8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$670
Average Mileage:
94,250 miles
Total Complaints:
88 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. dodge should recall the dash (49 reports)
  2. not sure (18 reports)
  3. replace dashboard (11 reports)
  4. new one (10 reports)
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #48

Oct 012009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I see a lot of vehicles on the road that are as old or older than mine. And I haven't seen any with the dash cracking like the Dodge's do. I understand it's more prominent with some of the newer models but mine still shouldn't be doing it. The fact that dodge can't see the safety issue with this just shows how little they care about the all mighty dollar and not their customers. I should have bought a Ford.

- captain forehead, Leitchfield, KY, US

problem #47

Feb 232011

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

these cracks and splits appeared overnight and look like in an accident they would splinter and send shards around the cabin.

It looks crap and the value of my classic in the making SS/T has just nosedived.

Dodge needs to man up and recall this prob.

Damage to future Dodge sales will be incalculable.

- hodgsong4, Orlando, FL, US

problem #46

Sep 232002

Ram 1500 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

This was the first Dodge vehicle I had purchased in 2002. The dashboard issue is by far the worse complaint I have about the product. Because of the problems associated with the cracked dashboard it's doubtful I would consider purchasing another Dodge product.

- Ron G., Leeds, Al, US

problem #45

May 282004

Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard cracked dashboard

Came out from work one day and to my surprise the dash was cracked. I live in Indianapolis so it doesn't get really hot but this was in late May and it was 60 out. I have yet to hear from one Ram owner whos dash is not cracked. Dodge definitely had a problem here which should have been recalled but never was.

- Seth B., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #44

Jan 142007

Ram 1500 REG CAB V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

The dash is cracking in various places regardless of the fact that the dash has been protected since new with armor all and sunshades.

- pwill41@yahoo.com, Murfreesboro, TN, US

problem #43

Apr 162005

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

Not only does the pickup have a crack dashboard but my 2001 300M has a cracked dash board too. and it stays in the garage.

- Paul C., Cumming, GA, US

problem #42

Apr 202003

Ram 1500 Sport 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ALSO CALLED CHRYSLER THEY SAID NO SAFETY ISSUE SO SAID THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING THEY HAVE THE SHARPEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD BUT THE QUALITY SUCKS.ALO PUT ONT TRANSMISSION IN IT AND TWO TORQUE CONVETERS WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILE PITTIFUL.

- Mark S., Amherst, VA, US

problem #41

Oct 042010

Ram 1500 Two Tone 3.18 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked dashboard cracked dashboard

My dashboard cracked and caved in, dealer says not warranty issue

- John S., Maitland, FL, US

problem #40

Mar 012006

Ram 1500 Sport 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Dash is cracked from defrost units out to front of dash, and has a hole 6'x7' on passenger side above the airbag.

- mdkornegay, Newbern, NC, US

problem #39

May 222010

Ram 1500 SLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

1998 Dodge Ram dash is fallen apart. when you drive it the dash starts popping & shakes. DODGE NEEDS TO FIX THIS.. what if the airbags goes off in a wreck. the broken parts of the dash will be stuck in the drivers face. Also what are we to do with this pieces of SH_T trucks you can't trade them. or what crackhead would buy it from you. If / when they fall off will the truck pass a state inspection!!!!!

Obama where are you when need HELP!! DODGE FIX THE PROBLEM!!!!

- Jerry H., Asheboro, NC, US

problem #38

Aug 012004

Ram 1500 ST 318

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The date is estimated for I just found out where to complain. Noticed that it began cracking and as of this date a chunk of plastic has came completely out.

- Julian A. T., Smithville, GA, US

problem #37

May 022007

Ram 1500 SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Well my dash fell apart.this is my first and last dodge

- mickeyb, Arlington, TN, US

problem #36

May 192009

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,159 miles

IF YOU TOUCH THE DASH IT CRACKS AND BRAKES OFF IN YOUR HAND AND CAN COME FLYING AT YOU

- Jeffery M., Glenpool, OK, US

problem #35

Jan 012002

Ram 1500 5.6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

My Dashboard on my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 is cracked and has been for some time. I contacted the dealership at Dodge and was told that there is nothing that they can do about it. Every Dodge that I have seen from 1995 and on have this same problem. I have not been able to replace this defected part because it cost around $2000.00 to have this replaced. I am concerned that a slight bump will cause the sharp pieces to fly off and strike my wife or son and or myself in the face area injuring us, while we are driving the vehicle.

- Philip S., Crawfordville, FL, US

problem #34

Mar 042007

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,342 miles

The dash has cracked so severly, when I place the tilt steering wheel in the up position all the electrical equipment quits working. My radio shuts off, windshield wipers stop, etc. I work with a contractor that uses Dodge trucks. He has six on the job, years 1998-2001, and everyone has a cracked dash.

Dodge should have recognized this problem years ago. I'm need for a new truck, with 241,000 miles plus currently, but I'm not looking at Dodge, because of their lack of support. They took the stimulus money to bail their ass out of hock, they should help the consumers that contributed their tax dollars for them. At least Ford didn't take any money.

- freemanil, Auburn, IL, US

problem #33

Sep 062006

Ram 1500 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

the dash has cracked so bad it may fall out any time. thanks for duck tape

- bobloop, Tillatoba, MS, US

problem #32

May 052008

Ram 1500 SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

My dash board is cracked all over. If I get into wreck, god help anyone inside the truck. Started with 1 small crack, now the whole dash is cracked all over. Dodge should recall the dash, everyone that I know that has a 97 or newer truck has this problem. My 2001 Chrysler voyager has the same problem with the plastic trim above the gauges.

- Fred S., Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #31

Sep 012010

Ram 1500 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I think that just one person will have a problem getting a lawyer but if we could get a law firm to do it as a nation wide lawsuit . Like everyone that wants to be part can donate $25 to $50 to this firm to handle this and I think we would get the attention this problem needs and I think we would get this done. It wont be a overnight fix but I dont think it will take as long as it has been.I personally cant shell that much money out to fix my dash but you can bet if someone get hert in my truck from flying pieces they will pay becouse I know they are aware of the problem.

- Ray B., Daytona Beach, FL, US

problem #30

Jan 042010

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

It is unbelieveable that a dash board can just cave in and disintegrate like this. I bought this truck for hunting so I can live with it, but I would never consider buying a new Dodge if this is the quality of their product and wont stand behind it. I have seen other sites where this has been a problem for Dodge for about a 5yr period. Reminds me of when all the paint was coming off the Ford vehicles because they changed their paint process and said it wasnt their fault. I will never buy another Ford because of this. American companies have to start standing behind their products. Everyone makes mistakes, but good companies correct them (Apple is the perfect example)

- brokeredj, Valrico, FL, US

problem #29

Jun 012010

Ram 1500 1500 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

dodge should have it on the national recall list, a class action suite should be taken

- Joseph F., Mckees Rocks, PA, US

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