Unknown Or Other Related Problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500

Table 1 shows one common unknown or other related problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.

Table 1. Unknown Or Other related problems of Dodge Ram 1500

Problem Category Number of Problems
Unknown Or Other problems
33

Unknown Or Other problem #1

Truck stalls every time I start slowing down for a stop sign or red light and sometimes when I turn corners. When idling it shuts off immediately unless I throttle to keep rpms up. Also stalls when I put it in reverse. I've been almost hit several times when pulling into an intersection. Replaced all known causes and nothing has fixed the issue. I have read in some sites I may need a software update from Dodge dealership.

Unknown Or Other problem #2

Cut my hand on a crack in the dashboard. Dodge is not standing behind its product, they have defective dashboards and will not replace them.

Unknown Or Other problem #3

The truck was parked when the first crack occurred. Left side of glove box on top. New crack appeared yesterday. Based on the amount of failures people have experienced researching the internet, this must be a manufacturer defect. They only want 3000. 00 dollars to fix with no monetary assistance.

Unknown Or Other problem #4

On 1/9/2012 as I was getting something out of the passenger side of the cab, I noticed a crack in the dashboard. This crack was not there the day before. It is approximatly 6" long, just to the left of the glove box on the top of the dash.

Unknown Or Other problem #5

Dashboard cracked around speaker grill. Then another, now 5 cracks one by glove box that is sharp and has cut me twice. I understand that this is a continuing problem with Dodge trucks from model years 1998-2006. Shameful!!!!!!.

Unknown Or Other problem #6

Dasboard cracking - vehicle is not even 10 yrs. Old yet. Handle inside that you would grab to help yourself in has cracked and is not safe to use. My wife almost fell out of the vehicle when this handle cracked and came loose from the inside of the truck. Dashboard cracks match exactly what I have viewed on-line while investigating other owners issues with this vehicle with same problem. Obviously a common problem with this make (Dodge) of vehicle. Cannot find any info on any recall being issued. I am worried if an air bag deployed that the dash would become flying shrapnel.

Unknown Or Other problem #7

If I were to be in an accident I am extremely concerned that the dash would fly apart with the air bag on impact seriously hurt someone, the dash is cracked badly and I have already seen chunks come out of my brothers dash this is an expensive repair.

Unknown Or Other problem #8

The dashboard on my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has multiple cracks in it. The most concerning crack is located above the passenger airbag. Also the assist handle on the driver side has been replaced and has broken again. The part is expensive and I should not have to pay to replace this faulty piece again. Consequently, I have had to discontinue the use of the assist handle. I am only 5'2" and it is difficult for me to maneuver in and out of the vehicle safely without the grab handle. The cracks began in 2008 and have been multiplying since then. I will be driving down the street and hear a crack and there is another crack in the dash. The vent areas have all fallen through into the heating/cooling compartments causing rattling.

Unknown Or Other problem #9

Dash cracking falling apart on 2003 Ram 1500 rear end chewed up either axle clip or posi clip.

Unknown Or Other problem #10

My 2003 Dodge Ram 1500's dashboard is completly shattered without and force to it. It started cracking back in 09 and is now becoming sharp edged peices all over my car. In the case of an accident these sharp peices could easily do some damage to a sensitive part, such as a persons eye. If this is to happen to me, or any of the other of 1000's of people with this issue, there will be lawsuits out the ass for lack of recall. There is something obviously wrong with the dashboard in these trucks, and they need to be fixed.

Unknown Or Other problem #11

Cracked dashboard in my 03 Dodge 1500.

Unknown Or Other problem #12

I have experienced a serious heating problem with this vehicle. The blend doors go bad in the heating system which in turn cause the windshield to ice over and which produces serious visiblilty problems.

Unknown Or Other problem #13

Severe cracking of dashboard. Cracking is so bad that pieces are falling into/inside the dash. These exposed edges are extremely sharp, posing a severe laceration hazard.

Unknown Or Other problem #14

Bad cracks in dash of 2003 Dodge ram pkp.

Unknown Or Other problem #15

No event(s) have caused this condition, it just happened. The dashboard of a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has cracked leaving sharp as a razor surfaces exposed. Nothing has been done to correct the problem yet.

Unknown Or Other problem #16

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 quad-cab. During normal use and care the dashboard has cracked in two places. A piece has broken off the dash and fell down into the area behind the dashboard. Subsequently, the heater stopped blowing hot air. The heater failure appears to be due to the broken piece of the dash interfering with the heater mechanism behind the dash. No repair or replacement has been attempted at this time. The plastic inserts in the door handles have also failed. This includes the components that hold the window, mirror, and door lock controls.

Unknown Or Other problem #17

Horrible cracks all over dashboard. Plastic is crumbling. Some parts are very sharp.

Unknown Or Other problem #18

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 dash cracking & coming apart. Dodge should cover via recall this potentially dangerous defect. Its a mess & dangerous.

Unknown Or Other problem #19

Yes I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 and about 2 years ago I started noticing that there were small cracks forming in my dash board and wasnt sure why. Done some calling around and research and found out that there was nothing that could be done about it short of dropping 500 dollars on a new dash board. Now two years later my dash looks like a jig-saw puzzle. I am worried about my dash falling apart one day going down the road. I work in the emergency field and it scares me for me and my family to ride down the road in my truck for fear of pieces of plastic falling off the dash. Please help me. . . . . .

Unknown Or Other problem #20

The dash on my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is cracked in several places and the assist handle on the driver side a post fell off. I purchased a new handle but the insert that the screw goes into is damaged and loose so only the top screw is holding it in place. I am dis-abled and need the handle to get in or out of the vehicle safely. I'm concerned that the passenger side airbag will not deploy correctly because of the large crack over the glovebox, also a piece of the dash has fallen into the ventilation shaft and is lodged stopping air flow and rattling noisily. The dealer where I purchased the vehicle is currently out of business. This is terribly discerning and certainly not what you would expect from such an expensive product. These problems started in the fall of 2008.

Unknown Or Other problem #21

The grip handles and dashboard have degraded from heat and uv radiation and cracked into many sharp pieces. I cut my hand while wiping the inside of my windshield. I take blood thinners and this caused me to bleed for quite some time. I did not realize how razor sharp the edges of the broken pieces are. These would likely slice the air bag & driver/passengers faces & arms in a crash. The plastic selected by Dodge is not suitable for the purpose intended and presents a hazard. An additional hazard is the exposure of wire harnesses exposed to the direct sunlight and extreme heat. Cracked insulation will lead to electrical fires & failed operator controls. The failure is most prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The plastic used by Dodge needs to be reformulated, and sale of the faulty formulation halted immediatly.

Unknown Or Other problem #22

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the paint on the roof of the vehicle is peeling and rusting. The dealer has been notified. The current mileage was 26,000 and failure mileage was 24,000.

Unknown Or Other problem #23

I'm a Dodge ram owner and I'm concerned about my cracking dashboards I have a 2003 Dodge ram truck the dash cracked when it was 4 years old and the dash is getting more cracks in it I'm afraid the air bags will come out when we are driving I called big old Dodge where we got it new in 2003 and they said they could not do anything about it.

Unknown Or Other problem #24

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The front dashboard is cracked on the passenger side where the air bag is located. The crack is a straight line that begins at the top of the dashboard and extends to the end. There failure occurred suddenly and without warning. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The contact can provide an invoice and the damaged component if needed. The current and failure mileages were 14,000.

Unknown Or Other problem #25

Own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. Noticed a small crack in the dash on the passenger side of the vehicle by the airbag. Crack has grown from a 1/2 inch to 6 inches and is very noticeable. I heard this is an ongoing problem and talked with other Dodge owners that have the same problem.

Unknown Or Other problem #26

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 - 49,000 miles - dash board cracked. 2001 and 2002 Dodge pickup trucks are already on a recall list for the dash boards cracking.

Unknown Or Other problem #27

The dash in my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is cracked and fear these cracks will expand. A local television station has reported that cracked dashes can expand and cause a variety of problems.

Unknown Or Other problem #28

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge 1500. The contact stated that his dashboard began cracking six months ago. The VIN, purchase date, and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 47,714 and failure mileage was 42,000.

Unknown Or Other problem #29

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with the hemi engine. I have at least 20 different cracks on my dashboard. It looks horrible. . . . I only have 69, 000 miles on my truck. I drive my car most of the time. My truck in mint condition other than this ugly dashboard. The pieces are starting to fall in. Can you please start an investigation and get us a recall please. . .

Unknown Or Other problem #30

Cracked dash board,not fixed said it wasn't under warranty.

Unknown Or Other problem #31

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard cracked in less than 3 years of buying it new. Accodring to Dodge its cosmetic but this is clearly a safety hazard when I drive. The dash has so many cracks and sharp jagged edges than can severely hurt someone. Obviously Dodge does not care about its customers once they have bought one of their vehicles. Its an obvious defect yet Dodge somehow manages to get away with poor quality at the customers expense.

Unknown Or Other problem #32

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 40 mph, the contact heard a cracking noise. He noticed that the dashboard had begun to crack. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic. The current and failure mileages were 37,000.

Unknown Or Other problem #33

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with multiple cracks in the dash. The dash started cracking a little over a year after I bought the truck new. I contacted the dealer ship, big o Dodge and my warranty provider and both state it is cosmetic and not covered under the warranty. The cracks have continued to get larger. I have holes where the vents are suppose to be on top f the dash. I also have parts of the plastic down in the vents where they have fallen. These small parts tend to fly around when you turn on the defrost or hit a bump. I have tried to take care of the dash by using multiple popular products but nothing seems to keep it from cracking. This is dangerous and I am afraid if I get in a wreck my dash could break apart and hurt or kill me or someone in my truck.


Unknown Or Other related problems in other Dodge Ram 1500 model year vehicles:



Ram 1500 Service Bulletins
Ram 1500 Safety Recalls
Ram 1500 Defect Investigations