Dashboard Crack problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 - part 1

70 problems related to dashboard crack have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2016

Dash is cracking creating sharp sections that would be an extreme hazard in the event of an airbag deployment.

2 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2016

Dash is cracked completely. Pieces of the dash has fallen in the air vents. It's a safety issue if I get into an accident due to a piece might hit me or my passenger. Have a 2002 Ford focus zts, I have taken care my Dodge better than my Ford and the dash is in perfect condition.

3 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2015

Complete top of dashboard is cracking and pieces falling inside. Condition is concerning from a safety standpoint. The structural integrity of the dash which also houses the passenger airbag is obviously compromised, there are sharp edges where the dash has cracked and where large pieces of plastic are missing. This would very likely cause injuries in the event of a crash.

4 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2015

Dash board is cracked.

5 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dash board developed a crack with sharp jagged edges. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

6 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2013

Dashboard has sever cracks which developed about 4 years ago. I was driving down the road and turned on the defroster. The grill covering the defroster blew apart into several pieces and hit my check and jaw. No injuries were sustained. However, there are several more grills and they are extremely dry rotted. Question is do I remove the grills and let debris fall into the ducts and they too become projectiles or leave the grills and hope for the best.

7 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked entirely. Also, the contact mentioned that there were cracks located by the air bag compartment on the passenger side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 78,000.

8 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2012

Got into truck to take a ride and noticed the dash was cracked in two places. I'm afraid the thing is going fly into the face of someone on the passenger side if I'm in an accident.

9 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2012

After purchasing this truck from the first time owner, I begin to notice at certain times I would experience a violent shaking when going over a bump. After looking online and reading about the "death wobble" I become worried and contacted the dealer. Of course they acted like they did not know what I was talking about. But when you talk to an independent mechanic, they know exactly what you are talking about. In short, I have spent over $2700 getting the front end redone, with no help from Chrysler. I find it completely irresponsible on their part to not do anything to help with this problem. Now. . Just last week I get this recall notice on the left tie rod end. I am most certain when I take it in, they will say there is nothing wrong with it. . And send me on my way. This issue and the cracked dash is all a bunch of baloney to which Chrysler should have taken some serious action to help folks who bought a $50k truck in good faith that it was built good. .

10 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

Dash began cracking and now pieces falling down while driving. I purchased a replacement from a junk yard and had it installed. Now this one is also cracking and won't be long until its as bad as the original. Dodge wants $800 for a new one and it will cost me another $335 to have it installed. This is ridiculous. What kind of material could possibly have a shelve life of exactly 10 years. Secondly how can the new replacement (that will also have a 10year shelve life) be so expensive? my son drives a 20year old Ford truck and the dash is perfect. I used to love this truck and now we hate it. So frustrating.

11 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2012

I purchased the truck with 124,000 miles and noticed the dash was cracked on my drive from tennessee back to florida. It makes noise, looks like crap, and keeps me from setting anything on the dash board. This is something that is veryyyyyyyyyyyyy common on Dodges, if not a right of passage. They need to address the issues and step up and take care of Dodge owners. Dodge, you were cheap on the manufacturing, now you need to make it right.

12 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2012

My 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 truck's dashboard has cracked in several places. These are long cracks from the windshield to the cabin edge. Also large circles of cracks. This is a safety concern because of the possibility of sharp pieces flying through the cab of the truck. We are not only concerned for our safety but for the safety of our twin 3 year old grandsons that are often with us.

13 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 02/12/2012

Severe cracking of dash board. Numerous complaints already made about this problem.

14 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2011

Dash board is cracked in multiple spots.

15 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2011

2003 Dodge 2500 dashboard cracking severely. Clearly a hazard due to sharp edges and loose shards of plastic. The damage is extending towards the instrument panel and passenger airbag. Concerned that the airbag may become affected by the disintegrating dashboard.

16 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2011

Recently I noticed that the dash had cracked on the passenger side. It was not very noticeable from the driver's side and a passenger pointed it out. Since first noticed, the crack (tear) has continued to grow. Other than the crack in the dash, the truck looks brand new.

17 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the a-pillar, which held the windshield in place, broke. As a result, the dashboard also suffered damage. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the bolts for the a-pillar were known to break. The failure mileage was 79,000 and the current mileage was 79,900.

18 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2011

Dash is cracking in several places.

19 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2011

Dashboard started to crack a few months ago, just hairline cracks at first. Now there are long cracks everywhere & the dashboard may fall in & disrupt whatever electric circuits are underneath. Local Dodge dealer wouldn't take action unless I paid for it. He said "don't use armourall" which I don't. Dodge customer assistance was no help either. There appears to be something wrong with the materials used to manufacture the dashboard. The cracks continue to expand. Afraid to drive it!.

20 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

21 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 04/13/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the dashboard was cracked entirely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 200,000 and the failure mileage was 180,000.

22 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 09/16/2010

I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Recently the dash cracked for no apparent reason. I am concerned that the integrity of the dash is now compromised. In the event of a collision I fear that the dash will now turn into little projectiles causing more damage to my occupants.

23 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2010

Cracked dash panel.

24 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2010

Dashboard cracking into pieces. From the amount of complaints about this same problem on Dodge vehicles I believe it is from faulty materials used in manufacturing.

25 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2010

Tl - the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and detaching from the vehicle. Also, the contact mentioned that there were cracks located by the air bag compartment on the passenger side. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was advised that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Dr.

26 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2010

2003 Dodge cummins dash cracking every where. I have been cut cleaning dash. In a wreak it could get nasty with air bags.

27 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2010

The dash on my 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup has started cracking,as has thousand of other Dodge pickups,which when the condition worsens to where the vehicle is dangerous to the occupants. I along with thousands of other Dodge pickup owners would like for someone to be able to force the Chrysler corp. To make recall on all affected vehicles notably year models 2000-2004. Dealers want up to $1,500. 00 to repair then in a few years the new dash starts cracking. Please help Dodge truck owners!.

28 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2010

I have a 2003 Dodge diesel the dashboard has 4 large cracks, from one crack to another it's a matter of time before this piece flies out and hits passengers. I think this is a safety issue and Dodge should consider it as being a recall. The least jerk or vibration could cause serious safety hazards. Even while cleaning the dash you have to be careful or you could get cut by the sharp cracks. Hope Dodge will take care of complaints and stand by their customers, if not, I will not buy another Dodge product!.

29 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2010

Dash cracked for no reason what so ever. Started with small crack passenger side, now extends up to windshield and air vent register has fallen out because there is nothing there to freakn hold it in place and everybody wants to act this is acceptable equipment failure. You guys need to do the right thing and issue a recall to have these dashes fixed. You borrow money from the government for bailouts while paying yourselves multimillion dollar salaries and putting the screws to the consumer. How do you sleep at night?.

30 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2010

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. While attempting to use the heating system in the vehicle, the contact noticed that the switch which controlled the flow of the air would not function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the blend door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 193,000 and the failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/11/12 the consumer stated the dash was cracked. 05/21/12.

31 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2010

My 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 has a hole in its dashboard along with huge cracks in it. I have sent emails to Dodge but they tell me its not a problem of theirs. How can so many Dodges with the same problem not be a problem of daimler Chrysler???.

32 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2010

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 that the black dash board has cracked in approximately 4 places. These cracks run from the window to the front edge of the dash board. I previously owned a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 with a tan dash board and never had an issue with the dash board cracking. Seems to me there is a defect in the manufacturing of this specific dash board. Why should we as the consumer have to pay to have faulty equipment replaced. These pieces could break free and be logged into the drivers eye and cause serious injury or even death if an accident should occur.

33 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2010

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 cracked dash. Dash appears to have cracked in temperature extremes. First crack occurred during summer in intense heat. 2nd and 3rd cracks occurred on cold nights.

34 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2010

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated about two years ago there was a small crack in the dashboard of his vehicle and now it was falling apart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there are no recalls or warranty. The manufacturer was notified who stated there are no recalls and he should contact NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000. Mw.

35 Dashboard Crack problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2009

2003 Dodge 2500. Dash is cracked all over and falling a part when you touch it.


Other Structure related problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500


Ram 2500 Service Bulletins
Ram 2500 Safety Recalls
Ram 2500 Defect Investigations