general problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500

34 problems related to structure have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2016

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags); however,t the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard was fractured and needed to be replaced in order to receive the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

2 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was splitting apart from the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.

3 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2011

Dashboard on my well cared for 03 ram1500 has cracked and is spreading rapidly, and exposing sharp jagged edges above airbag which apparently is a well known problem on the Dodge trucks. Certainly could be a safety issue if involved in a crash.

4 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2011

The dash on my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is cracked in several places on the passenger side. I orginially thought of this as a cosmetic defect however, I now believe this is a more serious hazard as the airbag is stored under the dash. Should the airbag deploy, pieces of plastic then become shrapnel. Additionally, the electrical wiring can become damaged causing the airbag not to deploy when needed. Either way, you're taking a chance on the unexpected when something bad happens. I don't think it's worth the risk. Prevention is key. Therefore, this is a very serious concern and I hope the ntsa convinces Chrysler to take it seriously.

5 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2011

I bought my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 new from the dealer. . Within the last year and half. . . Several parts of the truck that are plastic molds have begun to break. . The dash (both parts), lock switch bezels, hood scoop insert, and a few other pieces. It seems to me that the type of plastic or quality that Dodge used in manufacturing these parts has led to numerous accounts of parts breaking where in most cases the parts should hold up to the life the of vehicle. I feel like a re-call, especially on the dashboards of the ram trucks, should be issued so that Dodge can correct a problem from a manufacturing defect. Thank you for you time and consideration into this matter.

6 Structure problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2011

Dash is disintegrating. Could be very dangerous and hurtful situation, if the air bag were to deploy, which could result in serious injury or possible fatality. Apparently, this problem has been ongoing for years. Updated 10/20/11.

7 Structure problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2010

I was driving down the highway and my dash split 2 times. I have done nothing for repair, since I have seen many other complaints on the internet.

8 Structure problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2010

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving under normal road conditions, the dashboard exhibited an abnormal popping and then completely cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the failure was a constant issue with the year, make and model but the manufacturer had not issued a recall. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that although the failure was a known issue they were not willing to assist with any repairs. The contact had to tape the dashboard to the vehicle in order to stabilize and prevent the windshield glass from fracturing. The contact believed the failure to be a huge safety hazard and the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 117,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.

9 Structure problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2010

I purchased a 2003 Dodge ram/ 1500 pick up recently and the whole dash board was/is falling apart. . Read more...

10 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed four cracks along the hard cover of the dashboard. The dealer advised there was no recall for the failure and any repairs would be at the owner's expense. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 62,000.

11 Structure problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2010

Ii own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500,and my complaint is my dashboard is starting to fall apart. My issue is that the parts that are breaking off may cause an electrical short,due to the plastic falling into my electrical compartment. I am also concern it may even spark an electrical fire while I'm driving. So if you would please take this problem into consideration and investigate,because I do think it is a Dodge problem not wear and tear. Thank you very much for your time.

12 Structure problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2010

Dashboards collapsing, cracking 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.

13 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2010

I have a 2003 1500 Dodge ram the dash board started with a small crack and then within a few months it became a very large crack. Also the driver's side grip handle has completely pulled off.

14 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2009

I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Unexpectedly, a major crack has occurred on top of the dash. There was no impact or force put upon the dash, it just seems to be cracking on its own. The cracks are causing very sharp edges where a serious cut can occur if a person's hand or finger goes across it.

15 Structure problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2009

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 truck with 54000 mile 2 month ago I found a small cracked on the top of the dashboard with in 2 month it is all over the dashboard with sharp edges in about 3 places I called the dealer which refused to do anything aboutthat problem . Later on I found out there is a lot of complaints with similar problem so please do something about it.

16 Structure problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2009

The dashboard on my 2003 Dodge ram truck is completely cracking causing pieces to fall in the dash area below. The dash started out with several small cracks, and quickly got worse over a short period of time. Now, I have large holes in the dash all the way across from the steering wheel to the passengers side.

17 Structure problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2009

I own a 2003 Ram 1500 quad cab and the clear coat is deteriorating on every panel. I have got three estimates, all of which were 4 to 5 thousand dollars to repair. I see thousands of other Dodge owners with this exact same issue. Please help!!.

18 Structure problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2009

The dashboard of my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 laramie, cracked in half with one loud pop. I now see many such complaints on the internet. My insurance is paying for the replacement because it occurred while I was driving, but I now believe this is a factory defect that should be covered by the vehicle's warranty. My truck was purchased brand new and now only has 42000 miles.

19 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2009

Dashboard on 2003 Dodge ram is cracking really bad now. I've owned since it was new and have 68k miles on it. I have researched and this is a huge problem with all Dodge rams. No matter who, how many times I call they say it's normal wear and tear which is complete non-sense. Google this topica and there are thousands of threads and issues noted out there. I can't believe Dodge dealers, their 800 numbers etc. Just dismiss and don't do anything about it. It needs a recall!.

20 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2009

Dashboard and dash panels are spontaneously cracking. Pieces of vinyl are falling apart possibly affecting the proper function of air bags. Hot engine air is leaking inside the vehicle through the cracked board affecting the proper cooling a/c system; driver and passengers are breathing engine fumes that are entering the cabin through the openings/cracks.

21 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2008

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard's cracking. Started in 2008 around 88k miles and is progressively getting worse. No recall to my knowledge, even though my neighbor, a relative, myself and almost everyone that's owned a Dodge truck from 200 to 2004 has had or has heard of the same issue! amazing what does it take to be recognized as a problem! two weeks ago I went again to buy a pwr steering pulley that had disintegrated on an 04' dakota and the parts mgr said that he thought they were using better materials on the replacement dashes. He thinks!!!! he should know since he obviously knew this was an issue, and said so!!!!! why should a materials defect come out of my pocket? where's our government?????.

22 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2008

Dash board is falling apart.

23 Structure problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2007

Dashboards on Dodge ram's are cracking, I'm experiencing this with my truck. I've also found a website called carcomplaint. Com and also found that there were 43 other people that had the same complaint. We all feel that Chrysler needs to do right by us. They will repair at out expense starting at $700. 00. This is rediculous and it seems the manufacturer will only listen to you. Please, is there anyway you can help us. Thank you. Gaspare bruno.

24 Structure problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2007

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 slt with 48,000 miles on it. Today a crack suddenly appeared on the dashboard above the passenger side airbag while the vehicle was parked. The crack runs from the top to the bottom of the dashboard. I have not called about service or repair of it yet.

25 Structure problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2007

Dash board material has hardened and is coming a part. 1. Concerns over the hardness of the material causing excessive head injury. 2. Concerns over air bag deployment accidental (due to dash board fatigue, and or flying dash board debris upon deployment of air bag or bags.

26 Structure problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2007

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact observed when the vehicle was parked that the entire dashboard sustained warps, cracks and other significant damages. An authorized dealer stated that the failures were contributed to defective materials in the dashboard. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the current mileage was 53,000. Updated 10/22/09.

27 Structure problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2007

The dashboard on the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with only 20,000 miles on it cracked and has large chunks falling out of it.

28 Structure problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2007

The dashboard on my Dodge truck is cracked completely in two. It is a crack that has progressed over a year or so from a small crack to now being completely in two. I also have minor wiring issues that may be attributed to it as well.

29 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2007

The dash board on my 2003 Dodge ram is cracking and collapsing. It is getting worse by the day it seems and I am afraid that the pieces will fall inside the dash and cause a fire or affect my steering or electronics. Please help. I am finding that there are many more out there like mine and we are all worried for our safety.

30 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

The complaint is regarding the dashboard on a 2003 Dodge ram. It is completely cracked and is falling apart. Everytime I hit a bump on the road the pieces fly off and land all over the vehicle. This is a major safety issue and is happening to thousands of Dodge vehicles, especially the Dodge trucks. I've been trying to contact Dodge to attempt a resolution to this problem, but I keep getting the run-around and the Dodge dealers want nothing to do with the problem. I wonder what its going to take to have this problem addressed by either Dodge or the government?????????. How many injuries have gone unreported that have occurred as a result of shoddy construction and materials?. This a serious problem that needs to be looked into soon!.

31 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge ram. The contact stated the dashboard cover broke into pieces. The manufacturer stated the dashboard failure was not a recall and denied assistance with the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the dashboard cover was made of defective material. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 120, 00.

32 Structure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2005

2003 Dodge pick up trucks dash board crumbles. Pieces of the dash board have gone into the area where the airbag is to be deployed from. With the impact of the airbag it could cause death, blindness and/or other injuries. This is an issue Dodge needs to correct.

33 Structure problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2004

Dash board/panel, crumbled and cracked. Literally disintegrated with vent guards falling into vents and then pieces blowing out when defroster comes on. Dealer said no warranties on dash,due it being cosmetic, offered to sell a dash cover for $200.

34 Structure problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2003

The dashboard in my 2003 Dodge ram is cracking and I'm concerned this may cause problems with the electrical components in the dash such as air bag etc.


Other Structure related problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500


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