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.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that cracks were present on the dashboard. Also, while operating the air blower, debris blew into the cabin and distracted the driver. Furman Dodge (24252 state rd 54, lutz, fl) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 66,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the doors on the front passenger and the rear passenger side failed to open. Also, the contact mentioned that the windows and the locks would not operate. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the vehicle was working up to specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. No further details of the crash were provided. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the passenger side windows would not operate properly. The driver side window would operate occasionally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that there were no recalls and offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge 1500. While driving approximately 55 mph the contact noticed the defroster was not defrosting the windshield and there was no air flow. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
Heater blower fails to blow to the floor or defrost. Truck windshield started to fog up and couldn't get it to clear because the defrost blend door is broken. Very dangerous problem with Dodge vehicles.
- Maple Grove, MN, USA
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The problem began with the ignition remaining on with the key out. The next thing was the headlights not switching between bright and dim.third came the wipers not turning on all the time.now the turn signals are working improperly.
During freezing temp the windshield fogs up or has ice on it and the air does not blow up to the window or down on the floor just straight out of the dash. This is very dangerous andd after having the vehicle run for over 45 min the window is still not defrosted maybe just a small patch and after trying to see out of a small patch of the windshield I'am so surprised there are not many recks caused from this I have friends that have Dodge and I know of 7 other Dodge trucks that have this same issue. And it is very expensive to get it fixed, out of the 7 I know there is 1 that has gotten it fixed so how many other drivers are out there with this issue that can not see?
In 2008 when the truck was under warranty the dash started cracking. I was advised and up until October, 2010 (when the warranty expired) that the cracked dashboard is considered cosmetic and not covered by warranty. Starting in Dec. 2010 the defroster instead of sticking once in a while and requiring a switch from defrost to vent back to defrost to get it to work, started not working. Dodge will not repair the defrost issue which is a safety issue unless I replace the dash. I believe that the cracked dash which by itself is probably something that is more a customer satisfaction and poor engineering effort becomes a safety issue when it must be replaced because of issues that occur with the defrost system. Many times I have driven this truck in bad weather conditions where I need the defroster just to see out of the windshield and the fogging occurs while I am driving (typically on a highway/interstate). Now I'm forced to replace something "cosmetic" or "not a safety issue" due to something that is? the issues with the defrost breaking are common. I strongly encourage the NHTSA to require Dodge to replace or repair broker defrosters as these systems even in vehicles dating back into the 1950's rarely if ever require any repair and for good reason...safety. If Dodge then believes the dash needs replacing they should be required as part of the safety replacement requirements to "replace/repair and all peripheral components required to correct the issue". I, and as I read many others, would truly appreciate an evaluation of this matter and attention by the NHTSA. Thank you for your time.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact was unable to use switch from defrost to heat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there were no recalls or warranties for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 117,000.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 blend/mode door 1 replaced in 2007 for $300 out of pocket expense unable to use defroster to clear car windows. Broke again 2010. No dealer assistance or manufacturer assistance. This is unsafe due to unable to clear fog or frost from windows while driving.
Dodge Ram 2002 has a recall that could cause a serious electrical fire and foggy windows. This problem also occurs on the 2003 model that I own as well and they do not want to repair it. I have photographs of the heat that has been caused by the under sized wiring harness to become bare and could cause a fire. I have repaired the truck my self with no help from Dodge using the same repair kit for the 2002. Some dealerships will not sell me the item, one finally did. To help me out ***************** 10, 2003 | recall id# 21715 recall reason steering:column recall date Mar 10, 2003 model affected Ram 1500 potential units affected 287725 recall summary on certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an under-sized terminal for the HVAC blower motor circuit. Localized heating from current flow with the blower speed set on high may cause the terminal contacts to relax and lose electrical contact. This can cause the HVAC blower motor to become inoperative. Consequence this condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy dealers will install a wiring harness overlay to correct this condition. Owner notification began April 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Notes DaimlerChrysler corporation C11***********************************
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- Lutz, FL, USA