I love these trucks, but both 2001 Dodge Rams I've owned have had cracked dashboards. This is ridiculous, especially for a dashboard that has a damn AIRBAG in it and could literally turn the airbag into a claymore...
I own one of the Dodge trucks with a severely cracked dash. The thing is just disintegrating before my eyes. Like others, my experience is that Dodge offers no reasonable recourse.
I've contacted Dodge twice about the issue at the phone number that has been given out on numerous forums. The first time they told me they wouldn't do anything as I wasn't the first owner. As if! The most recent call, they told me my truck was too old and there was no compensation available. The little ding-a-ling that took my call kept repeating: "I understand your frustration" and "We 'can't' doing anything about the problem" as if they are helpless in the face of an overwhelming burden. They claim it isn't a manufacturing defect. I had to laugh out loud at that one. Its a dash, folks... Its not structural, it is placed under no load, yet it cracked on its own.
It is cheap enough for Dodge to replace or at least provide the part. Its not an overwhelming product recall like the keyswitch that GM is busy replacing, yet it does put the occupants of the truck at risk of electrical fires. But yet they still refuse to make good. So, I make a promise to Dodge: I will make you pay for it, over and over and over. And you will pay much more for it than you would have, had you acted in good faith. It is a promise, and unlike Dodge, I keep mine.
Bought this truck new in 2001. As much as these darn things cost they should certainly last longer than they do these days. The Cummins motor has been great so far but everything else around the motor (body) falls apart. Had to have the heater core replaced at 33000 miles. had to have a new main wiring harness installed at 44000 miles. Tried to baby this truck since I bought it new...doesn't matter if crap is being pushed off the assembly line.
- Tony B.,
Canyon, TX, US
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Just like to get it fixed. I try to keep all my stuff in good condition. The interior looks great except for the crumbling dash. Tried to repair it with Gorilla Glue when it first started to crack but that did not work. The cracks started on the passenger side and is now going across the dash to the driver's side,
I didn't know that this was such a widespread problem, Dodge should stand behind their trucks (since they are saying Dodge is # 1 for trucks).
Also had to replace fuel sending unit in fuel tank, would be driving and truck would just shut off, would happen 10 times or more for only going 3 blocks. Left truck sit for over a year till finally found a repair shop to fix it, DODGE WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT!!! Then was told Dodge quit making it for my year truck and they had to use a different year to repair it
Dodge has had reports of their Ram dashboards cracking for years, yet they do not offer any assistance in fixing the problem. The edges are sharp and can injure someone who unwittingly puts their hand on the edge of the cracks. A collision with appendages contacting the cracked dash would certainly cause unnecessary additional injuries. The cracked dashboard in my truck is a safety hazard which should be subject to a manufacturer's recall rather than being considered a "cosmetic flaw".
my dash has fell apart in my lap two times, and when i say fell apart that no bull. and the 1st time i called dodge and they said that's part of owning a truck. i have never had a dash fall apart in any ford or chev i have owned. so i paid for a new one from dodge and my shop installed it, that was in 2003, and the new one fell apart 4 year later. i have said this is it. so i park it in frount of my shop with a sign saying think before buying a dodge.
Dash started cracking right after the warranty had expired. Dealer did not offer any assistance. Did not realize this was happening to so many other owners. Never left dash in the sun.My truck is spotless and has always been pampered. Defective dash material and Dodge should be responsible. I will not buy another Dodge product until this problem is justified.
This is a problem with all 2001 and present Dodge automobile's and Dodge manufacture need to replace the dash with a different material since they know that the material is of poor quality.
I have contacted RAM about this problem and they had me take it in to the local dealer to determine that I did not cause the problem. They then offered to pay $900 of the $1200 it will cost to fix it!! We feel they should cover the entire cost. It HAS to be fixed ASAP as the single crack of the last months has suddenly turned into many shattered areas and it is starting to fall in. This should be a recall!!!! I will take photos and save the replaced parts ot the damaged dash. I want help to hold they accountable
After contacting Chrysler I was given a claim number and instructed to take it to my nearest Dodge dealer to verify problem. I did have it fixed, but was not happy having to split the bill three ways. Us, the dealer and Chrysler. Chrysler should have footed the entire bill, but since I didn't want the problem to get any worse I had no choice. I told the guy at Chrysler that even after the tax payers paid them billions in bailout money why couldn't they pay the $1100.00 to fix my dash. He informed me that if I wanted it fixed, then I would have to settle for what they were offering. Nice to be put in a position where you have no choice. Especially since they've known about the problem for years.
I really love my truck....I call him Big Red. It hauls me and my horse all around and I wouldn't trade him for anything...but his dash is getting worse and its ugly.
this is not only a safety issue where a person could get cut or stabbed it is a eye sore dodge you should ashamed for not recalling this obvious problem.
The dash is awful it's not just cracked, it is in little pieces. Thought it might have been the heat until I saw all these complaints. I have owned a lot of vehicles never had one to do like this one.
I love my truck & have not had any major mechanical problems with it but am embarrassed for anyone to get in my truck with the dash all cracked to pieces & vibrating as we go down the road. Have put a small stuffed animal on the dash to help quieten part of it. I'm going to try to put some black duct tape on it to try to keep the pieces from falling down inside my dash. I agree that this is something that should be considered as a recall. And finding a used one.... IMPOSSIBLE!!
I am blind in one eye and disabled. They say this is not a dangerous situation well, it is. My windows fog so bad I can not see and pieces fall off and fling around in the truck. I wear glasses for fear I will get something in my good eye when I go anywhere in it. If I could afford another vehicle I would get one. I love my truck but, this is an on going problem that needs to be addressed by dodge to stand behind their product they sell. I think someone needs to answer up and do something.
I feel Dodge should step up and replace all these busted dash boards. I had to get 13 stitches in my hand from getting cut by this busted ass dash. Talking to numerous Dodge owners of similar trucks they all have the same problem. The plastic is sub par sh*t. Made in China I'm sure. I'm looking to buy an F650 dually but need to repair this ugly ass dash before I can trade this truck in. Will never buy another dodge truck again. Although I am building a real Mopar, 69 Dodge Super Bee. PS the transmissions suck also, after 3 of them have been installed in this truck.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
OE/POS Dashboard.. fell apart. After replacing 1st time, add 3 years and same broken dash problem...
Located fiberglass replacement... NO MORE Problems!!!!
- pocketchange, Houston, US