This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
My 1999 Dodge Ram truck dash assembly is falling apart. The upper pad started by cracking and finally falling into the main dash area about 70% of the dash pad is broken off. Now the main dash assembly is cracking and unable to hold the accessories attached to it on its own. I am asking Dodge to replace the dash assembly at their cost with no luck.
The dash in this vehicle is cracking and falling apart apparently from exposure to sunlight. This could result in serious injury from exposure to sharp objects located under the dash and could cause plastic shards to be embedded in ones face and eyes should the airbags deploy in an accident. I have been told that a replacement from Dodge will do the same thing and will cost me about $1200 to replace. I have also found out that almost all 1999 Dodge Ram's have this same problem as do other year Ram's.
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 quad pick-up. Cracking-fractured dashboard and bezel. The dashboard panel has had several long cracks completely transversing and transecting the deck in many areas and many newer ones. What started as a few thin cracks have continued to multiply and widen. Now, the entire dash has fractures. Pieces have fallen into the interior of the dash among the wiring and ducts leaving large holes on top. The brittle plastic edges are very sharp and leave the surface uneven and weakened. An aftermarket fabric overlay was applied about two years ago at first to conceal cracks, but recent inspection revealed current structural failure condition. The instrument bezel is also cracked in similar area to dash cracks. These weakened components and the state of fracture progressing throughout panel concerns me as to the safety and function of this vehicle in the event of a collision. What affect could it have on the airbag deploying or the structural integrity and function of components attached to the dash panel? loose plastic pieces could become dangerous to occupants and safety equipment or become lodged functionally impairing driveability. Internet research has informed me that this in not an isolated case. Aftermarket vendors have full dashboard replacement part for ~$400., presumably better ABS quality than oem part. The Dodge dealer quoted about $900. For labor only! these vendors also carry a moulded ABS plastic "dash cap and bezel" overlays to be glued over damaged dashes to "improve appearance", (~$300.), a quick dyi job, but will not solve structural weakness nor continued breakage of original dash from below cap, additionally these overlay "caps" do not have the attachment tabs for airbag or instrument cluster, etc., so the original tabs would have to do the job but may be structurally compromised from cracking also. I have yet to decide which is the best option to take. In any case, the old part is still available for the time being.
My 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 dash is weathered and cracked badly. This seems to be a very common thing among Dodge Ram of this age. I fear that in a crash situation the dash could be very harmful when dislodged. The edges of the cracks are very sharp and would become airborn very easily in an impact.
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 dash is cracking. The cracking started with no action to cause such cracking. The cracking is spreading to a point the entire center section of the dash will soon cave in leaving all wiring behind the dash exposed. This is a known problem with Dodge trucks. When are you going to do something about it!!!
- Oceanside, CA, USA
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The upper dash panel/pad in the 1999 series of Dodge Ram pickup's has been experiencing cracks in it. These cracks start and then do not stop. On my particular truck I am missing a huge chunk of the dash due to this problem. I have searched and searched the internet for a replacement part, but to my surprise there are none at a decent replacement rate. The body man I spoke to at a local dealership says that all the Dodge dash pads are like this, and I have found him to be correct. I have read countless numbers of incidents of similar proportions in forums all over the internet about this same problem. I would really like to see makers of Dodge issue a recall on this item and replace it at no cost to owners like me experiencing this problem with a product that will not crack like this one has. It is dangerous to people not only by the sharp corners of broken pieces of dashboard, but for some it has shorted out wires that have melted from exposure to the sun and caused severe risk to their safety. Please, please, please do something about this. I myself have cut my arm open on a piece of broken dash when one out of no where just decides to break off.
I have a 1999 Dodge 1500 with 79,000 miles on it. About 5 years ago my dash started to crack I now have a large hole in my dash and can see the air bag material. I'm thinking this could be dangerous. Dodge won't do anything. I bought this truck new.
Cracking and broken dash. The dash around the air vents and pillars are broken away in large chunks with cracks extending from around 3" around the perimeter of the dash. Dash is loose as a result of the cracking and broken pieces that have fallen out. This is a "common problem" to Dodge Ram. Dodge should take responsibility and replace the dashboards with decent ones instead of expecting customers to pay $800 for the same inferior and faulty part. These dashboards should be replaced due to an obvious manufacturing flaw/problem.
Should have never cracked kept board cleaned and well hydrated using proper cleaning procedures. Cracked dashboard causes cut hazard due to sharp edges.
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 and the dash is completely broken out. I had electrical problems after the piece fell inside dash. Right now I just have a piece of cloth over the hole to keep the sun off the wiring. The sharp edges are dangerous if I was ever involved in a crash.
Among the thousands of Dodge owners, my dash has imploded. It started in Jan. While using the defrosters. Cracks just appeared from the defrosters out the entire dash. I have been trying to find a replacement without luck. Now the heater core and condenser were replaced and there isn't enough of the dash left to put a cover over. My wife read the complaints about the dashes and airbag failures, and refuses to ride in the truck with me for fear of the airbag and/or projectiles coming from the dash.
1999 Dodge Ram with major cracks on dashboard and anything that mounts to it. Glove box snaps off because it is also mounted and made of the defective plastic. Very unsafe if an accident were to occur with jagged sharp plastic pieces. Electrical system defects due to the sun beating down on exposed wiring because there is no dashboard to cover it. Dodge will not admit to it being a problem that they will recall. It will have to take someone getting severely injured for Dodge to maybe reconsider there decision of recalling the dashboard.
Over the past year my dashboard has slowly self destruct. It started with a single crack, then another and another and another, to the point where it has literally collapsed. My A/C vents are effected as well as my radio is now starting to act up. I am in fear that with the intense Arizona sun, my wiring may start to short out and cause a fire. I understand that this is a widespread problem. Can Dodge be held accountable? I'm worried.
I am the owner of a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. I am having an issue with the dash having multiple severe cracks and breaks. I am afraid that this will affect the air bag development if ever needed. I have done research and have found that this is a very common compliant in these vehicle's and similar models. Help is needed!
Dashboard is severely cracked and falling apart on my 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 truck with over 160,000 miles. Pieces of the dash are jagged and can be dangerous.
Typical problems with cracked plastic dashboard on 1999 Dodge Ram pickups (2) combined with failure of airbags to deploy. Both seem to be epidemic in proportion, unfortunately have experienced both. Dash is not safe with cracked, jagged plastic edges waiting to impale or slice you, assuming that flying peices wouldnt do even more harm if airbag had gone off. Same problem in dash on two personal vehicles, now reluctant to go anywhere in one that wasnt wrecked because airbag probably wont work in it either if something were to happen. I know mine isnt the only one, whover has controlling interest of Dodge this month needs to step up and address these issues. Ridiculous to think of replacing dash for $800 - 1200 with a part of no better integrity than the one it already had. More ridiculous is the fact they know the airbags failures are an issue on these trucks for years now and have done nothing to remedy the problem. It shouldnt be up to the customer to worry about these two critical safety items. I spent a majority of my working life in the Dodge business, have seen it from all angles, now as the irate and disguted owner of two vehicles that leave me with no desire to own/operate.
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 quad cab. Dash has 2 holes where the dash has cracked and fallen thru. I researched this problem and found hundreds of claims on message boards with some people saying that the plastic falling on wires caused shorting out electronics.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wittmann , AZ, USA