8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$540
Average Mileage:
88,650 miles
Total Complaints:
227 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. dodge should make this a major recall (84 reports)
  2. recall & replace at no cost to owner (74 reports)
  3. not sure (31 reports)
  4. replace dashboard (28 reports)
  5. recall defective dash (5 reports)
  6. never buy another dodge (3 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #67

Sep 072004

Ram 1500 Larimie 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

Mine cracked in 04 and my neighbor has a 2001 and his cracked in 2005 after he told be that he keeps his under a cover that it would not crack.WRONG!!!! ALL are junk and they ALL should be replaced. Also I'm in the process of changing out motor due to the sorry pick-up screen on the oil-pump pick-up tube. Spoke to a local mech. and he said that he replaced a couple of oil pumps for low oil pressure but it was too late for the motor. same here replaced the oil pump good pressure for about a couple of months and the pressure would drop suddenly. the bearings are worn and no telling what else. service department said that it came from using SLICK-50, it comes from the stupid pan on the pick-up tube not letting all of the debris come out with the oil change. the opening is about the size of your thumb back to the first joint and all around the sides sets any debris. Quaker State oil part of the problem also, notice walmart has changed from Quaker mis-State Oil also. LAW SUIT SHOULD BE SOON

- dennisnc, China Grove, NC, US

problem #66

Mar 242007

(reported on)

Ram 1500 1500 5.8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I THINK THAT A COMPANY AS BIG AS DODGE SHOULD RECALL THESE DASHBOARDS IT IS BULL SH*T THAT WE AS CONSUMERS SPEND THIS MONEY ON A VEHICLE NEW OR USED AND THEY FALL APART LIKE THIS I COULD UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS ONLY A FEW BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND THE PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I DO. I AM ASHAMED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE TOTAL SH*T!!!! IT IS NO WONDER THAT PEOPLE ARE BUYING FOREIGN VEHICLES AT LEAST THEY STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND DO WHAT THEY CAN TO REPAIR IT!! NOT ONLY DOES A BROKEN DASH LOOK LIKE TRASH BUT IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS. I CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY TIMES THAT I HAVE GOTTEN CUT BECAUSE OUT OF HABIT I SET SOMETHING ON THE DASH AND IT FELL INTO THE GREAT PIT!!!

- William B., Lewisburg, TN, US

problem #65

Mar 182009

Ram 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

I was wandering around on the internet, browsing for typical problems with my new truck. Apparently, this is a more than common problem. My dash is cracked all to hell and it definitely should be recalled. I smell bullshit on the part of dodge; the least they could do is to replace these with a higher quality one.

- Matt M., Decatur, IL, US

problem #64

Sep 152007

Ram 1500 Quad V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

My husband and I had a construction company and purchased three Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks to help in our business. Six months after the purchase of the 2000 Ram 1500 Truck my husband died. I had to shut down the company and get rid of the other trucks but kept the 2000 Ram 1500 because it was the one my husband drove. I still have it and drive it daily. He always kept his vehicles in perfect running condition and looking like new. It was a weekly ritual for him to get out and maintain the vehicles keeping them like new. I still get compliments on the truck looking like new because I have kept as he would have in his memory. In the fall of 2007 I noticed a small crack coming from the defrost vent on the dash board. A few days later there was a larger crack - then it started traveling across the entire dash. I tried everything from keeping the dash lubricated to trying to stop the crack progression with glue. Nothing worked. It only took a couple of weeks before the dash board started falling apart in chunks. I removed two large chunks as they started to fall into the dash system under the dash board. I put a cover over the holes because they were so awful and I was always so proud of the appearance of the truck and was trying to keep it from looking like a hunk of junk. The holes also glared back at me in the windshield imparing my vision. They are located just above the steering wheel and instrument panel. (A definite safety problem) Being a widow and very little income, I don't have extra money to spend on these kind of repairs right away. I have been trying to save up to replace the dash board but have been told it would cost over twelve hundred dollars plus labor and taxes. A while after the dash board chunks came out I started having problems with my head lights. The low beam will not work. I have to use high beam whenever driving after dark so I try to make sure that I don't have to go out after dark very often. (Very inconvenient to have to leave early form a gathering to make sure I get home before dark or chance getting a sitation for not having low beams) I have had them checked and have been told that the problem is in the system that has to be accessed through the steering column or the dash board. Sounds to me like the problem started with the system being left without the protection of the dashboard. This is a major repair for cost as they have to remove the steering column to make the repair. Until today, when I was trying to find a dash cover on line, I didn't know that there were so many others who have the same problem and who are also having extended problems that are more than likely caused from the dashboard holes and cracks. Chrysler-Dodge should have more pride in their product than to allow this to continue without satisfaction of their once proud owners. We understand that there are sometimes problems for consumers and as long as the manufacturer of the products/vehicles stand behind their product they will always have loyal customers. This is just awful and shameful that Chrysler-Dodge has not made it their priority to make sure that this problem is taken care of for their customer. I have seen where many are changing or have changed to other make of vehicle. This is a terrible because I have always been proud to say "I have a Dodge Ram" but can no longer carry that tune. My truck still looks like new on the outside but when you get inside and see the dashboard it makes you sick. How can this company think they will remain customer choice for truck or cars if they don't handle the customer service with more pride of their product? These are hard times for our companies and our people. We can no longer stick with the same companies just out of our past loyalty. The company must prove their ongoing loyalty to us as their customer. I do think that a complaint to the Better Business Bureau or a Class Action Law Suit is in order if these problems are not handled. My truck had approximately 86 thousand miles on it when this problem happened and was under an extended warranty that was sold to me after the death of my husband by my dealership. It just breaks my heart to see the truck that he was so proud of - looking like this. Now I have to tell people that Dodge is not the company to purchase from if they want good customer relations. From what I have read it will not matter even if I put all the money into the replacement of the dashboard because of the replacements having the same problem. This is a definite product liability problem. Sad to loose my confidence in Chrysler-Dodge.

SS in Ga.

- ssmithga, Douglasville, GA, US

problem #63

Feb 012007

Ram 1500 SLT Laramie 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard cracked dashboard cracked dashboard

I have a new dash I paid out of pocket for, about 360 bucks. Thanks to Dodge I have to replace the heart of my cab after only 80K miles. This is a safety issue if I've ever seen one. Mine is busted all around the passenger side airbag. If that thing were to ever go off the wreck wouldn't kill me, the plastic daggers ejecting themselves into my internal organs definitely would tough.

I mean, come on, Dodge. You charged me 24 grand for this truck in 99. You're telling me a truck that's mostly been garage kept, and has had shushades in it's windshield all it's life, cant hold up any longer than this? My 96 has about 160K on it. It sets outside day in and day out. NO cover. It's dash is perfect. (Though I have heard of many others with 97 and earlier dashes splitting like ours.

This is not merely an aesthetic problem. My clearcoat didn't peel after about 7 years of use. Only the core matrix that supports every driving function and safety feature in the cab is all. But I guess that is not a problem for a soon to be defunct automaker, now is it?

- ramthis, N. Richland Hills, TX, US

problem #62

Feb 122002

Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,500 miles

My Dodge dealer told me to use plastic epoxy to mend the ever growing crack in my dash. And then told me to buy a dashmat to cover it! What a nut! He even had the gall to tell me he has never had any complaints about the dash in the Dodge Rams! However, I brought evidence with me, he didn't expect that! Among the 250 page book I handed him was a full list of all the complaints from this website, among many others. His face turned red, than white as a ghost. He was caught! I had this planned for a while as I knew what would happen, that being total denial. Of course I told him I would like to file a formal complaint with his dealership and Dodge about this problem. He didn't know what to do, so he referrred me to the owner. I was not hesitant, I presented my book to him as well. In denial, he did allow me to file a complaint and promised to refer the problem to his Dodge Contacts. Right! Some of you did better than I. At least they offered some a new dash. Plus installation mind you, what 3-4 hundred dollars? I got the shaft, like most of you. It is obviously going to take a Civil Suit against Dodge to make good on this major problem. Any attorneys out there own a Dodge Ram? Want a challenge? Let's take on this big Dodge Empire and prove to them that when Americans buy an American Truck, they want a reliable truck that includes something that they have yet to discover: Good, ethical, reliable and "Care about our Customer's", Customer Service! I'm in if you guys are! It can be done! Thanks for reading. If there is anyone out there that is willing to help us thousands of Ram owners.....please contact me using the Send Comment link below.

- timlphillips, Frankfort, KY, US

problem #61

Mar 252008

Ram 1500 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Dodge has pos dashes.... I will never own one again. This is BS.

- overman, Lubbock, TX, US

problem #60

Jan 052009

Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,300 miles

Just wanted to add my name for the list. It amazes me that on this site alone there are literally hundreds of people complaining about this exact problem. Ram dashes have been cheap throughout the entire 2nd generation line. Since I bought this truck used I just bought a DashMat for $55 and covered it up.

- jonesy0311, Livingston, IL, US

problem #59

Jan 062006

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

I bought this used with one tiny crack that turned into more than a dozen throughout and actually falling inward. Every dodge truck owner I have talked to have said there are cracks in their trucks also. I used to love dodge but now I'd go ford or metric. Ashamed of our auto industry.

- garryf, Ormond Beach, FL, US

problem #58

Jan 222004

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

The transmission went out on my truck and fixing it was a costly expense. I hope dodge has fixed the problem.Along this huge problem, my dash caved in. I hope that no small child gets hurt with flying pcs. from the dash when and if the vehicle is in a wreck. Its a shame that dodge owners have huge holes in the dash. I'm short, I don't see the dash when I'm sitting in the drivers seat, but when I'm on the passengers side this is all I see when I'm going down the road, getting more pissed as the trip grows longer. I'd be ashamed if I was dodge. Dodge needs to make this a safety recall before they are hit with a huge lawsuit .

- Steven C., Woodbury, TN, US

problem #57

Mar 032001

Ram 1500 V8 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

We had the first dash replaced. Within a year the second one started cracking. It now is actually falling apart. I have never seen anything like this in my life. I can not believe a company can get away with this . My husband bought this truck new, to last a while and this is what we got with our hard earned money. He is now disabled and it makes me so angry to look at his truck, literally falling apart in our drive. I hope some sort of suit can be made, and if it can please put our name at the top of it.

- Emra M., Denham Springs, LA,, US

problem #56

Dec 152005

Ram 1500 Sport 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I am very upset with the dodge dealers. They would not replace my dash even though I was under my extended warranty. They told me it was because I had left my truck in the sun. However up to that point my truck had been garge kept. My truck was my baby now I am just disgusted with it and wish I had the money to buy something else.

- Tiffany S., Banning, ca, US

problem #55

Dec 012006

Ram 1500 Maroon 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 187,000 miles

I see why these auto companies are in trouble. At least Dodge. If it was up to me I think the U.S.government shouldn't give this company a dime in auto bailout money. They didn't help me at all so let them go for broke.

- Kenneth K., Texarkana, AR, US

problem #54

Jan 012001

Ram 1500 1500 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I'm another one that bought the dash cover, which I can't stand, how many dashes have to crack before Dodge recalls , I had one Dealership in Cleburne TX quote me $1500.00 back in 01. Guess what, I went back to FORDS

- mhammons, Joshua, TX, US

problem #53

Sep 082006

Ram 1500 Sport 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

I was really happy to purchase my first and now my last Dodge Truck. I owned Chevy Trucks most of my adult life. I decided to purchase this Dodge because I really liked how it looked, drove and performed. Boy was I wrong! The dash started its first crack on the passenger side right above the glove box. It traveled to the defrost vent where it stopped. The second started about 3" to the left and continued on to the middle of the dash. This is where it decided it didn't like that direction, so it turned and went the other way until it stopped at the windshield. All the while I'm calling and yelling at anyone from Dodge to PLEASE fix my truck. Nope....not covered!! I now have so many cracks I lost count. Dodge, if your listening, I will buy another truck. JUST NOT YOURS!!

- gqkqil, Morris, IL, US

problem #52

Jul 012007

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 that I had been very happy with up till about a year ago. I have had the same problem with the dash. I was always getting comments on how good it was taken care of and that it still looked new, until now. The inside looks like sh*t!First, one small hairline crack and the next thing I know is there are cracks running from front to back all the way across on both parts of the dash. I was told by the dealership that it was not under warranty and that they had a lot of problems with them, but they just crack after a while and there was nothing to do about it unless I wanted to spend $1,200 to $1,400 to fix it myself. This was my second Dodge truck in a row, but unless they own up to the problem, recall and fix them it will be my last. If they correct the problem on new trucks in the future, it will be too late!

- Mark C., Bedford, TX, US

problem #51

Aug 132005

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

MY DAD OWNED THE 5.9 LITER DODGE RAM 1500 V8 AND HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AND NOW HAS GIVEN IT TO ME. i HAVE TO COVER UP THE DASH BOARD BECAUSE THE WHOLE ON IT IS VERY BIG; I'VE SEEN OTHERS BUT I THINK MINE IS ONE OF THE WORST BECAUSE THERE'S AT LEAST A FOOT OF WHOLE SPACE. THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM. AND I HAVE SEARCHED FOR A REPLACEMENT. IT'S BEEN CRACKED SINCE 2005 AND I WILL START DRIVING IT IN 2009, MY DAD IS GIVING ME THE TRUCK IT'S A VERY GOOD TRUCK BUT IT'S JUST THE DASHBOARD THAT GETS TO ME' DODGE NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL AND DO SOMETHING BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM WONT GO AWAY;! AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT~~

- Ricky S., Wauchula, FL, US

problem #50

Sep 102008

Ram 1500 Laraime V8 Magnum

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER.IT HAD 1 CRACK THAT I NOTICED AT THE TOP OF THE BLACK PLASTIC THAT SURROUNDS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.WITHIN 2 DAYS OF DRIVING MY DODGE,I HAD CRACKS AND CHUNKS FALLING IN.I STILL LIKE THE DODGE,BUT NOW MY INTERIOR LOOKS S**T.IM TEMPTED TO BUILD MY OWN FROM FIBERGLASS,AND SEND CHRYSLER THE BILL.

- doncandoit, Henrietta, TX, US

problem #49

May 052001

Ram 1500 4x4 360

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Guess what happens when those little cracks connect. Your dashboard explodes and pieces fall into the dash. Then connections and wirring inside the dash are compromised. Switches, lights, fans, vents are all effected depending on the size of the pieces which are falling into the dash. I loved the truck when I first got it, now it just makes me sick. I spent way too much money on a truck for this to happen, especially when on disability. Dodge should recall these trucks for the dashboard problems. They would go bankrupt fixing all of them though. SICK SICK SICK........I thought I was getting a great truck, boy was I totally wrong.

- Clint B., Lizton, IN, US

problem #48

Sep 062008

Ram 1500 Magnum 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard cracked dashboard

I bought this truck 2 years ago. It had 33k mi on it when I did. In February of this year the transmission went out and I had to pay $1700.00 to get it rebuilt. I noticed the dash beginning to crack but I didn't think anything of it really. That is til a big CHUNK fell out of the dash! I think this should be a recall by Chrysler. They know what they did, and should pay for it. I can tell you for sure, this truck has pissed me off. I once was a Mopar fan, but I'm changing over to Chevy. F*CK Dodge.

- Kristin M., Midlothian, TX, US

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