Four problems related to windshield have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge 1500. While driving approximately 55 mph the contact noticed the defroster was not defrosting the windshield and there was no air flow. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
During freezing temp the windshield fogs up or has ice on it and the air does not blow up to the window or down on the floor just straight out of the dash. This is very dangerous andd after having the vehicle run for over 45 min the window is still not defrosted maybe just a small patch and after trying to see out of a small patch of the windshield I'am so surprised there are not many recks caused from this I have friends that have Dodges and I know of 7 other Dodge trucks that have this same issue. And it is very expensive to get it fixed, out of the 7 I know there is 1 that has gotten it fixed so how many other drivers are out there with this issue that can not see?.
In 2008 when the truck was under warranty the dash started cracking. I was advised and up until October, 2010 (when the warranty expired) that the cracked dashboard is considered cosmetic and not covered by warranty. Starting in Dec. 2010 the defroster instead of sticking once in a while and requiring a switch from defrost to vent back to defrost to get it to work, started not working. Dodge will not repair the defrost issue which is a safety issue unless I replace the dash. I believe that the cracked dash which by itself is probably something that is more a customer satisfaction and poor engineering effort becomes a safety issue when it must be replaced because of issues that occur with the defrost system. Many times I have driven this truck in bad weather conditions where I need the defroster just to see out of the windshield and the fogging occurs while I am driving (typically on a highway/interstate). Now I'm forced to replace something "cosmetic" or "not a safety issue" due to something that is? the issues with the defrost breaking are common. I strongly encourage the NHTSA to require Dodge to replace or repair broker defrosters as these systems even in vehicles dating back into the 1950's rarely if ever require any repair and for good reason. . . Safety. If Dodge then believes the dash needs replacing they should be required as part of the safety replacement requirements to "replace/repair and and all peripheral components required to correct the issue". I, and as I read many others, would truly appreciate an evaluation of this matter and attention by the NHTSA. Thank you for your time.
Consumer states there is a blind spot on the windshield. It is where the door column and the windshield come together. It prevents consumer from seeing on either side. The pillar is quite wide.