Dashboard Crack problems of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 - part 1

I purchased this vehicle new in 2001. Since then, the dashboard has been replaced 3 times. Once by Dodge and 2 times by me. This dashboard continues to crack and split. Now the bezel has cracked into several pieces. Now, within the last week, the glovebox, made of the same plastic material has split and broken at the hinges. I have noticed that this is a real problem that is all over NHTSA's complaint board under several locations such as body, structural, airbags. These dashboards have cracked so badly, no one knows which portion of the vehicle that is affected but could show up in several locations. Although they have blamed this on uv degradation, I have other vehicles from 1986 and 87 that still have never had this problem. I also have a1999 Dodge 1500 that the dash has also cracked and I have replaced as well. When will NHTSA finally issue a recall for free replacements. Right now, mopar and aftermarket parts continue to sell the dashboard that has multiple defects. If the dash comes apart during a crash, shrapnel from the dash can be blown into a persons face or chest during an airbag deployment. It is all over the web about poor dashboards on this particular model. When is the recall? it is all over NHTSA's web site under various category's. When is the recall going to occur? a lot of Dodge owners are tired of pulling money out there pockets to fix a reoccurring problem for a defect that Dodge/Chrysler is aware of? the vehicle's cracking and breaking of the dash, bezel and glovebox are made of the same material. The problem cracks when the vehicle is stationary, in motion, on streets or highways. Can NHTSA help get a recall done on this continuing problem?.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 30 mph, the power steering failed. The vehicle has had a past failure with the brakes, corrosion of the frame, a cracked dashboard, and warning indicators illuminating since 26,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired for these failures, but not for the steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Dash panel has cracked badly to the point pieces have fallen out exposing wires, connectors, ducts and other under-dash components. I am concerned this may affect inflation of air bags and potential for pieces of cracked dash to cause severe injury in the event of air bag deployment. Dash panel cracking on these models is well known to Chrysler, and has drawn national media attention (eg new york times, 2013). Chrysler has apparently refused to acknowledge its liability to repair this problem.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that dashboard was cracking and deteoriating. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 150,000. Ne.

The dashboard has been cracking for over 2 years. Large pieces are breaking off and falling into the dash area where there are many electrical wires and vacuum hoses. The pieces that are breaking off are large and have sharp edges that may cut into the wires and hoses and may start fires or electrical failures/shorts. I researched and found out this is a common failure in this vehicle year due to manufacturing. Sometimes as I'm driving, the broken pieces pop out towards passengers in the vehicle. I'm also concerned that a short may deploy the airbags.

Removed my front dash mat to clean my truck and I found the dash is cracked in multiply spots. I have looked online and found that this is a constant problem with many other Dodge owner. Some even stated that the small pieces could break off and damage wiring on the inside of the dash and cause a fire.

Dash pad cracking real bad. I am the original owner of this truck with only 44,000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The contact also stated that the heating coil was leaking without warning. The failure has occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed that the heater coil failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Dashboard has cracked in multiple places and has large holes as well.

I bought my truck brand new in daytona beach, FL in 2001. About 2 years ago the dashboard started cracking and proceeded to get worse. When I was driving Monday, 11/26/2012 part of the dash fell out and now there is a big hole in my dashboard! I have been looking for a replacement but found nothing I can afford.

My Dodge ram1500 has a dashboard problem that seems to run in that year truck. The dashboard started cracking and has continued to do so. I think that there should be a recall to repair this problem before something drastic happens. The repair shop says there is no recall for that problem and the repair cost will be appprox. $1000. 00.

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. This vehicle however, has a defect, the dashboard cracks and is starting to basically disintegrate. I however, am not the only one with these issues. As you can see on the forums and websites below. . Read more...

I could not get past the enter 'failed component' requirement so I had to chose air bags because it is the closest component related to the dash area I could find. I am one of the thousands of people who owns a Dodge truck with a severely cracking dash. I realize that this may not seem to be a 'safety' issue, but believe me, when you have a dash that is cracked into pieces with numerous sharp edges it should be. I would never let any child be in my truck unsupervised because this dash is so bad I truly believe an injury could result from contact with the sharp edges. I realize Dodge would be out an incredible amount of money to recall this problem, and I've also been told they are still selling the same bad plastic dashes as replacements, but something should be done. At least they could offer a new dash made from different material at a much more affordable cost. Please find a way to help those of us who are trying to cope with this problem. . . Thank you for your time.

Completely cracked dashboard, sharp edges, effecting electrical components, headlights.

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 laramie slt, purchased used in 2004 from the original owner. The dashboard began to crack within the first year I owned the truck. I recently had to have the heater core replaced, which requires removing the dashboard. The dashboard is now full of holes and larger cracks. I believe it poses a danger to me and any passenger in the event of an accident, or the deployment of the passenger airbag would likely cause the dash to do harm to anyone hit by any piece of it. I am told that Dodge is aware of the problem and will do nothing about correcting it.

The dash is cracking and caving in. Radio isn't working now due to cut or burnt wires. The passenger side airbag could deploy at any sec with all the cracks and pieces fallen.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard developed cracks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was common, but the manufacturer was not providing assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 97,000. Updated 06/06/12 additional concern are the deployment of airbags. Updated 06/20/lj.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard had developed cracks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there was no recall related to the failure and as a result the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that it was a common issue with these types of vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000. Pmb.

Dashboard has cracked and broken off in sections.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab. The contact stated that there was a crack in the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic and the mechanic confirmed that there was a crack in the dashboard. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 73,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated the dashboard was cracked and detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to an dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The VIN was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

My 2001 Dodge ram truck dashboard has been cracking over last few years and now is basically imploding. I’m afraid that the pieces will get stuck into critical mechanism or damage the airbag. Also, if I was to get into and accident there will be sharp plastic flying everywhere.

Interior dash has several severe cracks. Dash is starting to crumble and collapse.

The dash in my 01 Ram 1500 is cracked all over and falling apart it has to be a safety hazard for air bags deploying and sun getting thru holes can melt wires causing fire. . Everyone u talk to with Dodge trucks has this problem they need a recall on dash fast.

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 and the dashboard has cracked and collapsed pieces fall thru the cracks and down to the accrelator and brakes and also exspose my electrical wires. Dodge will not do anything about this, really afraid someone is gonna get seriously injured.

No incident, dashboard is cracked and has major crevices and holes. Inside of the dash shows exposed wires and air bag compartment. Pieces are crumbling and could become lodged behind brake if not removed soon enough.

The dash has huge cracks and is caving in at places. I recently purchased the vehicle and it has these cracks, so I do not know when they may have started.

Dashboard cracked and broke, large holes, makes all kinds of noise and pieces come flying out into my face and eyes sometimes.

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with 109,000,00 miles and I have a crack in my dashboard, starting out from my right defroster vent heading to my passenger side air bag !!!!!.

My 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 dash has been cracking and I have tried to keep up with the loose parts of it after they break off but while driving last week a piece became loose and in the turbulence inside the truck, with the windows down, a piece of the dash came off and flew into my right eye. I was able to get the truck stopped and after about 15 min I was able to get the piece out of my eye and continue driving.

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 dash is cracked and falling through. It started with small cracks now its cracked bad and falling through instrument cluster and on passenger side air bag. The pieces are very sharp. Could cause a fire or deploy the airbag.

Large cracks in the dashboard have opened up and now the front bezel and dash board are in pieces.

2001 Dodge ram dash cracking and a large hole in the middle of the dash. First crack appeared after turning on the defrost, in 2005. Reported it to Dodge. Told you are out of warranty cost to repair $1300. 00 plus labor. I was still making payments. Just last week the dash made a popping noise and a 11'wide hole from the bezel to the window opened up. Dodge wants $100. 00 for diag and copay to replace the defective dash.

Dashboard cracked on our Dodge 2001 ram truck. Dash is now lifting up when you drive with the windows open.

I own a 2001 Dodge truck in which was garage parked and the dash is severely cracked and which I am very worried about the air bags going off as the problem gets worse and the dash caves in.