My 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 that is in mint condition has now got dashboard cracking problems. It started with one crack in it, now it has five and the vents for the dash speakers are starting to fall apart. I have read many complaints about this problem. When I talked to dealer about the problem, they acted like I was the only one that has this problem. Now that Chrysler is collapsing I guess we are all SOL. Also since we have had our tax money go to help Chrysler restructure I think that we can demand to have this problem fixed at no charge. WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING! The hard working,tax paying people always get it right in the crack of our ass.

After the 5th crack appeared I started getting concerned and embarrassed about the situation but didn't really know what to do. Thinking that this was an isolated problem I started looking for solutions on the web and all I found were sites selling dash covers. I bought one but have noticed that the crack continue to grow under the cover.

After learning that this is a widespread problem I started looking deeper into it on the web and found out that there may be thousands of Dodge owners with this issue. Personally I do not plan to buy another Dodge vehicle unless I see that this issue has been resolved correctly. I would like to see a recall done so that these faulty parts can be replaced at the manufacturers expense. There is no reason why we, the vehicle owners, should pay for something that we originally paid for.

Both the small 4-5" wide plastic strip adjacent to the Window, AND the main frontal Dashboard have cracked. Cosmetically, its ugly, but it causes the audio system to create buzzes (plastic dash vibrating against itself at cracks) which means the supposedly premium sound system now sounds like an old AM radio on a bad speaker. I would have fixed it but the dealer was backlogged with hundreds of requests for the part - and had been for 8 months. They said they couldn't get it. Dodge should have recalled or replaced these -- and I am glad they are going bankrupt now. Also if you are pro auto bailout - consider Chrysler got bailed out 25 years ago and didn't really fix their quality issue - my Ram was constantly in the shop for 7 years. Next stop - Toyota.

Update from May 6, 2009: Checked with the dealer again. The large front/top dash panel is $795 for the part only. The rear (approx 5") panel is not available at all - they can't even order it. I tried 4 times previously. Before they just said it was backordered. now, they say it can't be ordered at all.

$38K sticker price on this vehicle in 2002 when I bought it new. I didn't pay anywhere near that, but the point is this was getting into the premium price range for a truck at the time. What a pile of crap. I will never buy another chrysler product again. (Or anything from their spinoffs, bankruptcy reformations etc.) Chrysler products stink, just like they did before bailout #1 in the late 70's/early80's. They made them look a little nicer but never fixed their bad quality. What a sh*tty automobile.

At first I thought I had a random problem, until I started hearing the same complaint from friends and relatives. I purchased this vehicle brand new adding custom fender flares and steps, tonneau cover, vent visors etc. My truck has been garage kept since it was brand new. No dents, perfect paint yada yada yada. The dash panels started cracking like a Popsicle dropped from fifty feet. My Dodge dealer blew me off like a hurricane. We were ( and I mean WERE) a two vehicle Dodge/Chrysler family. We just unloaded my better halfs Sebring and the Ram is next to go. I will never purchase a Dodge or Chrysler again.

I don't know about the other Dodge Ram fans but I'm a huge lover of the Ram. I always wanted this truck and when I finally got one I was the happiest person alive. But, I noticed not too long after I got it that there was a slight crack in the dash right in the middle. About a few weeks later the whole dash cracked all over the place and I big chunk broke off and now there's a huge hole in my dash. Not only that but my A/C goes out as well right after that. Are the two related ...I'm not sure. So I ask Dodge if this is a major problem and they tell me it's almost unspoken to them.

I showed the Service manager my problem and he quoted me $4,200 just to fix the dash and A/C which I believe should be a free replacement from Dodge. The truck is in great shape and I've always maintained it. It's my baby but this is BULL and Dodge is doing exactly what their name stands for, they're Dodging this problem. Way to go Dodge. Good way to keep your customers happy.

When I bought my truck it was only a year old and I really have taken excellent care of this truck. Summer of 08 all the sudden my dash just starts to crack. In a months time it has 3 huge cracks. I thought it was just a freak incident till I went online and read about how this happens all the time to Dodges.. I'm very upset because all these years I've kept her in mint condition and now due to the cracks it just looks like a piece of junk on the inside.

I'm not going to get rid of my truck but I am pissed off that this happened...

My truck is a 2002 which I bought used in 2003 from Jekins Dodge in Lavale, MD with a 7 yr 70,000 mile warranty that has been totally a waste of my hard earned money. The truck has always been well taken care of by me. I went on vacation in 2006 and noticed a small crack in dashboard. After returning I took the truck back to the dealer and showed them the crack. I was told this was just regular wear and they would not repair it. I have complained both to Dodge and the dealer. My dashboard is now split down the middle. At times I have to take out the heater motor to remove pieces of plastic that have fallen in the vents. They should recall this problem at once. Chrysler hung the phone up on me after many calls. Lets make them fix this problem!

I bought my Ram 1500 New as a left over that someone ordered and decided not to buy. I actually did not ny the vehicle until around March of 2003, so it is just 6 years old to me. In May of 2008 I noticed a couple of small cracks in the dash, now there are 6 cracks in the dash i9ncludin one that goes all the way to the front over the glove box. This car has been meticulously cared for and when not being driven has had a windshield cover up and the windows slightly cracked on hot days.

I am extremely unhappy about this, and was told by the local dealer that I would have to pay for its replacement as Dodge would not cover the cost as defective. This is the second Ram I have own and will likely be the last! I will probably go back to Ford products after this.

The first Ram I owned was a 1998 Quad Cab 4X4. About 4 months and 3900 miles out of warranty the engine blew up after the truck over heated with no warning what so ever. The block cracked after the oil pump stopped working, however the oil pressure gauge indicated no problems.

I should have learned my lesson the first time!

On this cracked dashborad business maybe a class action law suit should be in order!

First off I own a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport. Back in February of 2008 I noticed my dash board beginning to crack almost in the dead center. It grew and grew until it reached the front of my dash, at which time another crack started to form on the passengers side dash. This problem is something that Chrysler should own up to, and fix like most auto makers do by issuing a RECALL!!. I am now stuck in "Certified Used Dodge" that has 75,000 miles on it ( 15,000 put on it since I bought it from S&S in Baltimore one year ago), and I have now had to replace the Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, get the rest of the cooling system flushed, the ring and pinion replaced, and now the dash. Now I have never been one to complain, but this is the first Chrysler vehicle that I have ever purchased, and I have more problems with this truck in the one year that I have owned it than with all of the other cars I have owned in my life combined. To top it all off, this has less mile on it that my VW, Nissan, and GMC. To be perfectly honest, if Chrysler went under tomorrow I think that it would be nothing more than KARMA findly making its way to a company who has drained loyal Americans wallets to way to many years. I REFUSE TO EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT. My next problem is how the Dodge dealers handle these problems, its almost like they want you to never buy another car from them. The attitude you get from them when you walk in and tell them that the CERTIFIED USED truck you bought less than a year ago is falling apart is totally rude, and inconsiderate. They offer no help with anything, and expect you to make your payment on your vehicle that is falling apart quicker than you can put it back together ( financially ). I know this will make absolutely no impact on anything in regards to Chrysler, Dealers, or the problems with my truck, but it does feel good to get this off my chest. If anyone out there can take anything from this short blog please take this. I know more than 10 people in my immediate circle of family and friends that have been screwed by Chrysler vehicles, and I would never ever recommend buying one. They DO NOT stand behind there products, nor help the people who have been financially damaged by them. Thanks for listening.