7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,400
Average Mileage:
122,550 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. buy after market dash (3 reports)
  3. have a new one made by Dodge so it can be replaced (3 reports)
  4. replace dash (3 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #14

May 152015

Ram 2500 Club 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 195,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dash

Dash is just falling apart; pieces fly off. I have been cut once. Replaced the top with aftermarket. None else available. I have tried to glue on fiber mat over the cracked parts without much success. It gets worse by the month, and soon, I'll have nothing but the metal frame.

I've spent a great deal (more than $10,000) making this truck look and run sharp, but there is just no good fix for the dash. Dodge should be ashamed.

- Stephen F., Palmetto, US

problem #13

May 072017

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Cumins

  • Manual transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I understand this to be a pattern failure in Dodge trucks that the manufacturer chooses to ignore. I'm not asking for compensation just make the part needed (dash support structure) available to me for a fair price and stop treating me like I'm stupid.

- Tim N., Borrego Springs, CA, US

problem #12

Jan 042016

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

As much as these vehicles cost, it is a shame that Dodge uses such cheap parts. Many other makes do not experience this problem.

- Colby H., Thurmond, NC, US

problem #11

Jul 202002

Ram 2500 HD 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

On July 2002 I was hauling water to my cows and when I turned the trailer the dash cracked from one end to the other. Supposedly warranty expired so I patched it up with silver tape. Worked for a while but every time I was on dirt road it cracked some more and some more until I have no dash and also no instrument panel and are all gone.

So I have all instruments tied with baling twine its so embarrassing that an expensive heavy duty truck be like this when it was only 5 yrs. If you check on my VIN# see how many times I had it at the Dealership for brake problems and at that time In was hauling a trailer load of round hay bales and it was very new at that time. Even threaten to put "A Lemon Sign" and was told I couldn't.

And I'll tell you something I have a 2000 F-250 Power Stroke 4 x 4 Red also and my dash and paint on the exterior is excellent

And I know that more than 30 1997 Dodge Ram that the Mission Independent School District Mission, Texas had, also had the same problem with there dash so they got rid of them for the same reason. What a shame.

- Irma G., Mission, TX, US

problem #10

Jan 012000

Ram 2500 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dash

Dodge Ram 2500 dash and panel cracked. Just got cut from one of the shards that broke off. DIY people who won't shell out in repairing Dodges bad dash boards, please be careful when handling the broken plastic, it has sharp points just like broken glass.

I'm tempted to bring all the pieces into a Dodge dealership and ask what should I do? LOL maybe I should video their response.

- Erlina V., Vallejo, CA, US

problem #9

Oct 012014

Ram 2500 5.9L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Don't know when cracking started because it has had a dash cover since 1998. It now needs to be replaced. No other auto I have owned has needed the dashboard replaced.

- Don E., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #8

Jun 072013

Ram 2500 XLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 217,290 miles

VERY DANGEROUS IN A CRASH. PLASTIC PIECES ARE VERY HARD AND SHARP

- Janet J., Brenham, TX, US

problem #7

May 052007

Ram 2500 SLT Cummins

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Should have a warning sticker- "WARNING! Dashboard May Suddenly Explode"

- rowdywestern, Petaluma, CA, US

problem #6

Jan 122011

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

my dash is caving in and causing other problems now the climate control is stuck on AC no Heat. I'm having a serious problem considering the purchase of another Dodge since their not recognizing this issue and not making parts or technical support available. First Dodge I had ever purchased and may making it my last if they dont stand up and be accountable. Sorry Dodge no loyality here!!!!!! you had your chance.

- g.schneider85, Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #5

Jul 062004

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,000 miles

Great truck except for this dash problem. The dash is just falling apart.

- thetaxman1, Picayune, MS, US

problem #4

Jul 012002

Ram 2500 SLT Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

dodge dropped the ball on their dash's will not stand up to the heat of a georgia summer lasts till the warrenty is out

- James S., Claxton, GA, US

problem #3

Jan 012000

Ram 2500 Deisel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Dash is cracked everywhere. Completely blown out on the passenger side.

- veggiefuel, Menifee, CA, US

problem #2

Oct 102009

Ram 2500 Sport 5.9L

  • Manual transmission
  • 135,000 miles

dodge needs to make a new one so we can buy it or what ever I just want a new one Its wierd that you can't even get an aftermarket one

- John S., Clayton, NM, US

problem #1

Dec 172009

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300,000 miles

Did not know of this being such a wide spread problem....now I know. This is my second Dodge pickup my first being a new 1989 318 1/2 ton.... My new truck purchased in 1997 diesel 4x4 has been a great truck. Now this dash thing. too bad that our companies are not standing by their products on such a cheap item. $50K trruck - $? dash. I'm keeping this truck running...I will not purchase a new one.

- debbiej, Fort Worth, TX, US