Consumer - There are already several complaints filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The more complaints that are filed the more chances of a recall there will be.
Aftermarket Replacement Dash For 2003-2005 - This dash is advertised to never crack. This is the only full replacement dashboard that I have found for my 2003 Dodge 4x4 3/4 ton. They also have earlier models as well. You can also check out www.lmctruck.com and www.genosgarage.com and both of them have full replacement dashboards for the dodge pickup. Don't buy the one from Dodge, it will just crack again.
My cracked dash has been annoying, but the issue has just become serious. I found out that they can't replace my defective airbag, included in the major recall, because of my cracked dash. The airbag attaches to the underside of the dash, and since it has already cracked, if they tried to remove the dash it will disintegrate. I guarantee, the Service guy was sorry he told me this information! When I inquired how much a new dash cost, I was told about $700, but none are available at this time, because of a back order. Then after reading the design flaw would still be in a replacement dash, what do you do? So ...here I am.
Update from Aug 20, 2017: It is well into 2017, and I am receiving notices, and calls regarding the airbag recall about every six months. I have to tell the callers the issue with the cracked dash, how Dodge won't accept responsibility, what the cost would be for replacing the dash, etc. I have begun to ask about the safety issue with the dash, and the airbags, which is going to injure an occupant of the vehicle the most? The pieces of the dash flying off when you turn on A/C, or defrost, or the airbag deploying, with debris from the dash. I also live in Florida, which is one of the states where heat is an added "bonus" to the whole situation!
Initially I thought that my cracked dash cover was an isolated issue! I was somewhat comforted when I found through research that my issue was not mine alone! Since this issue is widespread, Dodge should replace this part (part & labor) at no charge to the vehicle owner in order to preserve brand loyalty! Minimally, Dodge should provide the part free of charge with free shipping and no handling charge to each Dodge Ram owner.
This is totally ridiculous that Dodge has not replaced these hazards that could cause more damage to the vehicle and its passengers. I've taken this vehicle in numerous times only to be told it's cosmetic. But when I paid $26,000 for it that wasn't cosmetic or a problem. They knew these dashes were defective and still put them on vehicles. So what in the H did they need any bail out money I'm sure billions were save by cheating the consumer. So we should have said if you business is going under it's cosmetic so sorry.
I purchased my truck in Dec. 2002. It's always been garaged and dash has been kept clean with Armor All or other products. I was totally surprised when my passenger noticed a crack a couple of months ago. A straight line crack, front to back. While looking to find a replacement piece online, I noticed a forum where I found this was a common occurrence due to poor manufacturing practices.
I have to say, adding this to the faulty post handle on the driver's side I replaced and the faulty, broken ash try hinge....this manufacturer of all these plastic parts has failed miserably.
Cracked dash in front of steering wheel and passenger top side in line with left side of glove box, are about 1" wide and looks horrible. Reports are that Dodge dealers are refusing to work on faulty airbags. Recall because dash falls apart during work.
I bought the truck in 2004, sometime around 2011 the dash had a hairline crack. Today the dash is completely cracked and pieces of the dash is falling into the vents. I thought Dodge made quality products. My truck only has 87000 miles on it and it looks cheaply made.
I have taken excellent care of my truck since the day I bought it. In fact, after it gets washed, people often ask me if I bought a new truck, which is a nice compliment for a 12 year old truck. However, the dash is cracked in two places - driver and passenger side. The cracks run the entire depth of the dash and makes the truck look extremely cheap, which, quite frankly, is a black mark on Dodge.
Those same people that ask if my truck is new, when they get in ask "you obviously take great care of your truck. Did Dodge just totally cheap out on this particular part?"
There is a crack (no, a total break 1/4 inch gap) on the passenger side of the dashboard. I took it to the dealer and they advised Dodge will NOT replace this even though there has been an obvious issue with this vehicle. It would expensive to repair this if I have to pay for this myself. Now, an additional concern is what is going to happen to the rest of this dash if they take the truck apart to replace the possibly defective airbag? I am concerned about anyone riding as a passenger in this vehicle. This is my primary vehicle for numerous trips I make with my camper as well as picking up other items I haul in this pickup.
We noticed this when it first occurred but thought it was normal for things to crack in the Texas sun. As it got bigger, we became aware this was NOT normal wear and tear for any vehicle.
Update from Apr 1, 2015: Adding picture of cracked dash. Unable to delete first picture which was in error.....
Passenger window fails to operate from right window switch but works from driver's side. Standard cab with no window lock button I could find. Passenger airbag on and tried with it off.
Pieces missing all over . When the windows down while driving , I had a piece come loose and hit my face. I jerked the wheel and almost hitting on coming traffic. I had to buy a dash cover, and now when taking off at a light , the cover slides and have to hold it down. Very dangerous problem.
Update from Apr 30, 2016: Driving with windows down on highway and a piece of the defrost vent broke off and hit my neck
Dash started as a small crack, but now is missing chucks. I tried to remove the broken pieces as they fell into the vents and parts just broke off and were very brittle.
I love this truck and will fix it, I've taken care of it , and for the most part I'm very happy with it. Dodge stated the same things to me that I've been reading on all the sites, and I think they should have stood behind there product, at least some type of discount on the part. Very disappointed with them.
I'm the original owner & this 2003 Ram 1500 has been well maintained. Only 50,000 miles on it in 12 years but the dash started falling apart about 6 or 7 years ago. The dealership refused to replace the dash under warranty, and quoted me about $1400 to fix it. It's gotten worse & worse, so now pieces of the dashboard are falling down into the wiring harnesses, & coincidentally I've had plenty of electrical problems.
It's obvious they had a defective batch of dashboards in 2003, so why don't they do the right thing & fix them. I've been shopping for a new truck & will probably go with Ford. Don't know if Ford is a better truck, but it just pisses me off that Dodge hasn't stepped up to the plate on this and made it right.
Oh well,, all I can do is steer clear of Dodge trucks in the future & let others know about the poor quality of their interiors.
Vent part of dash completely fell into small pieces and fell into inner part of dash. Was told when we tried to get it replaced that our warranty had been out 28 days and it was a cosmetic problem and in other words, a no go on getting it replaced and it was our problem. now and sorry about your luck. Has continued falling apart and now pieces fell into heating and cooling and heater core is out and truck sitting at repair shop to get fixed. Ordered the vent part of dash to replace it and upon removing larger part of dash it also fell into tiny pieces. It is a pain for me at 73 years old to put up with this and also have to find one to replace it so I can get my truck from the repair shop. Right now its a holdup for them. After all this there is an airbag recall to be done by the dealer and the dash removed again if I do have a it replaced completely.. Just think of the money the truck owners will be putting out to replace the broken dashes that fall apart when the dealers fix the airbag problem...Won't end up costing the company a dime.....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My cracked dash has been annoying, but the issue has just become serious. I found out that they can't replace my defective airbag, included in the major recall, because of my cracked dash. The airbag attaches to the underside of the dash, and since it has already cracked, if they tried to remove the dash it will disintegrate. I guarantee, the Service guy was sorry he told me this information! When I inquired how much a new dash cost, I was told about $700, but none are available at this time, because of a back order. Then after reading the design flaw would still be in a replacement dash, what do you do? So ...here I am.
Update from Aug 20, 2017: It is well into 2017, and I am receiving notices, and calls regarding the airbag recall about every six months. I have to tell the callers the issue with the cracked dash, how Dodge won't accept responsibility, what the cost would be for replacing the dash, etc. I have begun to ask about the safety issue with the dash, and the airbags, which is going to injure an occupant of the vehicle the most? The pieces of the dash flying off when you turn on A/C, or defrost, or the airbag deploying, with debris from the dash. I also live in Florida, which is one of the states where heat is an added "bonus" to the whole situation!
- gma927va, DeLand, FL, US