. i went for maintenance and when raising the vehicle the technician got excited and stopped he called me over to show me my driver side frame rail was so deteriorated he was unsure he could safely raise the vehicle. i was shocked. because i had the truck from the dealer brand new and knew the care in which the truck received. the truck is unsafe and thought i could just buy a repair. the repair cost as much as buying a different truck which i did. same one. and guess what the same problem. rust over the wheel, bumper and yes the frame rail. i could poke my finger thought it and it would fall apart. i called dodge to express my concern for the amount of trucks like this on the road. they told me my truck was old and that's why. for a company to advertise their trucks being the toughest on the plant i don't think so. the problem i have is my son has a 1986 ford truck which everything fell off except the frame, on the other hand, i have a truck which all works and i can't drive. i'm sure a little investigation you will find 100000s of these broken frame trucks that most don't even know it's happening. it's unsafe to have confidence in a vehicle to provide protection in case of the unthinkable. but dodge handed out a bunch of trucks that have ticking time bombs in them. i imagine the vehicle responding much differently if in a collision with a rusted un supported frame. just like a house in florida without building for a hurricane to pass. i feel dodge covered up the problem and sacrificed the very people that kept them in business. i will continue to bring light to this and i'm sure many people out there have the same problem. a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and valueless. thank you for your attention.

2003 dodge ram 1500 dash cracking & coming apart. dodge should cover via recall this potentially dangerous defect. its a mess & dangerous. *tr

Yes i own a 2003 dodge ram 1500 and about 2 years ago i started noticing that there were small cracks forming in my dash board and wasn't sure why. done some calling around and research and found out that there was nothing that could be done about it short of dropping 500 dollars on a new dash board. now two years later my dash looks like a jig-saw puzzle. i am worried about my dash falling apart one day going down the road. i work in the emergency field and it scares me for me and my family to ride down the road in my truck for fear of pieces of plastic falling off the dash. please help me...... *kb

2003 dodge ram 1500 with 86,000 miles. large crack in dashboard on passenger side. *tr

The dashboard on my 2003 dodge ram truck is completely cracking causing pieces to fall in the dash area below. the dash started out with several small cracks, and quickly got worse over a short period of time. now, i have large holes in the dash all the way across from the steering wheel to the passengers side. *tr

Cracked dashboard on a 2003 dodge ram 1500. *tr

Paint corrosion on the hood and top of cab, doors and had i had engine failure at 70,000 plus and at 107,000.

My dash cracked on my 2003 dodge ram pickup above the air bag on passenger side front . my truck is well kept and covered when setting in the direct sun. i belong to a dodge club and several members are getting this fixed as a factory defect. i was directed to the ntsb to file a complaint ... i have two other dodge vehicles that are older and they are not cracked at all... many dashes i've seen are cracked in the exact same location as mine. right above the air bag on passenger side. most people that are experiencing this problem have had it start much sooner than mine which may be due to my truck being covered most of the time i would like to have this fixed before more cracks occur and someone gets cut on sharp plastic or even worse it may affect the air bag deployment. most seem to start with this and continue cracking all across the dash. *tr

Dashboard is cracking despite keeping truck in shade and using a sun shade. *tr

I own a 2003 ram 1500 quad cab and the clear coat is deteriorating on every panel. i have got three estimates, all of which were 4 to 5 thousand dollars to repair. i see thousands of other dodge owners with this exact same issue. please help!! *tr