As with the rest of the victims of this issue, my dashboard began cracking sponteneously when it was about 9 years old. I realize the truck isn't new, but this is a known defect and is not an issue with other auto makers. Apparently Dodge wants nothing to do with rectifying the issue. This is a real shame. I've been pretty happy with the performance and reliability of my Dodge truck for years, but this issue and Dodge's lack of willingness to correct it will send me to another make when I'm ready for a new one.
Same problem as seems everyone else with this truck. A cracked dashboard and no real answers or fixes unless you do it yourself. Dodge needs to address this. It's just too much now.
This dash issue is ridiculous. I have never seen such a poor quality issue before. Pieces of the dash are falling into the ductwork.
Update from Feb 20, 2012: I got tired of this issue so I found an aftermarket dash replacement (not a dash cover) from these guys for ~$630 shipped:
http://www.sandkindustries.com/DASH.html
It was a good fit and I didn't have to mod too much. I would also recommend getting a Chilton's book to help with the old dash dis-assembly. Keep in mind that you will have to break your old dash apart to get it out, so wear gloves and eye protection. The total replacement took about 6 hours.
I'm a Dodge man and not so sure this issue will change my mind, but i've yet to address to monetary issue with this repair. My 2002 Dodge quad cab with 36,700 miles, now feels like a junker, the dash board split in half and a large chunk fell in. Looks like crap on a vehicle that has been babied more than my kids.. seems as though this is going to cost me a pretty penny due to an obvious oversight by Dodge. Very disappointed with the number of like complaints on this issue, I really thought this was a freak incident until I began to inquire about it.
- achristian,
Princeton, WV, US
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Until I found this site, I had no clue that this was occurring on other Dodge owner's trucks. Dodge should have sent me a notice and taken care of this problem. I now wonder how many others are having the same issue and thinking is was something caused by weather or something else besides just poor molding issues.
Just like 300+ Ram owners we should sue Dodge to make the replace our dashboards for free. If i was an attorney'd jump on this all the way to the bank. Never had a car dash break up like this before, and it's because they wanted to do it cheaply as possible
Had read up on trucks before purchasing; Dodge 1500 seemed best rated for my needs. Loved the truck overall, but the dash cracked all over and the clip for the sunglasses compartment snapped off with little use. Quality of the plastic was definitely inferior. Dodge had to be aware of this-should have been a recall item.
This problem is the same as everyone elses, who bought a Dodge truck, cheap-ass manufacturing , and piss poor materials. My truck is parked mostly under a tree, and usually has a sun shield over the dash at other times, this did not stop dash from breaking apart in numerous places, also the window control switches fell out, and the lower dash cup holders fell apart. After getting a lot of flack about not buying American, i purchased the Dodge, only to find out it was built in Mexico, never again.
Update from Sep 25, 2014: Have had several people interested in buying my truck, on account of the low mileage on it, but when they see the state of the dash, they walk away.I and probably numerous other owners are stuck with these vehicles because of Chryslers nickle and dime manufacturing practices. ASSHOLES !!!!!!!!
As one can see the dashboard is pretty beat up. It has never been in an accident or physically damaged by intentially or otherwise by me. One day I got in the truck and there was a small crack on the passenger side and since then it has progressively gotten worse. I thought to pull one from a junk yard but then the fix would only be temporary due to the fact that all the models in this line have this defect... and who can afford to just throw money away? Although this is not a safety issue (yet) one can certainly agree that it is a design failure that should be addressed. As a Navy veteran I dont understand how an American company can knowingly produce and turn a blind eye on such mediocre craftsmanship especially in a field that we are suppose to dominate. I am a Mopar man! As a kid I owned a 1969 Plymouth Belvedere. If it wasn't for all the speeding tickets I would still have it, and I love my truck, it was a surprise gift my wife bought me after my first deployment to Iraq, after 9/11, so I want to keep it. But, I can't justify constantly putting money into it only to have it break down. If that was the case I would have bought a Ford. I can ownly say I hope Dodge makes the decision to recall this item and show the nation they still believe in Honoring the community that would rather "Ram it" than 'Stroke it", Courage to admit they made a mistake, and Commitment to great craftsmanship and customer service, because that's the company we all fell in love with.
I bought the truck and have been very happy with it until i noticed a small crack by windshield. Then a crack above gauges, then one across defroster vents, then about 8 total joined the party.... It makes me not even want to keep the inside clean when the dash is literally falling through like an egg shell. Smooth pull Dodge.
The dash is disintegrating, falling apart and is becoming a hazard, parts falling down under the dash effecting wiring. even after putting a cover on it.
I did not realize how wide spread this problem was, but I do agree that this is a dangerous problem. The edges on those cracks are sharp and poses a dangerous to any passenger riding with me in my truck. Dodge should take responsibility for this problem and address it very quicky.
Obviously, this is a major problem but typical of how Dodge is handling the problem. Aside from the aesthetics, if there is ever an incident where the cracked, plastic dash causes an injury, Dodge will find itself in a lawsuit over a defect it hasn't addressed. Agree that this should be recalled.
This really sucks, I love my truck and paid lots of money when new. Dash has a hole the size of a baseball next to the passenger air vent. It rattles when driving, it drives me crazy, man at dealership just laughed and told me that it would cost around $600.00 to have it repaired. He also told me that just about every 2002 ram 1500 truck has this problem. Dodge should step up and make things right, this is ridiculous.
I paid a lot for my dodge ram,and I take a lot of time caring for it to keep it in good condition. but the dash cracking put me over the edge, I don't understand putting such poor materials in a $30,000.00 truck. The body rust is another problem coming up.
This is my second Dodge.. I love my truck.. its great... I keep up on the maintanence very well.. Oil always changed, tire rotations... I have already replaced the entire cooling system... My issue is that Dodge refuses to deal with this... There are alot of people out there like me that are loyal to the truck and the company... So is that loyalty not reciprocated ... I would buy this truck all over again... this is not simply about a problem not being cost effective. I am a Project Manager and understand the cost analysis that associated with this problem... However.. there is a golden rule in project management... fix the issue before it becomes too big of a problem to solve... Dodge.. get ur head out of ur a$$ and do what it right by those who stand by their trucks... In this economy, now is not the time to roll the dice with loyalties... ugh
2002 dodge ram 1500 cracked dash needs to be recalled. I cant afford to get it fixed I am affraid the wires are going to get to hot in this heat and catch on fire !!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
As with the rest of the victims of this issue, my dashboard began cracking sponteneously when it was about 9 years old. I realize the truck isn't new, but this is a known defect and is not an issue with other auto makers. Apparently Dodge wants nothing to do with rectifying the issue. This is a real shame. I've been pretty happy with the performance and reliability of my Dodge truck for years, but this issue and Dodge's lack of willingness to correct it will send me to another make when I'm ready for a new one.
- Russell N., San Diego, CA, US