Problems with 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and detaching from the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

I own a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the dash board has one large crack/hole and multiple little cracks throuout from the drivers side to the passenger side, and front to back. the plastic is brittle and i am concerned that during a crash the pieces will become projectiles and shards that could punture airbags and people causing serious injury. i checked into replacing the part only to find that this is a problem with many of the truck lines of dodge from 1998 through 2006 and the replacements are of the same material and would be prone to crack in short time just as the original dases had. as a former firefighter having responded to many accidents i see this as a time bomb to a death that is not neccessary if it hasn't already happened. the dash, i thought, was supposed to remain flexible for the deployment of airbags but instead will be shattered by the airbag deployment and be blown right into the face of the very person they were supposed to protect causing in all likelyhood severe injuries. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. while examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the dashboard was cracked entirely. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the current mileage was 200,000 and the failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that the dashboard fractured into several pieces due to defective material. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the dashboard defect was not under recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 155,000 and the current mileage was 185,000.

Dodge ram 2500 dashboard is cracked in several places. the main crack is on the passenger side right by the airbag. there are several other cracks throughout the dashboard. *tr

All dodge ram from 2000-2005 have dash problems. they break and fall apart. they cost around $1500-1800 to get them replaced. they don't tell you when you buy it. so why does the nhtsa not do anything about it. if you have wreck and the airbags deploy, there are sharp edges in between you and the bags. they will cut your face, arms, or worse kill you. is it going to take innocent people getting murdered by dodge's negligence for somebody to do something. they are defective. make dodge recall the dash and install a new safer one. i do not want people to be killed, including myself and family. *kb

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that while driving in reverse 5 mph, the brake line flew off the vehicle because of excessive corrosion. the vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic who stated that the entire frame had rusted prematurely. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was approximately 12,900.

I own a 2003 dodge ram 2500. recently the dash cracked for no apparent reason. i am concerned that the integrity of the dash is now compromised. in the event of a collision i fear that the dash will now turn into little projectiles causing more damage to my occupants. *tr

Dash is cracking. should be fix by dodge it could be a safety hazzard... *js

Cracked dash panel. *tr

The dashboard in my 2003 dodge ram 2500 has begun to crack and disintegrate. *tr

At about 7 yrs old, our trucks' dash started cracking at what looks like the mounting seems. there was no crash that damaged it. we live in the desert, but always use window shades. since we're out of warranty dodge will do nothing. it has since broke off in larger chunks, falling into the air vents. we have owned vehicle for much longer and never had this problem. i have recently been reading forums where others with this type vehicle have the same problem, and again, dodge does nothing. is it going to take one falling completely apart, and a child sticking their hands in there and being shocked for someone to make dodge recall their faulty dash boards? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that the dashboard began to disintegrate and pieces of it was falling off and hitting him while driving. he was concerned that the dashboard was so brittle that if anyone had to brace themselves on it their hands would go through it. chrysler took pictures and stated that they could offer no assistance. case # 19653576 was filed with the manufacturer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were approximately 45,000.

Dodge 2500 slt has a severely cracked dash with multiple very sharp and jagged edges... its made of very poor and brittle plastic and because its in the dash poses a significant hazard to the airbag deployment and or persons thrown forward onto the dash. dodge knows this is a problem and hasn't had a recall on this issue. i would like to know if the national highway safety people would like to take action on this issue. *tr

Dashboard cracking into pieces. from the amount of complaints about this same problem on dodge vehicles i believe it is from faulty materials used in manufacturing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and detaching from the vehicle. also, the contact mentioned that there were cracks located by the air bag compartment on the passenger's side. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was advised that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. *tr

2003 dodge cummins dash cracking every where. i have been cut cleaning dash. in a wreak it could get nasty with air bags. *tr

The dash on my 2003 dodge ram 2500 pickup has started cracking,as has thousand of other dodge pickups,which when the condition worsens to where the vehicle is dangerous to the occupants.i along with thousands of other dodge pickup owners would like for someone to be able to force the chrysler corp.to make recall on all affected vehicles notably year models 2000-2004. dealers want up to $1,500.00 to repair then in a few years the new dash starts cracking.please help dodge truck owners! *kb

I have a 2003 dodge diesel the dashboard has 4 large cracks, from one crack to another it's a matter of time before this piece flies out and hits passengers. i think this is a safety issue and dodge should consider it as being a recall. the least jerk or vibration could cause serious safety hazards. even while cleaning the dash you have to be careful or you could get cut by the sharp cracks. hope dodge will take care of complaints and stand by their customers, if not, i will not buy another dodge product! *tr

The dashboard in my 2003 dodge 2500 is cracked all the way through in two places above the airbag. if the airbag was to open i think the passenger would be hit by the broken dashboard piece that would come out. this needs to be fixed by dodge. *tr

Dash cracked for no reason what so ever. started with small crack passenger side, now extends up to windshield and air vent register has fallen out because there is nothing there to freakn hold it in place and everybody wants to act this is acceptable equipment failure. you guys need to do the right thing and issue a recall to have these dashes fixed. you borrow money from the government for bailouts while paying yourselves multimillion dollar salaries and putting the screws to the consumer. how do you sleep at night? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. while attempting to use the heating system in the vehicle, the contact noticed that the switch which controlled the flow of the air would not function. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the blend door needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was 193,000 and the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 05/11/12 *bf the consumer stated the dash was cracked. 05/21/12

The dash in my 2003 dodge ram pickup is cracking horribly. i have seem many others who have the same exact problem in the same locations. this is a design flaw and should be addressed by chrysler. *tr

Dashboard disintegrating into hundreds of extremely pointed and sharp shards of heavy gauge plastic some of considerable mass that pose a severe risk in the event of a collision. daily remove pieces of dash as they break free. many are heavy enough and pointed enough to severely injure driver or occupants even under severe braking let alone a crash with airbag deployment at supersonic speeds. under severe braking these shards break free and fly forward toward the windshield then bounce back at the terrified occupants. we now have to always wear protective eyewear to avoid being blinded by a flying piece of debris from the dash. every time the vehicle hits a small bump another piece or two breaks off or a new crack appears threatening to release another sharp flying object into the passenger compartment. this is not just cosmetic!! this is dangerous. this has been going on for years as a cosmetic issue but now is different.

Today as i was entering my dodge ram 2500 truck on the driving side, i used the handle provided to climb up to the driving seat. when half the way up to the seat the plastic handle broke causing me to loose my grip and crash down to the pavement. currently i am in pain because of the fall, it appear that the handle is made by defective plastic. *tr

My 2003 dodge ram 2500 has a hole in its dashboard along with huge cracks in it. i have sent emails to dodge but they tell me its not a problem of theirs. how can so many dodges with the same problem not be a problem of daimler chrysler??? *tr

I have a 2003 dodge ram 2500 that the black dash board has cracked in approximately 4 places. these cracks run from the window to the front edge of the dash board. i previously owned a 1999 dodge ram 2500 with a tan dash board and never had an issue with the dash board cracking. seems to me there is a defect in the manufacturing of this specific dash board. why should we as the consumer have to pay to have faulty equipment replaced. these pieces could break free and be logged into the drivers eye and cause serious injury or even death if an accident should occur. *tr

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) (2003 dodge ram 2500 slt 4x4 w/ 64,186 miles) the truck has developed a three inch crack across the center of the dash. the crack starts at the front of the dash and works back towards the passenger compartment. numerous complaints have been reported on multiple websites and/or forums regarding this issue. it is highly probable that fragments could become detached for the dash in the event of an accident and cause bodily harm to the occupants of the vehicle. any assistance safecar.gov can provide regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. chrysler complaint reference number [xxx]. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500 cracked dash. dash appears to have cracked in temperature extremes. first crack occurred during summer in intense heat. 2nd and 3rd cracks occurred on cold nights. *tr

Cracked dash. like so many other 2003 dodge ram 2500 owners, my vehicle has developed cracks along the dash for no apparent reason even though the vehicle is well cared for and maintained in pristine condition. the first hairline crack appeared in 2010 at the center of the dash beginning on the windshield side. over time the crack has progressed towards the instrument panel to the point that the dash has completely split in half. to date, two additional cracks have developed, one six inches to the left of the center crack and another over the passenger airbag section. with so many complaints of cracked dashes, particularly with the 2003 model year, it's apparent that a manufacturing flaw exists and chrysler should acknowledge this fact and effect replacement of the defective dashes. is a cracked dash a safety issue? absolutely, considering the additional injuries that can be inflicted on vehicle occupants in the event of a collision and the deployment of air bags. since chrysler has set a precedent by acknowledging that a problem existed with cracked dashes on dodge ram model years prior to 2003 (1998-2002), and has agreed to replace the cracked dashes on the previous model years, then why not do the same for the 2003 model year that seems to have the most complaints/issues? so what if the cracks appeared after the warranty has expired on these vehicles; it's a matter of integrity. given that chrysler is fully aware of this manufacturer defect, they should admit accountability and do the right thing by recalling these vehicles and providing the necessary replacement of the defective dashes. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. the contact stated that there was a small crack in the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that there were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated to the contact that there were no recalls and provided no further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired two years prior for the exact same failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

The dashboard on my 2003 dodge ram 2500 truck is severely cracked and fragmented. i first noticed a long (6"+) crack down the center of the dashboard, from windshield towards the interior of the truck) in 2010. i have used a dashboard mat/cover in the vehicle since purchased in 2002. the crack was noticed when removing the dash mat cover to clean/wipe down the dashboard. the dashboard has not been subject to direct sunlight for the duration of the time that i've owned the vehicle (single owner). since the initial crack in 2010, the condition of the dashboard has continued to deteriorate. with no instances of direct contact or accident, the small slits for the dashboard air vents have started to break off entirely, and from time to time use of the air vent near the windshield shoots little bits of plastic back into the front seat passengers. this is a safety issue during normal operation, and a further hazard should there be a hard stop, crash or other abrupt event. i am also concerned that if the dash is subject to any sort of impact from the vehicle cabin (persons or objects) it may further shatter and create unnecessary cutting or impact injuries to passengers. *tr

2003 dodge 2500. dash is cracked all over and falling a part when you touch it. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500. dash has two large cracks in it. truck only has 70,000 miles on it. *tr

I was driving on a four lane highway at 65-70mph. i heard a loud "snap" noise and notice the dashboard on the passenger side had a 8-12" crack on the top and about a 4-7" on the front, directly in the area of the passenger air bag. this can not be safe! it also displays some poor integrity of construction and/or materials used. since the incident, the dash has continued to crack and split further. the dodge dealership turned me away and explained it "wasn't their problem".... *tr

Dash board is cracked in several places,and is in the beginning stages of forming large holes in the dash. in the event of a crash these cracked pieces could easily become airborne "missiles" flying around the cab. when these pieces break off they are very sharp and leave very sharp edges on the dashthis is a well known issue that dodge refuses to correct on the 03 model trucks. they had the same issue with earlier model trucks (98-02) and have sense started replacing those dashboards at no cost to owners. *tr

The dash on my 2003 dodge ram is cracked in several places. in the event of a collision this could be dangerous, having pieces of plastic flying around the cab of the truck. *tr

Dodge dashes cracking popping flying across the truck hitting driver or passenger in vehicle while in motion or stopped at a simple red light. very dangerous in my opinion and i have seen and read thousands of instances just like mine! on dodge forum type in (dash/defective dash) you tell me! dodge claims there's nothing wrong with them however they are willing to replace the problem dash with one of the same type(will crack again) for only 1000-1300 bucks. i had about a 4" by 3" piece of plastic fly up and hit my hand on the steering wheel, lucky i was stopped at a red light. there are no oem stock replacements for the do it yourself period they make caps which cause rattles in trucks we have all paid 30-50 thousand dollars for! i want to add as well when pieces fly off the dash it also exposes all your electrical system within the top of the dash as we all know in the texas sun could obviously cause damage or worse to vehicle or person/s in vehicle! *tr

The hard plastic dash of my 03 dodge ram has cracked in the center. hard plastic pieces flying in the cab resulting from a collision may cause additional injuries to driver and or passengers. *tr

I own a 2003 dodge ram 2500 pick-up. sitting at a stop light and the dashboard popped and cracked right in front of me. i know this doesn't sound like a safety recall issue but if you look at it this way it does. the vehicle is equipped with a passenger side airbag. when the dashboard cracks and falls apart it leaves jagged edges which may be sent into the passengers face in the event of a front end collision with airbag deployment. *tr

Vehicle was parallel parked at the side of the road. upon entering the truck, i used the grab handle on the a pillar as i've always done. this time the grab handle suddenly broke free from the pillar causing me to loose my balance and fall backward out onto the roadway. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500. dash has recently developed a series of long cracks along the top. this has been an ongoing problem with dodge trucks and could be a major safety concern as some trucks have developed large holes on the dash tops. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500. dash is starting to crack in several places. i take very good care of my truck. it is always garaged when not in use. *tr

Badly cracking dashboard on 2003 dodge ram 2500. i purchased the truck used in sept 2008 and it had a small hairline crack at that time. in july of 2009 i noticed that the crack has spread, as well as two others developing. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500 cracked dash. *tr

I have a 2003 dodge ram 2500 . we have been noticing our dashboard cracking more and more. it should not been detiorating before we get it paid off. i feel as though it is a defect in the model. and i think dodge company should recall this issue and fix this at no cost to me. *kb

My dashboard is very brittle, cracking bad and is continually getting worse. during our last cold weather, i turned on my heater and a piece of the plastic windshield defroster vent popped up and hit my windshield and fell into the vent. it does this when i turn on my a/c in hot weather when i can hear plastic pieces falling down into the dash. if that flying piece of plastic would have hit me or one of my family members, it could have caused an injury especially if it hit one of us in the eye. i have read in many online forums of other dodge ram owners experiencing the same issue but dodge will not fix the problem. one of the posts stated the dashboards are made of cheap plastic which is not uv rated. if my vehicle is involved in a traffic collision, the brittle dashboard could shatter like potato chips and fly through-out the cabin and cause injury to the occupants! i can hear the dash cracking often and more pieces falling down into the vents which could cause damage to the fans or other components. even after cleaning the interior of my vehicle on a regular basis with uv protectants, the dashboard is still deteriorating each week and is recently getting worse. we the customers have paid a lot of money for these vehicles, yet dodge wont even replace a dangerous, brittle dashboard to make it safer for us? poor quality plastic is being used inside the dodge rams which cause the dashboards to become brittle and dangerous. it is also cracking bad around the passenger side airbag area which could also cause the dashboard to explode if the airbag deploys. *tr

2003 dodge ram 2500 cracked dashboard. vehicle has 31k miles. power windows malfunctioning, airconditioning blower malfunctioning. dodge dealer will attempt to replace at owners cost. check engine light on for power steering sensor problem. sensor will have to be replaced. *tr

Defective dash plastic started cracking 4 years since new sharp edges safety hazard. *tr

The plastic dash cracked resulting in the air conditioner and defroster not operating correctly. pieces of foam are coming out of the a/c registers and blowing into my face almost hitting me in the eye on occasion. the plastic dash is obviously made of defective material. i have never seen a dash crack into pieces this badly. *tr