Two problems related to instrument panel failure have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dash assembly for the instrument panel failed and caused the controls to collapse inward into the dashboard. In addition, the air bag on/off switch was attached to the panel, the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, and other controls. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause electrical issues and prevent the air bags from deploying or operating correctly. The dealer was no longer in business. The contact stated that the failure has been occurring since 2009 and was initially informed that it was a cosmetic issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed again of the failure and stated that since the vehicle was sixteen years old with 240,000 miles, it could not be serviced by them. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, she drove over a bump in the road and the entire the instrument panel lights failed. The contact moved the vehicle off the roadway and attempted to shift into park but the shifter was stuck in the drive gear. The contact attempted to move the shifter several times before engaging. The contact stated the failure would occur whenever she would drive over an uneven road surface. In addition, often when the failure would occur, the key would not turn in the ignition until after several attempts. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall and the failures did not occur until the recall work was performed. The dealer advised the recall repairs were not related to the failure the contact was experiencing. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 88,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.