7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
97,000 miles
Total Complaints:
184 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace dashboard (88 reports)
  2. not sure (49 reports)
  3. replace dash (14 reports)
  4. complain, complain, complain at dealer (12 reports)
  5. cover with a dashboard cover (12 reports)
  6. get a dashboard from online for 260 + shipping then diy (5 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #64

Apr 302006

Ram 2500 SLT Cummins

  • Manual transmission
  • 62,000 miles

THIS IS Bull___T..... Dodge knows it has a problem with their dash's all the way back to 1997. I don't want a whole lot. JUST FIX THE DAMN THING>>> I will not buy another dodge until they fix this problem. A 50000 dollar vehicle and it looks like a piece of crap when you look inside..

- James R., Dayton, TN, US

problem #63

Aug 012008

Ram 2500 LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This is a safety hazard! The large jagged pieces continue to crack and if you don't see that there are new cracks, they can fly off the dashboard when you stop or turn very easily. It also has stopped my air conditioning as small pieces have fallen into the cooling area under the dashboard. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. It looks ugly and when you pay $45,000 for a vehicle you do not expect it to look like this. This needs to be addressed by Dodge and be replaced. If they refuse to take care of this they will lose customers and all others that I can tell. And I will tell everyone!

- Gail L., Stockton, CA, US

problem #62

Sep 022011

Ram 2500 2500 5.9L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,000 miles

For years I have been a Dodge customer . . .this is the 6th truck. I take immaculate care of my vehicles . . .parking in the North 40 every time I go some place....then I go out to get in my truck and low and behold there is a crack running right down the middle of the dashboard. It has never been exposed to the sun without a shade over it. Did not realize the enormous problem this obviously is until I began looking to resolve the problem. Dodge needs to step up and recall the defective dashes and replace them . . .with newly manufactured dashes not the same product used!!

- Charles S., Waxahachie, TX, US

problem #61

Sep 012010

Ram 2500 LS 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,540 miles

I have noticed the problem is with all Dodge pickups. I had a Chevrolet for over 13 years before I noticed the dash to crack. This happened in just eight years. A very big eye sore.

- Brian R., Weatherford, TX, US

problem #60

Jul 302011

Ram 2500 LS 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

I have been a Dodge man for about 30 years we have a 84 pu 79 road runner 2006 van, 2006 Dakota, and the 2003 ram and I have never seen a dash do this it will just crumble under the slitest of preasure. My bigest concern is in an accident the air bags would be punchured and the dash would be shattered causing severe damage or even Death. I have contacted the Chrystler complaint hot line and they are trying to work something out with the dealer for maybe a 200.00 or so deductable. but the Dealership wants 2044.43 up front and Chrystler to reimburse me the difference. I am tired of watching the commericials about how tough Dodges are and how dependable they are. So Dodge put up or shut up. Take care of your customers or like a good company should or loose them to someone else.

- Johnny V., New Hope, AL, US

problem #59

Nov 082010

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The original crack was right down the passenger side above the airbag. Just the other day it cracked more, causing the defrost vents to fall inside. It now has several cracks across the top of the dashboard and as I have noticed this is a problem that has been identified by DODGE that there is a defect in the plastic....SO THEY NEED TO FIX IT!!

- Robby G., West Palm Beach, FL, US

problem #58

Jun 012011

Ram 2500 SLT Turbo Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

click to see larger images

dashboard cracked dashboard cracked

63000 miles on this 2003 truck and the dashboard is falling apart. I see this is a common problem in this vehicle. How do we get Dodge to take care of this?

- acataffo, Castle Rock, CO, US

problem #57

May 222008

Ram 2500 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 206,000 miles

my dashboard in my 2003 dodge is all busted up and cracked and a new dash around one thousand bucks good gosh why cant they come down on the price if i payed so much money for that truck it should last so i think yall should replace it

- James M., Purvis, MS, US

problem #56

Jan 192011

Ram 2500 ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

Dodge should replace the compleat dash .it looks like apiece of junk on the hole dash.

- ladder 107, Bayonet Pt., Flordia, US

problem #55

Jul 152008

Ram 2500

  • Manual transmission
  • 89,000 miles

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Check out this site to make a complaint on your dash. Maybe if enough people complain to the gov. they will recall this Safety Issue. I sent my complaint in a while back but to a different site. No reply yet. It is 'www-' with a dash not a dot. I will make a complaint to this site also.

Update from May 25, 2011: www.genosgarage.com. I have heard that it is supposed to be a lifetime dash.

- wfisher, Victoria, TX, US

problem #54

Mar 272011

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Just adding to the long list of complaints about cracked dashes. 2003 Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins. Dash cracked on passenger side running front to back near the airbag. How can this be safe? Haven't price checked a repair yet but looking at the above posts it won't be cheap. I've maintained the truck as best as I could possibly have. Thanks Dodge, I've had two of your trucks but a third will be a tough sell!

- robertks, Topeka, KS, US

problem #53

Jul 012006

Ram 2500 SLT Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Dash Cracked. What a Crock!!! I have had a dash mat on my 2003 Ram two days after I bought it new. A little over 3 yrs and my dash started to crack. It now looks like spider veins all over. I went to Dodge was told nothing they could do but replace dash, cost of over $1200. I called factory and they said nothing they could or would do. I have researched this problem and found that Dodge has known for some time that their Dash's have a defect in the plastic used. And!! Dodge has no plans on fixing past or present problems with the plastic. AGAIN! WHAT A CROCK! Been a Dodge owner for many years, cars and trucks but I am sure thinking of pulling away. Dash cracks, wind noise from doors and grab handles breaking if used. COME ON DODGE FIX UR PROBLEMS, HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS PAST AND PRESENT.

- larryaz, San Tan Valley, AZ, US

problem #52

Nov 112009

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

My truck is a Dodge 2003 3/4 ton turbo diesel. It has been babied ever since I got it. A year ago I noticed a crack across the center of the dash, which in a matter of weeks became 7 ctacks. I called Dodge's complaint department. I told them the problem and told them that I had their extended warranty. I took it to the dealer to have him look at it and report to the claims dept. After getting the run around for about 6 weeks, I finally got their decision. They said they would help me out. Instead of one thousand three hundred for a new dash, they would do it for nine hundred and sixty dollars. I asked how much just for the dash and me replace it myself. They said six hundred and thirty dollars. Dodge is well aware of this problem and should fix it for a reasonable amount not the unrealistic figures they quoted me. I have owned four new dodges in my life but will never own another.

- khelmert, Altus, Ar, US

problem #51

Jan 112011

Ram 2500 LST Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 133,000 miles

Had a custom dash mat since truck was new. Noticed defrost vent pieces missing, picked up dash mat and dash was cracked in multiple places. Dealer wanted $285 just for part. Found online for $190 + $15 shipping. Will see how hard it is to install.

- Eric D., Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #50

Apr 082010

Ram 2500 Desil

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

dodge won't do anything about the defected problem, Dealership here is fast at selling the vehicle to you. but not fast on doing even maintenance. i have a business and need the truck for work . But need an appointment just to change the oil . any other problem could put me out of business waiting just to have them look at it. I don't go through the dealership for to much anymore. And I won't buy a Dodge anymore because of the service and the fact that the parts that are defected they won't take responsibility for them

- songe, Houma, LA, US

problem #49

Sep 022010

Ram 2500 Regency 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I have this really great Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi. The truck is in perfect shape except the dash started to crack at the speaker holes one day . About a week later the whole dash on the passanger side cracked in two seperate places .Other than that the interior is perfect but why would all of a sudden the dash crack so much in less than 2 weeks time ?

- raulinaz, Youngtown, AZ, US

problem #48

Dec 062005

Ram 2500 5.7L

  • Manual transmission
  • 86,000 miles

dash cracked and like other owners it continues until components begin to fail and it becomes dangerous as well as being and embarrassment to me when any one see it. it is also unsellable. DODGE MAKES JUNK

- goodaggie, Flower Mound, TX, US

problem #47

Oct 102009

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

I am really upset with Chrysler. Apparently there is a big problem with the dashes cracking on dodge vehicles, including mine. I paid $36,000.00 for this truck in 2003 and the truck is kept in a carport and the dash cracked, a year ago. They won't fix it because it cost them to much to fix or recall the trucks for the problems. But they had no problem getting our tax dollars from the goverment to keep going because of the recession.

I build boats for a living and I stand behind my work and equipment they should too or the goverment should step in and force them too, or no more money...I have two dodge vehicles and have always liked them, but this is my last. Now I am having problems with my transmission also. The Cummins Diesel is great but the truck is falling apart around it.

- Steve W., Cambridge, MD, US

problem #46

Jul 012010

Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L

  • Manual transmission
  • 170,000 miles

I noticed that my dash was cracked. During the morning yesterday, it was cold and I turned on my defroster. The cracks in the dash progressed quickly to a point of blowing the louvers of the defrost vents out at me on high speed!!!! Think that this poses a bit of a safety hazard!

- ttalley, Lawton, OK, US

problem #45

Jan 012006

Ram 2500 5.9

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

dash in these trucks are junk definitely a problem, and if you cant get the stealership to help with something so obvious, just wait till you play the lift pump, and injector game with them (diesel)

- colby_h, San Antonio, TX, US

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