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.
Dash cover and plastic substructure cracked and sharp pieces falling off into the dash. Dash pulling away from the firewall on the passenger side. Headlight and HVAC control mounting points broken lose and falling into the dash. Concerned about proper airbag deployment in event of a crash with lose dash fragments and the dash detaching further from the firewall and becoming a projectile causing additional injury to occupants.
My 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 dash is falling apart. It is starting to "chunk" meaning pieces are coming out of it in what I would describe as sharp jagged "shards" with pointy edges. Noticed it beginning of last year as a single crack, not it is extensive an spreading across my entire dash. I am concerned because now wiring is exposed which could short lights etc. The chunks could fly out at high speeds into my eyes blinding my vision. In a wreck who knows what would happen.
Cracked dashboard. I cut my finger on the sharp edge of the cracked dashboard. I started doing research on repairing or replacing the dashboard so none of my children would injure themselves like I did. My research found that there is a widespread problem with Dodge Ram dashboards cracking, so I decided to file a complaint.
The vehicle has a cracked dashboard. Seems common for some model year Dodge Ram pickups. I am concerned that chunks of the dash could come off and blow into my face while driving with the windows open. This has happened to others who have a Dodge Ram with a cracked dashboard.
- Canaan, NY, USA
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I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 that I purchased new. It has never been in any collision nor sustained any damage. The vehicle is normally parked in a covered location out of the sun and is well maintained. In late 2009 a short crack appeared on the right side of my vehicle dash extending from the windshield towards the passenger seat. Several months later several other cracks appeared. As of fall 2012 several major cracks appeared in front of the steering column. The cracks are jagged and sharp exposing occupants to being cut. The dash appears to be rapidly deteriorating and defective and continues to spall. Also this cracked dash appears to be a major safety hazard in the event of a collision or air bag deployment.
This vehicle is very seldom driven, once a week 1/4 mile. It is parked with a windshield cover across windshield to protect dash. The dash is completely falling apart in pieces. It began with small hairline cracks, then pieces began to fall in. It appears that a defective material was used to make the dashboard. The plastic has turned into a ceramic type material. Now huge pieces are falling in. I ordered a dashboard cover when the problem first began but before it has even arrived I am concerned that there won't be anything left to place the cover on.
The dash has broken into several pieces (this is a serious safety issue) and is no longer intact or attached to the mounting areas. It started with one little crack and then larger pieces began breaking free. The edges are very sharp and will cut you. Upon any kind of impact to the vehicle, pieces will fly into the eyes, face, body and the driver or occupants will be injured. This is a serious safety issue. The truck is not safe to operate/drive with the dash in this condition.
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up. In 2004 I noticed some cracks in the dash board, within the next 12 months it was so bad that pieces of the dash began to fall inside the instrument panel. The air bag on the passenger side is partially exposed which is my primary concern. My wife also received a cut on her hand trying to remove a piece of the dash from inside the instrument panel.
Crack in dash panel started about Aug 2009, it has now became a full blow mess as large pieces have fallen into the wiring harness inside the dash. This could be a hazard if you roll down the window and some smaller pieces fly up into your face, or could set on wires and catch fire. I know of at least two other 1500's that are 98 and 2000 models doing the same thing as mine.
1999 Dodge Ram 1500. Dashboard has numerous cracks in it. Pieces are falling down inside front compartment and could cause other issues (electrical, etc.). this has been happening for ~5-7 years.
I noticed a very small crack on the passenger side dash, by the door, last summer and didn't think much of it. Now it is completely cracked, front to back, to the middle of the passenger seat.
The dashboard on my 99 Dodge Ram P/U has huge cracks and it leaves splinters of plastic that has broken off. There is no event that has caused this. I just noticed a small crack then it turned into a larger one. My VIN plate has been missing for the past 4 years also. I fell into the dashboard workings. I am dreading the day of a collision because the dash is going to become shrapnal and injure someone...could be my wife and two daughters. How would they like to see their loved one with a piece of plastic hanging out of their eye or neck.
Dash is cracking in four different locations and pieces are beginning to fall inside. I'm afraid that this will lead to electrical shorts or interfer with the airbag operation. Dodge will do nothing except install new dash for $900.
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 slt laramie, the dash board is cracked and falling in. I am afraid if I get in an accident the cracked dash will cause electrical problems, or a problem with the airbags to tear and possibly hurt or kill someone. I believe it is a manufacture problem and not the owners problem like Chrysler claims when you contact them. My truck has been garage kept for the last 7 yrs and it is still cracking. Chrysler claims that if there were a cover on it, it wouldn't crack. I didn't hear of Chrysler giving out dash covers to owners who requested them. I believe the company should atleast replace cracked dashes with something safer!
I own a 1999 Dodge Ram. As I understand, you have received tens of thousands of complaints regarding the dash plastic failure. As I read the posts, I see that an overwhelming majority of these vehicles (Dodge Ram) all have the same problem. The entire plastic dash splinters into shards, regardless of time or care and upkeep. So has mine. I would like to emphatically add my name to the growing list of disgusted owners. I am more than concerned about the shards of plastic around the airbag. What will happen to my passenger(s) if the air bag deploys? I work as a firefighter, and have seen first-hand the results of the violent air bag deployment. I can't imagine the extent of the additional injuries if sharp pieces of plastic are added to the blast of the airbag. This is not merely an issue of aesthetics or poor craftsmanship. It is a monumental safety issue. Please help. Sent respectfully
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Oakdale, NY, USA