7.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,266.00
Average Mileage:
88,296 miles
Total Complaints:
83 complaints
Most common solutions:
- enough complaints to dodge will get a recall-1-800-992-1997 (48 reports)
- replace dashboard (18 reports)
- not sure (16 reports)
- don't use Armor All (1 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Helpful Websites About 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 cracked dashboard
2008May 03
Ram 1500 V8
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Over a year ago I noticed that the passenger side dashboard in my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 began to crack. I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on because I take excellent care of my vehicles. Soon the crack began to look like the freakin Grand Canyon and now there are three more cracks appearing all over, moving towards the driver's side. This is freakin ridiculous. It makes the entire inside of the truck look like crap and I certainly don't have a spare $1200.00 lying around to get it fixed, not to mention the time lost for the repairs and having to find a ride to work. This is B.S. and it needs to be addressed by the Dodge Corporation. Hell, they've all taken the bail out money so now they need to do something about fixing the vehicles of loyal customers that thoroughly enjoy having our Dodge Trucks. Dodge needs to put out a recall for these defective dashboards and get them all repaired ASAP. This could potentially be a hazardous problem if for some reason these cracks cause a problem with the air bag deployment during an accident. So come on Dodge, get your execs on this and get the problem taken care of!
M.Sandoval
2007Oct 20
Ram 1500 5.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
dodge needs to stand behind its product. There are just to many reports of cracked dashboard to be isolated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jul 18
Ram 1500 V8
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
The problem is obvious. The manufacturing company who makes the dash boards have chosen a plastic for the product they are manufacturing.
I have never used any Armor All or any other after market product. I didn't want that "Shine" look on my dash board. I really liked the matte finish from the factory product.
That is until the damn think started falling apart.
My plan with this truck was to drive it forever. With the dash problem I probably won't. But I can say if Dodge doesn't fix it then I won't buy another one.
This is my second Dodge Ram.
Bobby
2007Jul 01
Ram 1500 Big Horn
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I take good care of my truck, don't use Armor-All, and have a big, nasty crack from front to back across the dash board!! Just like the others, I am also having a problem with the air conditioning. The automatic windows are not always working and I rarely use them, so its annoying to have them going out also.I love my truck, but I wouldn't recommend anyone else to buy one at the rate these things fall apart. I take really good care of it and am usually the only occupant,so its upsetting to see the parts where I don't even sit falling apart!
2009Feb 17
Ram 1500
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
So far this is the only problem. i hope something can be done
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 02
Ram 1500 SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
My dash has also been cracking, and getting worse as time goes by. First a small crack, then another. Waiting for the dash to someday just cave in I guess. This may have caused an air condition problem, as now air will not blow out of the vents. I can feel cold air from nooks and cranies in the dash, so the air condition is working. Was told that some door that controls the vents may have broken. Im thinking some of the plastic from dash fell and lodged on the vent mechanism. Hoping that the dash get recalled, my truck is in great condition except for cracked dash, and well now the air con problem!
2007Aug 15
Ram 1500
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I bought this truck second hand at a dealership in Baton Rouge. It was an awesome truck. I take very good care of my truck. I loved everything about it. I bought the vehicle in December of 2004. I noticed a rattle that no one at the dealership could figure out. I realized later on when my dashboard started to crack that this must be the rattle. I brought it to the dealership and they only tried to sell me a new one. They did not tell me that there were a lot of complaints about the same problem. I could deal with just one crack, but come on..... I asked my wife to google this problem and see if anyone else has this problem that maybe it is a defect from the factory. To my surprise, the internet is full of people with the same complaint. Please tell me what is Dodge going to do about this? They want us to bail them out but yet will not fix this problem. Don't you think we have paid enough!!! I am now having problems with my AC. I have to wonder if this is all because of the dashboard. Please let me know if anyone out there has any information about a recall or if the government is going to do something about this before someone gets killed.
SMelancon
2006Aug 01
Ram 1500 Quad Cap Slt V8 Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 60,500 miles
cracked dash. It looks like a dried up mud hole. its a piece of sh*t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2009Jul 25
Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 102,086 miles
my dashboard is cracked too and i just purchased this truck 2 months ago started with only one crack on the passenger side and now there are two and big real big and i can`t buy a new one because is too expensive dodge said that cost like 600 dollars plus the labor for this POS.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 29
Ram 1500 SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 52,300 miles
This truck has had nothing but problems; Dodge had to replace the whole rear end - before we even had the truck a year. Also, we had a blinker problem that they had to fix before we had the truck a year. Now the other day the dashboard cracked out of nowhere. Also, the electric window controls on the passenger side are loose. Nobody ever even sits on the passenger side. My 2003 dodge ram has only 52300 miles on it! I will never, ever but another Dodge. No wonder they are out of business!!
2009Apr 04
Ram 1500 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,009 miles
This is a problem that should be fix by the Dodge dealers. When are they going to wake up and see that there is a problem.
2009Aug 24
Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 120,300 miles
had a another crack develop in the dashboard hey dodge cut me a stimulas check to fix your cheap product
2009Jul 16
Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 Laramie 5.7L Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 70,008 miles
I read a few of the other complaints and my is basically the same. The front dash toward the passenger side of my Dodge quad cab Laramie 4x4 cracked all on it's own. It started small and soon grew to going all the way across the dash.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2005Oct 27
Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,134 miles
i bought this because really like it the dash cracked about a year after i purchased the truck makes me sick to look at it , the dealership just laughed when i wanted it fixed i then noticed every truck around has the same problem NOW MY PAYED OFF TRUCK, AND MINE AND EVERYONE'S TAX DOLLARS ARE BAILING OUT YOUR CHEAPASS COMPANY THANKS ALOT FOR NOTHING / AND BY THE WAY MY 98 TRUCK HAS A CRACKED DASH TOO
2007Jan 16
Ram 1500 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,600 miles
Noticed small crack on far right passenger fron dash now I have crack running the length from front of the dash to the front window. From what I've seen with other complaints on the internet, it will get much worse. It's obvious a defective product/material that dodge poorly chose to put in their vehicles. I want to know what Dodge is going to do about it. Are they going to wait until there is a serious accident with a possible a fatality before they decide to act! I've got this great truck I love but I'm going to have to junk it when dash falls in. Thanks Dodge!
2008Dec 11
Ram 1500 5.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I am also one of the cracked dashboard 2003 dodge owners, it started as a little crack on the passenger side and now it is clearly a big tear along the whole dashboard. from the window all the way to the other end of the dashboard. the whole thing is cracked in half. now im seeing debri coming out of the ac ducts. dodge said it would be 600 dollars just for the part, not sure for labor.
2009Jul 15
Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
How many of you people with dash cracks used Armor all on it? I have had bad experience with Armorall and had heard it can cause vinyl to crack. Additionally I believe it causes a film to form on the inside of the windows as it outgasses.
2009Jul 01
Ram 1500 5.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I give my baby a gentle rub-down approximately one a week, especially the dash. Approximately 1 month ago I detailed the dash and the next morning I noticed two small cracks! The morning following that, 4 large cracks! My blend door shattered somehow so now I have to tear the whole dash apart to replace that!!!!!!!!!!! There will be no way in hell to put the dash back together/in!!!!!!!!! Any word on a $#@% recall? Or any assistance? Or maybe letting a brother know where to get a replacement dash??? Im fed up! THIS IS JUST 1 OF 4 RECENT PROBLEMS!
2009Jul 18
Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
It just keeps spreading like wildfire. I am the proud recipient of two new dash cracks this morning.
It is hard to believe that my father slaved for Chrysler for over 41 years trying to make the best products. He always encouraged the kids to buy American made products, but I see that Chrysler is not standing behind their products. I hate to say this, since I was raised on Mopar, but this is the last time Chrylser will ever see anything from me.
2006Aug 01
Ram 1500 ST 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I bought my Ram in 2004 and tried to keep the dash looking nice. I keep the Truck in the garage, use a windshield screen, and use Armourall every Thursday, In 2006 small cracks appeared in the 2006. In 2007 the small cracks spread all over the dash and the vents fell all apart. Also, in 2007 a BIG crack appeared in the main dash. The parts were quoted by the dealer to be $1200 and they would NOT replace this KNOWN defect.
I will never buy a Dodge again!!!! I feel sorry for the workers who have to be embarrassed to work with such crappy material and know their company does NOT care. What a waste of bailout money. I don;t know anybody who will buy another Chrysler product after buying their first. Maybe they can sell them to third world countries who haven't heard what a piece of crap Dodge is.
2008Mar 12
Ram 1500 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,650 miles
Add me to the list of passenger side cracked dashboards
2009Jul 01
Ram 1500 XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Last month I made my last payment on my 2003 dodge ram 1500, This week I noticed a crack thru the entire right dash board from window. I am shocked that I am not alone with this issue. a friend with a 2002 ram 1500 has the same issue. Why has dodge never recalled this and corrected it. We the customers have now BAILED them out, when do we get HELP from big brother?
2009Jun 01
Ram 1500 Sport 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 with offroad pk., was a SLT but i have had the sport bumpers put in an the leather from the delar. i have spent more on this truck then the custom cars I HAVE REPLACED THE DASH THE LOWER ONE NEXT TO THE WINDOW, THE UPPER DASH COVER, THE LOWER WAS 360, AN THE TOP WAS 760 AFTER TAX. IM SORRY I DONT THINK I SOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER DODGE HAS A PROBLEM AN NEED TO FIX, OR MAKE THE PARTS MORE F-N CHEEPER pardon my words. DODGE PARTS ARE WAY TWO HIGH I THOUGHT FORD WAS BUT DODGE HAS THEM BEAT, I tought armural did it to my dash know i know its a flaw an dodge needs to do something. know i would rather use the money on a down payment for a new Chevy, Toyota, or ford.
2009Mar 04
Ram 1500
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
2003 Dodge Ram ...my dash cracked as well. Made complaint to dot 800#
2009Apr 18
Ram 1500 V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Add me to the list of cracked dashboards on the 03 Dodge Ram pickup. For a 6 year old truck, I was expecting little things to start taking a hit on my budget. But a cracked dashboard on a truck that has been well cared for was a BIG surprise. I have had relatively good luck with my truck...the things that are popping up due to wear, but several cracks in the dash have appeared within the last couple of months and it's pretty frustrating knowing that there is not much you can do to prevent further deterioration. Add my to the list of unhappy owners with the cracked dash!
2007Nov 23
Ram 1500 Sport 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
This dash is a piece of crap. I use a sun visor & this still happened. Today the driver's side speaker cover just broke into pieces. I'm thinking of trading the truck in & buying a kia. The cracks seem to be getting bigger by the day. I will never recomend anyone to buy a Dodge.
2009Jun 01
Ram 1500 1500 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
Dash on my 2003 Dodge ram is cracking to pieces. No wonder Dodge is going out of business. Had a number of problems with this truck. Don't know where to turn... r
2008Sep 16
Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 41,988 miles
Don't see why Dodge will not replace this, garage kept, no reason for cracking
Truck has had many issues, all covered under warranty except this. Would think twice about another dodge unless they eventually fix it, might go chevy instead
2008Dec 17
Ram 1500 3.2L V6
- Manual transmission
- 64,000 miles
My dash is cracking all over the F_______ place to. I would hope that American made vehicles would be made better than this......but i guess that's why Japans cars are kicking our asses......thanks dodge for being so good to your patrons and repairing this issue.....yea hahahaha.....
2009May 25
Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
If this had happened before i bought the avenger i would have reconsidered
2008Jun 01
Ram 1500 Larimie 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
My 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie dash about a year ago started cracking and now has cracked in 5 areas in half. Hell I don't even know how it's hanging on.Also the speaker grill that are molded in on the dash are very bridle.I have friends with 2002 Rams, no problems. 2004 Rams,no problem. WHAT IS UP? CARPET FITTED DASH OVER LAY ON A $36,000 (THAT WAS IN 2003 ). I DON'T THINK SO.
2009Mar 25
Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
I also have a cracked dash and I too take excellent care of my truck. This crack just showed up on the passenger side of my truck. None of my other vehicles have cracked dashes. i even have a 92 ford no damage. This makes for a very ugly eyesore.
2008Apr 08
Ram 1500 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Just another one to add to the complaint list. I too had a crack appear from the airbag back to the dash separator. 1 week after the first crack another one appeared from the top of the stereo back to the dash separator. Two cracks over 12 inches each. Pretty shotty craftsmanship. I should have went with my instincts and bought the Toyota.
2007Jun 17
Ram 1500 LX 3.2l V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
I NEED TO HAVE MY DASHBOARD REPAIRED. IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS AND I CAN NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE. ARE THEIR ANY RECALLS ? IT IS RIDICULOUS TO PAY SO MUCH FOR A VEHICLE AND IT DAMAGED SO EASILY.
2009May 02
Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I have taken very good care of my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. I keep protection on the dash at all times but a 8 inch crack appeared on the passenger side dash board. It obviously looks like I am not the only person with this problem, but now that Chrysler has declared bankruptcy I'm sure nothing will be done to help us out. I can't imagine what it will cost me to replace my dash. This SUCKS!!!!!
2009Mar 01
Ram 1500 SLT V8 Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Same problem here as multiple other persons. Have a cracked dash on my Dodge Ram despite the fact that windows are tinted and dash covered when parked in the sun. The cracks run all the way from the window to the edge of the dash on the passenger side.
I emailed Dodge and pointed out this site and the multiple owners experiencing the same problem. The customer service rep sent me a canned response saying that this is not a recall item and they have not plans to add it at this time.
Meanwhile my 10 year old 100,000 Corolla dash looks as good as new.
2008Jun 01
Ram 1500 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I bought my truck brand new in 2003. It's had a visor in the window any time the suns out or if I'm at home it was in the car port. Last year sometime, I noticed a small crack in the dash around the defrost vents. It was all down hill from there. Now I do not have a dash in the front two sections, and there is a giant crack over where the airbag is. This looks horrible. I've invested a lot in my truck for keeping it in good shape and to have this happen is a slap in the face.
I have had to have the instrument cluster replaced by dodge, but it still doesn't work right.
I have had to replace a vacuum line when the truck was only a year old.
I have had to replace the radiator hose.
I have had to replace a crank shaft sensor.
I am currently waiting to get my truck back from the shop because the whole COMPUTER has to be replaced.... at 60,000 MILES!!!
What?!
I think Dodge needs to fix this dashboard problem. If not I don't see myself being able to buy another one. Which is a shame because I was considering going and getting a new 4x4.
2009Mar 01
Ram 1500 V6
- Manual transmission
- 56,000 miles
My truck is manufactured poorly. I have 2 huge cracks about 8" long that start from the front and end at the window. The plastic appears to be made cheaply. I feel by summer my dash will be in pieces or just dust particles because it's so fragile.
All of us must demand Dodge to fix this problem. It's just not fair.
2007Oct 05
Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
As a Chrysler employee I'm very disappointed in the quality of the dash in my truck. I too have a crack from the windshield through the speaker hole. I know this part is outsourced to a private vendor but that is no excuse for the poor quality of this dash. Keep calling and maybe the recall will come... I will keep trying.
2007Jan 01
Ram 1500 V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I have cracks in the dash in several places. This pickup is garaged and when it is outside it has a visor in the window. American made vehicles are CRAP.... Our others cars are foreign and we have no problems. My Acura has 89,000 miles and it looks brand new inside.
2008Apr 06
Ram 1500 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
I thought this would be a truck i could pass on to my son but i don't think that's going to happen. i bought the truck new and the dash is cracked in just 5 years. dodge should rectify the problem or i will never buy one again even though i like the new challenger.
2008Dec 05
Ram 1500 Hemi 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,166 miles
1)I WOULD LIKE TO FOR DODGE TO REPLACE, MY CRACKED DASH BOARD THAT IS VERY ANNOYING AND AGITATING.
2)my passenger side window continue to not work and my taillights bulbs are always being replace every week or two I would like to get these bugs taken care of
2008Nov 15
Ram 1500 1500 Quadcab SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Well as i see i am definitely not the only one with this cracked dash problem. I just got in my truck one day and there's a large crack that goes from the glove box to the vent. Lets just say I was a bit pissed. This is something i haven't seen since the late 70's vehicles. I take very good care of my vehicles. I have tinted windows and "Armor All" the dash etc. on a regular basis. There is no reason for this. I have a 1983 Dodge Ramcharger that's parked right next to the 1500 and there's no crack in that dash. My 2001 ford sits on the other side of my 1500. No crack there either. I don't have a warranty on the truck so I haven't taken it to the dealer and by what I'm reading here it would be pointless.
2008Jan 01
Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
JUST ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE DASH BOARD CRACKING. MINE HOWEVER IS NOT HORRIBLE JUST YET BUT I AM SURE IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.
2007Jun 04
Ram 1500 SLE 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Dash Board started off as a little crack. now there is multiple cracks that stat near the windshield and go all the way to the face of it. I have talked to other Dodge owners and they also have had the same problem. There is really no reason for it.
It sucks!!!!
2008Oct 20
Ram 1500 SLT 1500 5.7L Hemi V8
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I would like too see dodge have a recall on all the cracked dashes. I have always kept my stuff looking nice but the cracked dash makes it look like crap.
2007Jan 05
Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
I can't find a good enough reason for the dash to crack. I take care of my truck and take the time to wash and clean it often. Really do feel that Dodge should replace all of those people out there that have the same problem as me.
2004Dec 04
Ram 1500
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
It started small, but quickly grew. My dashboard on my Dodge Ram 1500 truck started cracking and splitting. If you were to ask me what part of my truck would fail first, I would have never guessed my dashboard. It is cracking in new places that it should not be cracking when last examined. After buying American cars and trucks all my life, my next vehicle will be foreign. I have gone out of my way to buy American, but sadly no more.
2008Mar 18
Ram 1500 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
I went to the Dodge dealership to buy the replacement parts and as soon as I mentioned that I needed a new dashboard the receptionist behind the counter said "You must have a Dodge Ram". Then she went on to tell me that it was a common problem.. She quoted me over eight hundred dollars for the two parts....What kind of crap is that........I am going to call Chrysler and if they dont stand behind it, then this will be my last Daimler/Chrysler product..
Read the next 33 complaints »
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 14
Ram 1500 5.7L V8
started with a small cracked on the top right. then after 2 days came all the way down. its ugly.
Luay K.
Antioch, CA, USA
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