Dodge Ram Owners Report Dashboards Collapsing, Cracking

I Purchased a 2003 Dodge 2500 Diesel Ram Pickup in 01/2007 from Carmax. The vehicle had 58,000 miles on it and was in an almost new condition. Back in August while traveling through Texas on a road trip the Dash just cracked in the middle. I went to Carmax since I had purchased an extended warranty for 3 years and was told the dash wasn't covered, so I went to a Dodge dealership and they gave me the 800 number to Dodge, so I called and they said they wouldn't cover it for two reasons, the truck was beyond 36000 miles and I was a 2nd owner. If anyone has a good legal point of contact for this issue please let me know, I'm stuck with this same situation as the rest of you.  Thanks  

I hate to be a wet blanket on all your flames of hope, but I dare say with the sale of Dodge to Cerebrus the chance of anyone stepping up to the plate to fix these dashboards is slim, remote and none. It is odd, these dashboards didn't seem to be that bad a quality when they were new, at least to me. The latest dashboards from Dodge that I have seen, on the other hand, seem to be manufactured from remanufactured chewing gum. I wonder what the dashboard on the Jeep Compass will look like in five years? Not a pretty picture.  

My 1996 dodge also show cracking across the center. It has 110K on it and i don't know if i want to buy another dodge. I love dodge (35yrs),but if they don't back up the products any more   then i'll go some where else, maybe Toyota!!!  

I have a 99 Dodge Ram and the dashboard is in pieces now.  We live in a hot climate and unfortunately at work the truck sat out in the sun, and even with a silver dash cooler in the windshield, the big crack started and from there, in no time it was in pieces.  I read on another site that someone complained to Chrysler and they replaced the dash for them for free.  I am going to do what I can, but, my luck never goes that well.  I was curious if the premolded covers work on this mess? Anyone try that yet? I can't imagine that the soft velcro or glue on carpet covers work on this bad of a situation!  

Check out the dodge forum:
http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_196287/tm.htm
They absolutely know they have a huge problem and still will not iniate a recall. I bought my 2001 Dodge Ram brand spankin' new and after ONE YEAR, had huge pieces of the dash falling out. Exactly same as the videos from: http://www.local6.com/news/13305435/detail.html
also see:  http://www.CarComplaints.com/Dodge/Ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard.shtml

I will never buy one of their products again. Probably Toyota next for me also. I'm thinking of setting up on the corner of my local dealership with flyers with all the links to these complaints, and also putting flyers on Dodge trucks in parking lots that have their dashes missing also. Looks like empty dealerships is the only way they may begin to care enough to back their product.
Should have learned my lesson when my mom's new Omni had the paint coming off after 1 year back in the 80s and they wouldn't do anything there, either. Never again.

Darrell Recob  

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 and have the same problem. One day my truck and dash were fine then two days later went out to wash and detail and found a hughe crack in the dash from the glove box up towards the windshield. Got the run around form the dealership and a Rep from Dodge itself. They both said I got the crack due to using Armor All. So far neither Dodge or the dealiership will replace it. They both said the because I have over 97000 miles on the truck its normal wear and tear, who has ever heard of that. So if anyone knows of how all of us Dodge Ram owners can fight this let me know its BS!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I own an '03 Ram 1500 and about 6 months ago is when I noticed the cracks on my dash. I believe i counted 12 cracks on it. At the same time my parents own a PT Cruiser which also has a whole bunch of cracks. Until Daimler names this problem a recall we can't really do anything, but I did find something that will suffice for now it's a plastic molding that fits directly on top of your existing dash boardand you can find it on an LMC truck catalog for about $120.  

I see that I'm not the only one with this issue. I found this site by accident while looking for a new dash to order. And I am glad. I have a 1999 Dodge 1500 and like everyone else. My dash is gone. It started out small and now I have no dash. I contacted Dodge at 1-800-992-1997 and they said they will look into this. I guess I will have to wait for a response. If anyone has any info that might help PLEASE post it so the rest of us can respond.  

Oh my! Been shopping around for a used truck and thinking about a Dodge. Sounds like I better hold off a bit.  

I also own a 2001 Ram 1500.  I purchased it in Green Cove Springs, FL.  The dashboard looks like a jigsaw puzzle it is cracked in so many places I've lost count.  I used to hear it cracking while driving down the road so I believe that it could be fit and form    or installation issues.  When I went to the dealer about mine I also was told it wasn't a warranty item and I would be responsible for the full replacement cost.  It wasn't even a year old then.  I feel that Dodge should be held accountable for putting bad parts in their vehicles or either improper installation of the parts.  Either way the cost should not be passed on to the customer!!!  

That Chrysler is trying to remove themselves from their product is troubling already. Chrysler should be going after their supplier for the defect, similar to the way GM was going after Microheat.  

That would be nice but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Mines cracked too. It got really bad when I had to remove the dash to replace my heater core.  
Todd-Desert Storm Vet (US Navy)
2001 Dodge Ram SLT 4x4 w/360 (not stock)
2002 Prowler Lynx 30' travel trailer

I didn't realize this was such a problem. My husband's dashboard is coming apart in pieces. Unfortuanately, the warranty has expired. So I'm looking into a used dashboard and then buying a dash cover. I agree that this has never happened to any of the other vehicles we have owned. Very disappointing!  

This is from the original posting, but if you have not done so, file a complaint with Safercar.gov.  

Thanks bkong. I filed my report last year. Hopefully others will follow suit. I belong to other Dodge forums and I know many of them have filed as well.  
Todd-Desert Storm Vet (US Navy)
2001 Dodge Ram SLT 4x4 w/360 (not stock)
2002 Prowler Lynx 30' travel trailer