CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 has the well-known and documented problem with their dashboards falling to pieces, but it also has engine failure from oil sludge. That's a doube shot of awful in your morning coffee.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
12 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,451 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 6 of 13)

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problem #141

Sep 142010

Ram 1500

  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The dash in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is cracking and falling apart (defective plastic)and Dodge/Chrysler will not stand behind it's product. The air bag is right below & connected to the plastic that has cracked. I am worried that if the air bag is deployed that this plastic (which is very sharp pieces) will be very dangerous to anyone in the vehicle.I also pick up my grandchildren every day from school and the dash on my truck has broken in so many places that it is now falling apart and huge pieces falling out.this plastic is very sharp and could slice open anyone around it. I have always kept my truck parked in a garage since I have owned it(2002)-so the sun is not the problem-it is a defective product that was installed on my vehicle when built. I have contacted my dealership twice and they tell me that there is nothing they will do about it.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

problem #140

May 012009

Ram 1500

  • 80,000 miles
Defective dash (dash is cracking all over and could come apart ).

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #139

Jan 312010

Ram 1500

  • 95,000 miles
The dash in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 began cracking in January 2010. It is now September and the rear trim section has four cracks which have allowed the center grill to fall inside the dash. The front or main dash has a crack perpendicular to the windshield over the glove box area. The center of the dash is cracked from the rear edge to the front leading edge and appears to be getting wider. What once appeared as a hairline crack now has widened and appears as though it is becoming very unstable. This type of dash while attractive should never have been used. The edges of these cracks are a very hard plastic and feel sharp. God forbid coming in contact with this material in a wreck. A padded type dash should have been used. Did not do enough research before buying this vehicle. A recall by the manufacturer should be ordered.

- Lattimore, NC, USA

problem #138

Jun 072008

Ram 1500

  • 41,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 dash is cracking severely and I am worried that pieces of the dash are falling into the dash while, that while driving the pieces of the dash will cut vital electrical components including those for safety. My dash has been getting worse over time and I am afraid of what might happen if I am driving and the dash fully collapses.

- Claymont, DE, USA

problem #137

Jul 012004

Ram 1500

  • 40,000 miles
The dash boards on the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is made from an inferior plastic that cracks, busts, and eventually just falls into a gaping hole. This results in electrical malfunctions. I did not realize what a wide spread problem this was until I did some research of my own. There are thousands of websites dedicated to this very problem and Dodge is aware it exists but thusfar has not submitted a recall. I have been trying to replace my dash for this very reason but the cost is very high and I feel as a consumer it should not be my responsibility since the material was inferior to begin with. Rightnow my dash is glued together and I am sure this isn't a long term fix but I have no other choice. The electrical problems I have read that others have had are numerous including but not limited to headlights going out while driving in dark conditions. I am afraid my dash too will collapse if not replaced. Please consider the ramifications if this problem isn't taken care of.

- Monteagle, TN, USA

problem #136

May 112004

Ram 1500

  • 45,000 miles
Dash cracking due to improper molding temperatures or molding additives.

- Cordova, SC, USA

problem #135

Dec 052009

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2002 Dodge 1500 and the dash board is cracking and falling where the defrost blows and last winter I turned it on and a sharp piece of the dash cut my face. I ain't sayin it was bad but if it would had hit me in the eye and made me wreck and die then my family would own Dodge. Yall say its not dangerous and I would agree if that wouldn't had happened to me but it did and its extremely dangerous and I think yall should recall them and make Dodge replace them and start making them better. I had a 98 GMC and it had no problem so they need to make them like GMC does and stop making everything so cheap before they kill everyone.

- Deatsville, AL, USA

problem #134

Apr 212010

Ram 1500

  • 80,000 miles
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram with cracks all over the dash. Recently a car pulled out if front of me and I had to slam on brakes. My young niece was riding in the passenger seat and extended her arms out in front of her. The seat belt worked but her hands and wrist were cut by sharp edges in the dash plastic. One cut was pretty deep and required 12 stitches. The crash exposed other sharp edges and some fell into the vents. They rattle when I go over bumps in the road. Dodge needs to recall and fix this problem. I have a 74 Silverado with original dash.

- Thomson,, GA, USA

problem #133

Jun 252010

Ram 1500

  • 80,000 miles
For two years my dashboard has been crack in my 2002 Dodge Ram pick up truck. Within the last two weeks the dash board is falling apart. I went online to see how much does a dash board cost and I find out about thousands of Dodge Ram owners with the same problem which ended up in electrical problems. I will like to know what can be done about it. I hate to keep driving the truck and end up in an accident. This is really a safety hazard to say the least and nothing has been done about it.

- Homestead, FL, USA

problem #132

Jan 152010

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
Dashboard cracking apart. Making me wonder about how safe vehicle will be in a crash. Am I going to have projectile, possibly sharp, pieces of plastic flying about inside the vehicle" will air bags operate properly? ie: Will air bags blow back into the dash instead of out to protect occupants"

- Tonopah, AZ, USA

problem #131

Jun 212010

Ram 1500

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 dash is cracking. Has potential to come dislodged in the cab and produce a flying object in the event of a crash, or to cause an accident if the dash falls apart while driving.

- Satellite Beach, FL, USA

problem #130

Jun 012010

Ram 1500

  • 120,000 miles
Dash of vehicle (2002 Dodge Ram 1500) cracking leaving very sharp edges. The dash has been cared for as per dealer recommendations. Dodge has thousands of complaints but has failed to take any action.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

problem #129

Oct 252009

Ram 1500

  • 41,000 miles
Dashboard on 2002 Dodge Ram has cracked from front to back. After reading all complaints on this problem, I believe something (recall) needs to be done. Local dealership stated a cost of $2,550 to fix. Afraid that this will cause electrical problems as has so many of the complaints read so far. It would be nice to see the government make Dodge step up and pay for the cheap parts they put in their vehicles. Got a suggestion. Since the government owns Dodge, why don't you put some of my tax dollars towards fixing my truck. I know I can't afford $2,550.

- Engle, TN, USA

problem #128

Aug 072004

Ram 1500

  • miles
2002 Dodge Ram quad cab dash is cracked and losing large pieces beyond repair and is affecting wiring, windows, door locks and gauges. Speedometer is off and caused us to get a ticket.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #127

Jan 102010

Ram 1500

  • miles
Jan. 10, 2010 a very large crack appeared in the dash on my 2002 Dodge 1500 pickup at first it was just a cosmetic thing, but now all the wiring is exposed the vehicle turn indicators do not work when it is bad weather the windshield wipers don't work and the defrosters will not change from cold to hot. I went to the dealer they advised me it was not their problem, but I have learned that I am not the only one this has affected and my problem is a serious safety issue.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #126

Jan 082007

Ram 1500

  • miles
Cracked dashboard just flaking and really sharp edges.

- Andrews, TX, USA

problem #125

Apr 272010

Ram 1500

  • 83,000 miles
Dashboard cracked.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #124

Mar 012010

Ram 1500

  • 88,500 miles
Dashboard has two very large cracks all the way thru it from the front by the windshield all the way to the back of it, and a third crack is now starting to form. I've owned this truck since it was new and have taken good care of it and believe that Dodge installed an inferior product in their 2002 Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #123

Jan 012008

Ram 1500

  • 100,000 miles
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 dash cracking. The dash on my truck is cracking to collapse. This is a common complaint on this model truck. Pieces are falling down inside the dash which is surely bound to damage other components inside the dash, possibly causing electrical or mechanical failure. Also have to wonder how dangerous brittle plastic shards would be in a collision.

- Elkridge, MD, USA

problem #122

Jan 152010

Ram 1500

  • 75,000 miles
My 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has a cracked dash. There were no adverse conditions or abnormal events prior to the dash falling apart. After researching this issue, I have come to the conclusion that hundreds if not thousands of Dodge owners are experiencing the same problem. I opened a case directly through the Chrysler group llc. To correct the issue and they refused to help me. I find it hard to believe that a plastic dash that is cracking so badly that there are sharp exposed edges around the airbag is not a safety concern. I would like the NHTSA to follow up with Chrysler about this issue and see what needs to be done to ensure that no one is injured by shrapnel from a defective dash.

- Newton, IA, USA

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