7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$850
Average Mileage:
82,400 miles
Total Complaints:
534 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. enough complaints to dodge will get a recall-1-800-992-1997 (231 reports)
  2. replace dashboard (134 reports)
  3. not sure (102 reports)
  4. replace dash (15 reports)
  5. band together class action suit- imply fit/merchantability (14 reports)
  6. call 1-866-726-4636 (Dodge) & 1-888-327-4236 (NHTSA) (14 reports)
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 27)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #514

Jun 122013

Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

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

This dash cracked at less than 10 years and more than 7 so I was told it was too late to be covered. Now when they finally get the Takata air bag recall repair parts in, they say they can’t do the recall repair without me indemnifying them for any further damage to the dash during the repair.

I didn’t cause either of the issues and I don’t want to drive an unsafe vehicle that would be even more dangerous if the airbags deployed and showered me or my passenger with sharp dash fragments.

- Hal F., Knoxville, US

problem #513

Sep 192017

Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,977 miles

I have been trying to get my Takata airbag recall repaired for a few years now, but was always told there were no parts until recently. Today I took my vehicle in for the repair. The service advisor called me to inform me that he could not assure me that further cracking of the dash wouldn’t occur during the repair procedure. I said then if you damage it then I will hold you responsible. He said he could not proceed without me basically indemnifying him. I would not agree to that.

The cracked dash is of itself a safety problem should the airbags deploy and send dash fragments flying. If they cracked it further, then it would be even more unsafe.

I think Takata has the responsibility along with Chrysler to fix the dash since the dash was made with inferior or defective materials as evidenced by the widespread issue with Dodge Ram dashes.

- Hal F., Knoxville, US

problem #512

Jan 152011

Ram 1500 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Small cracks at first, but steadily getting worse. The cracks are on both sides of the dash, almost caving in at the top center.

- Michael R., Mathis, US

problem #511

Aug 012017

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

The dash is disintegrating and is a safety issue. Dodge should replace this defective item.

- ptb, Georgetown, US

problem #510

May 012015

Ram 1500 SLT 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

THESE DASHBOARDS ON DODGE TRUCKS IS AND SHOULD BE A INSULT TO DODGE. THIS DOES NOT LOOK DODGE RAM TOUGH AT ALL.

IF THE ISSUE WAS DONE BECAUSE OF CARELESSNESS FROM THE CONSUMER I COULD UNDERSTAND, BUT FOR MYSELF AND MANY OTHER DODGE OWNERS I KNOW AND HAVE MET WITH THE SAME ISSUE WE HAVE TRIED TAKING CARE OF OUR TRUCK.

THE PLASTIC IS SO BRITTLE NEVER SEEN A PLASTIC ON ANOTHER VEHIICLE DASH OR ANY OTHER INTERIOR PARTS THIS FRAGILE. 14 YEAR OLD TRUCK RUNS GREAT DRIVES GOOD BUT FLIMSY DASH SUCKS. COULD BUY A DASHCOVER BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR IT TO STICK TO AND WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT BUYING A DASHBOARD SKIN THEN YOU START BREAKING THE BANK.

- dereksmithauto, Southport, US

problem #509

Feb 022017

Ram 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

Dash is cracked all over dash. I never had such a problem from other trucks I bought from Ford and Chev. The dash is cracked on both parts.

- jerry60, Bay Minette, US

problem #508

May 262017

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

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

I just bought my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4. It is in descent shape for it's age. It has some Bondo over the rear wheels. The 2 issues I have with the truck are these...the dash is cracked in several places. I spoke to one used car dealer and he said it is an ongoing issue with the Dodge trucks because they designed the cabs to be so tight that when the dash expands and contracts it cracks. There is a used car lot in French Lick, IN (French Lick Auto) that keeps these in stock because they are such an issue. I will probably get one in the near future. The second issue I have is the day after I bought the truck, there came a ticking noise from the motor. One person said it is not the lifters because it is in the lower part of the motor instead of the top. Any clue as to what this could be?

- Jason B., French Lick, US

problem #507

Jul 062015

Ram 1500 LT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Dodge should issue an official Recall for the defective plastic in the dashboard - hundreds of complaints regarding this issue.

- Ruth B., Hilham, TN, US

problem #506

Mar 242009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

The dash board is cracked in different places & the vent holes are broke out.

- Michael T., Warfordsburg, US

problem #505

May 052011

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard cracked dashboard cracked dashboard

Little to add to this terrible problem that Dodge has left us with. No reason for them to back away from an obvious material defect.

- Duane O., Montgomery, US

problem #504

May 012017

Ram 1500 XLT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

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

I liked dodge rams until I started having problem with mine. First, this May I got a crack in my dash near the windshield and then a few weeks later another crack right over the flat part off the dash near the glove compartment. Dodge should have a recall but they don't care. I will never buy another dodge ram ever again. Total junk!

- truckguyct, Hamden, US

problem #503

Jul 012014

Ram 1500

  • Manual transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Typical big company honoring their commitment to the customer.

- Barry F., New Port Richey, FL, US

problem #502

Aug 072008

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

The dash, made out of thin, UV absorbing, dime-thin black plastic, cracked within the first 2 years of me owning the vehicle. I meticulously cleaned and applied UV protectant on the dash but during the summer, the heat and persistent sun cracked the dash while the vehicle was parked in my driveway. It has been cracked ever since and has decayed over the years to the point where plastic parts have fallen down into my air vents. Now I have rattling and crackling when I turn on my AC. I find pieces almost monthly that crack into diamond or triangle shapes that could easily injure a person in a wreck. Please fix this problem with a proper recall of the product because it is the only humane fix for the problem.

- Hunter C., Killeen, US

problem #501

Mar 272017

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,299 miles

This problem has been going on for some time. First it started to crack and then small pieces began to break off. I bought a dashboard cover to hide the cracks and holes, all the while thinking the problem was the sun. Recently the air-conditioning stopped working and I took it to my mechanic. He called me and said the problem was the evaporator core which is under the dash and would be about $1,100.00 to repair. I told him

ok. Later that same day he called me and said there was a problem, when they began to take off the dash, it broke apart and looks like a jig-saw puzzle. I said it didn't matter, I had the dash cover. He said the problem was that the passenger air bag is supported by the dash that had broken up. He said he would try to come up with something to support this air bag. He finally called me a week later and said they were able to get the air bag supported and I could pick up the vehicle. It cost me an extra $400.00 dollars. When I was checking on-line for a new dash I came across the info that this problem is not the sun as I had thought but inferior plastics and/or workmanship in the original assembly. The info also stated that the NTSB considers this a cosmetic problem and not a danger. I guess the NTSB does not know that the passenger air bag is supported by the dash and if the dash crumbles the air bag is out of it's original position and might not operate properly in an accident. I consider this dangerous not cosmetic.

- aruba304beachclub, Wilmington, US

problem #500

Feb 092012

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 85,000 miles

My dashboard has been cracking for years now and keep using black silicon to hold it together...already replaced the back vent piece twice and now looks like I will soon have to replace the front half. This is crap and looks like it is going to be a royal pain in the ass to do. This shouldn't be happening to something you're spending over 30,000.00 TO BUY

- Erik L., York, SC, US

problem #499

Oct 062014

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard

This is such a easy fix for the manufacture ,own up to your blunder fix the problem maybe you will have repeat costumer . No response to me would move on to a competitor. Your move.

- Don W., Bristol, VA, US

problem #498

Jan 012013

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A simple case of inferior non UV resistant plastic material used to manufacture this part. I have a plastic soft water conditioner salt bin that has sat in the sun now for over 45 years and STILL has not cracked. The technology and chemicals have existed for that long to allow plastic to hold up in the sun. It just cost a fewpennies more per pound to make plastic UV resistant..Chrysler or the supplier that made the dash for Chrysler cheaped out on the raw materials to make the dash and now 10's of thousands of Dodge customers pay the the price for Chrysler not making sure the product was designed and produced properly. Over all the truck has been a good truck but this is BS, it is clear it is not an isolated problem and they should own up to it and at least off a skin replacement.

- Tom C., COVINA, CA, US

problem #497

May 092014

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

This is a problem that all dodge customers have and dodge will not help us. Mine is cracked all around the passenger side air bag and i have recall on it now.

- John C., N. Richland Hills, TX, US

problem #496

Jan 012012

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7

  • Manual transmission
  • 90,000 miles

The dashboard has begun cracking apart since about 2012.

- Robert R., Blue River, OR, US

problem #495

Mar 242005

Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

As much as a new vehicle costs these days (of which this one was) it is really sad that the workmanship is this poor on them.

- Dee G., Rocky Face, GA, US

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