7.7
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$530.00
Average Mileage:
88,452 miles
Total Complaints:
80 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace dashboard (34 reports)
- not sure (26 reports)
- complain, complain, complain at dealer (8 reports)
- cover with a dashboard cover (5 reports)
- get a dashboard from online for 260 + shipping then diy (4 reports)
- replace all plastic parts (2 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Dodge mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2003 Ram 2500 problem yet. Be the first!
2011Jun 15
Ram 2500
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
This is probably one of thousands of dashes that have cracked in Dodge trucks. Yet Dodge will not do a d---m thing to help you fix the problem.. I've tried!! First I called the dealer... Not a warranty problem..Next was Chrysler Cust Service.1-800-992-1997. Right. They gave me the # for Ram Dept. Cust Service.1-866-726-4636. Bulls---! Got "Jamie" twice and "not a warranty problem.. Nothing they will do.. Told them this will be my last Chrysler product I will buy.. "That's your choice".. Damn right it is and that's why I'm done with any Chrysler product.. They don't care and neither do I..!!! This little problem just cost them a few thousand dollars in the sale of a new truck.. I bought a dash cover that went on OK and am selling the truck.. CHEAP!!
2010Apr 23
Ram 2500 HD 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
There is no excuse whatsoever in a dash cracking. This truck is kept under a carport,out of the sun and the dash was always protected with Armour All. Started out with just a small crack down the front cap on passenger side; now it up to the windshield and one of the air vent registers have fallen out because there's nothing there to freakn hold it in place. And Dodge wants to bury their heads in the sand. Pay this sort of money and get a piece of crap and they won't even acknowledge there is a problem. Will never buy a Dodge again. Filed complaint with Dodge and they refuse to help. Talked to the dealer which then in turn talked to Dodge and the dealer said that THEY, not me, THEY would aggree to the deductible of $200 and I could cover the $1200. HELLO! I'm the freakn customer here, not the dealership. Just makes me sick.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Feb 05
Ram 2500 Larime 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
the dash in my truck has 5 cracks that go from one side to the other i have 3 small children and one of them has already cut her finger on the crack. is this going to be a recall or not
2010Jan 06
Ram 2500 Laramie 5.7L V8 Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 46,600 miles
It's incomprehensible how Chrysler, knowing that defective plastic was used in the manufacture of its dashboards, refuses to recall vehicles to replace the affected parts. I paid good money for what is supposed to be a high quality vehicle and to have my dashboard suddenly begin to crack, even with the great care and protection that I've provided my truck, is completely unacceptable. Chrysler and their Dodge division should be held accountable and pressured to address this matter and provide restitution to affected customers.
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2010Dec 10
Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab 5.7L Magnum
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
The dashboard is cracked in multiple areas. The over-all condition of the truck is excellent. Truck is cleaned weekly and detailed once every 6 months. This is an embarrassment for me any time someone gets in to the truck. It should be an embarrassment to Dodge. Since this seems to be a production problem, they should replace the dash.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 26
Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 5.9L
- Manual transmission
- 65,000 miles
i am really embarrassed to let any one ride in my truck. the dash is just about to fall through. i can not clean it because im scared it is going to crack some more. i am really tired of looking at a cracked and busted up dash!!!!!
2011Aug 01
Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Dashboard started with series of cracks running from the the windshield to the cab. IT has now spread to ten cracks all of which are getting worse.
None of these cracks appeared until the truck was just out of warranty. Called Dodge and was given the same run around I have seen others on this board getting.
I will not be buying another Dodge as a result of them not fixing what is obviously a serious design issue. Oh and thanks Dodge for ruining my trade-in and re-sale value as the cracks cause the truck to be listed in poor condition.
It is upsetting to spend nearly $50,000 and get treated so poorly by the company I gave my money to. Well not again Dodge, not again. You have lost a customer.
2011Sep 12
Ram 2500 V8 Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
my husband loves his truck until now. about two weeks ago a hair line crack started just to the left of the glove box he was sick with in two weeks it's gone down to the glove box and from what i read he's only going to get sicker we also had a problem with the check engine keeps coming on took it to the dealer 4 times and surprised they never see it but don't mind taking your 150.00 every time between the dash and the light dodge might not be in the future truck for us i would think you would hire better people to work in your garages. this is your company, this is your name out there and all these problems just get kicked to the curb. times are hard out there i would think you would want to make people happy instead of just kicking them to the curb.
2011Aug 15
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
This is a terrible problem. My dash has several cracks in it and it looks like sh*t. I think that if Dodge has had so many complaints they should replace the dash.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Feb 10
Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins
- Manual transmission
- 136,000 miles
This problem has gone completely ignored by dodge, first it was one crack then another and another and so on. This is nothing but a classic example of a manufacturer making and selling pure junk to american consumers.I didnt buy the dodge for the name but for the cummins powertrain and as for the dodge company, I will never buy another one seeing how they DONT stand behind their products.
2011Mar 01
Ram 2500 5.9L Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
My dash cracked after I owned the vehicle for several years. I bought it used from a relative who could no longer drive. It has been an awesome vehicle except for the dash cracking worse than any I have ever seen. I had to have the front end completely rebuilt, supposedly due to the heavy diesel engine. I can accept the front end, but the dash is definitely a material defect. Chrysler should make this right for everyone.
2008Jun 30
Ram 2500 SLT Diesel Turbo 6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Dealer service is a joke, no wonder Marietta Dodge went out of business. This vehicle was purchased because I believed, WADA, that Dodge would build a great vehicle and stand behind it for the duration of the warranty. I will add other complaints to my account that occurred during the 'factory warranty' but which the dealer wanted to charge $100 to check out and tell me it's not covered under the terms, read 'small print' of the agreement.
Ha, I agree never to purchase another new dodge vehicle again. Let some other poor sucker take care of the careless and cheaply manufactured POC!
2011Jun 16
Ram 2500 SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I have never seen or heard of dashboards cracking in vehicles as new as the ones mentioned on this website. A few complaints can be passed off as upset clients, but a few hundred is a different story. I really do not understand why Dodge hasn't stepped up to the plate to satisfy their customers who have paid thousands for their vehicles. I will not buy another Dodge vehicle if this problem is not addressed and resolved free or charge. I paid $24,000.00 for a vehicle and I expect to pay no more because of a defective part I already paid for. If it was my fault, then I would pay to repair it, but it is not. Dodge should repair the problem which is no ones fault but their own.
Update from Oct 13, 2011: Dodge fixed it with me having to pay $175.00. I reluctantly paid it and therefore I will not buy another Dodge. The people at their claims division were nice but would not budge from $175.00. I thanked the lady and told her that I disagreed with their decision of not acknowledging their defective dashboards and covering the problem for free. If I didn't have it fixed for $175.00, I could have possibly had other , more serious problems and I would have probably lost more than $175.00 when trading it in.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 04
Ram 2500 5.7L V8
- Manual transmission
- 68,000 miles
All these American manufacturers want to do is sell their product and claim no responsibility for poor quality of workmanship or materials and yet they want us to continue to buy American, wondering why our economy is so bad. If a reliable product was being produced, these companies would not have any problem with returning customers.
2008Jan 01
Ram 2500 LX 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
All the dodge trucks have this problem just most people don't complain thinking it will not help. The company should have to repair these and should be required to make all future dashes out of a different material. I have loved Chrysler products all my life but this is bull.
2006Apr 30
Ram 2500 SLT Cummins
- Manual transmission
- 62,000 miles
THIS IS Bull___T..... Dodge knows it has a problem with their dash's all the way back to 1997. I don't want a whole lot. JUST FIX THE DAMN THING>>> I will not buy another dodge until they fix this problem. A 50000 dollar vehicle and it looks like a piece of crap when you look inside..
2008Aug 01
Ram 2500 LX
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
This is a safety hazard! The large jagged pieces continue to crack and if you don't see that there are new cracks, they can fly off the dashboard when you stop or turn very easily. It also has stopped my air conditioning as small pieces have fallen into the cooling area under the dashboard. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. It looks ugly and when you pay $45,000 for a vehicle you do not expect it to look like this. This needs to be addressed by Dodge and be replaced. If they refuse to take care of this they will lose customers and all others that I can tell. And I will tell everyone!
2011Sep 02
Ram 2500 2500 5.9L Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 137,000 miles
For years I have been a Dodge customer . . .this is the 6th truck. I take immaculate care of my vehicles . . .parking in the North 40 every time I go some place....then I go out to get in my truck and low and behold there is a crack running right down the middle of the dashboard. It has never been exposed to the sun without a shade over it. Did not realize the enormous problem this obviously is until I began looking to resolve the problem. Dodge needs to step up and recall the defective dashes and replace them . . .with newly manufactured dashes not the same product used!!
2010Sep 01
Ram 2500 LS 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,540 miles
I have noticed the problem is with all Dodge pickups. I had a Chevrolet for over 13 years before I noticed the dash to crack. This happened in just eight years. A very big eye sore.
2011Jul 30
Ram 2500 LS 5.7L Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
I have been a Dodge man for about 30 years we have a 84 pu 79 road runner 2006 van, 2006 Dakota, and the 2003 ram and I have never seen a dash do this it will just crumble under the slitest of preasure. My bigest concern is in an accident the air bags would be punchured and the dash would be shattered causing severe damage or even Death. I have contacted the Chrystler complaint hot line and they are trying to work something out with the dealer for maybe a 200.00 or so deductable. but the Dealership wants 2044.43 up front and Chrystler to reimburse me the difference. I am tired of watching the commericials about how tough Dodges are and how dependable they are. So Dodge put up or shut up. Take care of your customers or like a good company should or loose them to someone else.
2010Nov 08
Ram 2500
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
The original crack was right down the passenger side above the airbag. Just the other day it cracked more, causing the defrost vents to fall inside. It now has several cracks across the top of the dashboard and as I have noticed this is a problem that has been identified by DODGE that there is a defect in the plastic....SO THEY NEED TO FIX IT!!
2011Jun 01
Ram 2500 SLT Turbo Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
click to see larger images
63000 miles on this 2003 truck and the dashboard is falling apart. I see this is a common problem in this vehicle. How do we get Dodge to take care of this?
2008May 22
Ram 2500 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 206,000 miles
my dashboard in my 2003 dodge is all busted up and cracked and a new dash around one thousand bucks good gosh why cant they come down on the price if i payed so much money for that truck it should last so i think yall should replace it
2011Jan 19
Ram 2500 ES
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
Dodge should replace the compleat dash .it looks like apiece of junk on the hole dash.
2008Jul 15
Ram 2500
- Manual transmission
- 89,000 miles
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Check out this site to make a complaint on your dash. Maybe if enough people complain to the gov. they will recall this Safety Issue. I sent my complaint in a while back but to a different site. No reply yet. It is 'www-' with a dash not a dot. I will make a complaint to this site also.
Update from May 25, 2011: www.genosgarage.com. I have heard that it is supposed to be a lifetime dash.
2011Mar 27
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Just adding to the long list of complaints about cracked dashes. 2003 Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins. Dash cracked on passenger side running front to back near the airbag. How can this be safe? Haven't price checked a repair yet but looking at the above posts it won't be cheap. I've maintained the truck as best as I could possibly have. Thanks Dodge, I've had two of your trucks but a third will be a tough sell!
2006Jul 01
Ram 2500 SLT Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Dash Cracked. What a Crock!!! I have had a dash mat on my 2003 Ram two days after I bought it new. A little over 3 yrs and my dash started to crack. It now looks like spider veins all over. I went to Dodge was told nothing they could do but replace dash, cost of over $1200. I called factory and they said nothing they could or would do. I have researched this problem and found that Dodge has known for some time that their Dash's have a defect in the plastic used. And!! Dodge has no plans on fixing past or present problems with the plastic. AGAIN! WHAT A CROCK! Been a Dodge owner for many years, cars and trucks but I am sure thinking of pulling away. Dash cracks, wind noise from doors and grab handles breaking if used. COME ON DODGE FIX UR PROBLEMS, HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS PAST AND PRESENT.
2009Nov 11
Ram 2500
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
My truck is a Dodge 2003 3/4 ton turbo diesel. It has been babied ever since I got it. A year ago I noticed a crack across the center of the dash, which in a matter of weeks became 7 ctacks. I called Dodge's complaint department. I told them the problem and told them that I had their extended warranty. I took it to the dealer to have him look at it and report to the claims dept. After getting the run around for about 6 weeks, I finally got their decision. They said they would help me out. Instead of one thousand three hundred for a new dash, they would do it for nine hundred and sixty dollars. I asked how much just for the dash and me replace it myself. They said six hundred and thirty dollars. Dodge is well aware of this problem and should fix it for a reasonable amount not the unrealistic figures they quoted me. I have owned four new dodges in my life but will never own another.
2011Jan 11
Ram 2500 LST Diesel
- Manual transmission
- 133,000 miles
Had a custom dash mat since truck was new. Noticed defrost vent pieces missing, picked up dash mat and dash was cracked in multiple places. Dealer wanted $285 just for part. Found online for $190 + $15 shipping. Will see how hard it is to install.
2010Apr 08
Ram 2500 Desil
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
dodge won't do anything about the defected problem, Dealership here is fast at selling the vehicle to you. but not fast on doing even maintenance. i have a business and need the truck for work . But need an appointment just to change the oil . any other problem could put me out of business waiting just to have them look at it. I don't go through the dealership for to much anymore. And I won't buy a Dodge anymore because of the service and the fact that the parts that are defected they won't take responsibility for them
2010Sep 02
Ram 2500 Regency 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I have this really great Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi. The truck is in perfect shape except the dash started to crack at the speaker holes one day . About a week later the whole dash on the passanger side cracked in two seperate places .Other than that the interior is perfect but why would all of a sudden the dash crack so much in less than 2 weeks time ?
2005Dec 06
Ram 2500 5.7L
- Manual transmission
- 86,000 miles
dash cracked and like other owners it continues until components begin to fail and it becomes dangerous as well as being and embarrassment to me when any one see it. it is also unsellable. DODGE MAKES JUNK
2009Oct 10
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
I am really upset with Chrysler. Apparently there is a big problem with the dashes cracking on dodge vehicles, including mine. I paid $36,000.00 for this truck in 2003 and the truck is kept in a carport and the dash cracked, a year ago. They won't fix it because it cost them to much to fix or recall the trucks for the problems. But they had no problem getting our tax dollars from the goverment to keep going because of the recession.
I build boats for a living and I stand behind my work and equipment they should too or the goverment should step in and force them too, or no more money...I have two dodge vehicles and have always liked them, but this is my last. Now I am having problems with my transmission also. The Cummins Diesel is great but the truck is falling apart around it.
2010Jul 01
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L
- Manual transmission
- 170,000 miles
I noticed that my dash was cracked. During the morning yesterday, it was cold and I turned on my defroster. The cracks in the dash progressed quickly to a point of blowing the louvers of the defrost vents out at me on high speed!!!! Think that this poses a bit of a safety hazard!
2006Jan 01
Ram 2500 5.9
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
dash in these trucks are junk definitely a problem, and if you cant get the stealership to help with something so obvious, just wait till you play the lift pump, and injector game with them (diesel)
2010Aug 12
Ram 2500 5.9
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I want dodge to replace dash as its a safety issue. Pay 45k for a truck it should hold up longer than 3 years.
2007Jul 04
Ram 2500 2500 HD 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,987 miles
Dodge Truck is one hell of a truck that has never left me on the side of the road for over 225,000 miles of hard miles. I have always known that she won't let me down. However the dashboard has been cracking and cracking to the point of totally disintegrating it. It seems to get worse daily. The truck has dark tint on it and I try to block as much sun as possible to maintain the lowest temperature possible in the cab.
I would like for dodge to admit the dashboards are defective and can cause problems. For 50,000 dollars I feel like I should at least get a jar of vaseline for all my loyalty...all I ask is a break on the repair. Dodge man for life ....They are still the truck to beat...My hemi...as long as u feed it..will run..So dodge..please send parts..
2009Jul 14
Ram 2500
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
With the dash being well taken care of, it still cracked in several places and some of it will crumble when touched.
2009Jun 26
Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,400 miles
click to see larger images
I own 4 vehicles ranging from a 1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 1995 Hyundai accent, 1996 Nissan Quest, 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT. My newest vehicle, the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is pristine other than the dash which is starting to literally fall apart. My other four vehicles have zero issues with the dash other than a small split in the Toyota dash and all are much older vehicles. I am very frustrated that this is happening. At first I thought that this may be an isolated incidence with my truck but have since found out that this will happen to likely all of them that fall within the 2002 to 2006 year range within a matter of time. What's even worse is that if you buy a new dash from Dodge it will do the same thing.
I have not confronted the Dodge dealership yet. Beware that the edges of these cracked areas are very very sharp. I cut myself pretty good just brushing some dust off of the dash. I have to keep my kids away from it for just this reason. I cannot imagine getting in a wreck with this thing. I can imagine the sharp projectiles coming from the dash.
Dodge, I was hesitant to buy your vehicle to begin with. I have actually been pleased with many other aspects of the vehicle but if an appropriate remedy is not provided regarding this cracked dash issue, it will be my last Dodge.
2007Sep 05
Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
the dash started cracking and continues to crack. it is very embarrassing when people
see the cracks, when the rest of the truck looks good. as for buying a new dodge truck
i don't think so. i would think dodge would take care of the dash problem. if their quality control was effective this would not have happened. what other problems have they missed.
2007Jul 31
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,261 miles
mAJOR DASH CRACKS REPRESENT A REAL HAZARD, RISKING INJURY TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS
2010May 03
Ram 2500 V8
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
The rest of the truck is in perfect condion. The dash board is going to start coming apart in peices. This is making not want any Dodge products in the future if Dodge does not fix it!!!!!!!!!!!
2009Jun 01
Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
Hard to believe with advances in technology problems like this still exist. The interior on this vehicle is garbage. Any wonder they have financial trouble.
2009Jul 22
Ram 2500 2500HD 5.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
The dash began cracking last summer. It started at the defrost vent and now it has covered the whole dash. I know replacement is the only fix for this but will it happen again. It makes the vehicle looky really trashy. I'm thinking Ford or Chevy for my next pickup.
2009Sep 01
Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
My 2003 Ram 2500 was perfect until 2009. It got one little crack in the dash. In one years time it now has at least ten cracks, mostly front to back. I decided to glue the cracks with JB Weld and buy a dash cover. I lifted the cover last week and there are even more cracks and pieces are starting to fall into the chasm. The dashboard is disintegrating. I am appalled that Chrysler won't do anything about this obvious defect. It is quickly becoming a safety hazard. I'll not buy another one unless they fix this one. My truck will be seven years old in July, 2010.
2008May 02
Ram 2500 Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Last Dodge I will ever buy!!!! Can't believe people are still buying them I tell everyone not to buy a dodge pick up. Every plastic part has cracked or broke. Dash is awful!! Hand rails broke off and distribution box for A/C is broke. AND Dodge won't do a damn thing about it! They SUCK!!!!!!
2009Jun 08
Ram 2500 2500HD 5.7L Lt
- Automatic transmission
- 68,351 miles
After hearing all the complaints regarding cracked dashboards on Dodge Trucks and finding out it was due to faulty material I feel very strongly that Chrysler Corporation should replace them free of charge. If not, I will think twice before buying a Chrysler product in the future.
Note: Before we found out that the problem was widespread and due to faulty material, we had our dashboard repaired and it cost us $366 Canadian. However, the dashboard cracked again in exactly the same place within a couple of weeks and other cracks started to appear.
2009Dec 04
Ram 2500 2500 HD 5.7L Diesel
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
Filed first complaint w/Dodge. They offered to pay the $200 deduc. and leave me with $400. I thought I was the customer here! Anyways, left numerous messages for someone from Dodge to call back. Never heard a word. Just reopened a new complaint yesterday. Dodge is going to contact the dealer again about at least meeting me in the middle. The lady at Dodge kept trying to convenience me they were doing me a favor by paying the $200. I told her since Dodge knew this was a material defect in the dash, they should be paying the whole thing but that I was willing to pay $300. There was some comment made about how I haven't taken my truck by to the dealer for routine service. HELLO! Why pay out the rear for something we can do ourselves. The truck has been kept undercover, clean and the dash treated since day one. Going down interstate one day and it just cracks. Sucks big time.
2010Mar 05
Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Ctd
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
I have researched this and it is obviously a big problem. Dodge never planned to fix the problems from the 2nd generation trucks so they used the same cheap garbage to build the dash in the 3rd gen trucks. They should be held liable for this but they want to blame the consumers who put faith in their products.
Dodge has found a way to stick it to us.......yet again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Sep 15
Ram 2500
It really sucks that a person takes care of their truck and dodge has put a sh*tty material in and will not fix it
Kenneth D.
Rosharon, Texas, USA
SEND A COMMENT »