CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 has the well-known and documented problem with their dashboards falling to pieces, but it also has engine failure from oil sludge. That's a doube shot of awful in your morning coffee.

8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$880
Average Mileage:
84,050 miles
Total Complaints:
522 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. Dodge should recall the dashboard (safety issue) (281 reports)
  2. not sure (115 reports)
  3. replace dashboard (105 reports)
  4. class action lawsuit against Dodge for inferior dashboards (16 reports)
  5. bought an aftermarket dash replacement (3 reports)
  6. dashboard, vents, radio replacement (1 reports)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 11 of 27)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #322

Dec 012010

Ram 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 122,000 miles

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

another cracked dash in 2002 dodge ram 1500. dodge should repair or replace dash .i would not buy another dodge. ford will last a lot longer.

- darlenetx, Cedar Creek, TX, US

problem #321

Nov 032009

Ram 1500 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

My 2002 Ram 1500 is in great condition except for one major problem! The dash is cracked in several places, I mean several! They are not even considered cracks in my opinion. It is broken in half in at least 2 places. The rest of my interior is in mint condition as I give great care to my vehicles maintenance. I feel that Dodge should bear the burden of the replacement cost involved in the repairs of my truck. I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero and a 2002 Crysler Town & Country, both with several thousand more miles than my Dodge truck and neither of them show any signs of dash breakdowns.

If this problem is specific to a certain year (2002) than it is proof that Dodge used inferior materials in the building of their vehicles for that year.

- szimarino, Swansboro, NC, US

problem #320

Mar 072009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I am a proud owner of 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4. It is super clean in the outside, I take care of it very well. However, when it comes to the interior the dash board is falling apart, there are cracks every where. I feel that Dodge Manufacture SUCK!!! When it comes to dash boards this people do not have pride.

When I first notice cracks I took it in to Dodge service department pointed out the problem. I was told that it was the shine stuff I clean my dash board with, all "B.S!"

- rabagosal, Norwalk, CA, US

problem #319

Jun 022009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

cracks in dashboard cracks in dashboard cracks in dashboard cracks in dashboard

I also had broken dash problems. I contacted Dodge and asked if any recalls and they said no. I don't know how they can get by without it being a recall when so many complaints. I had to replace whole dash and had trouble finding since this year model is a defect problem in the 2002 dodge rams.

- Toni S., Joplin, MO, US

problem #318

Nov 012008

Ram 1500 HD 5.9L Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 59,000 miles

All these people having problems with there dashes and Dodge still does NOTHING..Bull Sh*t!!

- mondyg, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #317

Oct 012009

Ram 1500 HD 5.9L Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 59,000 miles

I want my dash and cluster cover fixed or expect a lawsuit.

- mondyg, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #316

May 252011

Ram 1500 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 191,000 miles

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

i bought this truck used of course but i was told the dash was cracked about a year and a half after he had bought it brand new, there are sharp edges that every time i go to clean the dash i get scraped why wont dodge fix this?!?! oh yea because they are all about money just for themselves and not the safety of their loyal customers. blah blah blah dodge you need to fix this problem and do a recall!!!

- ashleyjade33, New Orleans, LA, US

problem #315

Jul 012008

Ram 1500 LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

The dashboard in our Dodge Ram 1500 is absolutely beyond repair. It's cracked into lots of little pieces --sharp pieces-- that could be a safety issue if I were to be in an accident. I have one friend who has the same make and model truck and has the same exact problem. The car isn't even 10 years old. The material used to make the dash is decidedly defective.

- Eric L., Cypress, TX, US

problem #314

Jun 172009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I have seen several complaints on just this website alone regarding the poor quality dash in the Dodge Ram, and I agree with several other people that Dodge needs to step up to the dash and fix this poor quality part. I am a Dodge fan always have been won't but anything else but this is ridiculous. The cost to replace a dash is outrageous, knowing that there are this many complaints you would think Dodge would do something.

Has anybody really found or had success in replacing thier dash?

- Brian D., Chambersburg, PA, US

problem #313

Aug 142009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,800 miles

Dealer today told me today ,it will cost $916.00 for parts and $860.00 for labor and explained this is a common problem.They are crazy, I love my truck , but worry more and more about the safety of all passengers. This is just unacceptable for MADE in USA. It looks like Toyota is the better choice the next time around.

Should have listened to my Son in Law.

- Detlef L., Fountain Hills, AZ, US

problem #312

Sep 012010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

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

Dodge should address this as a problem and fix this. I keep my dashboard protected from the sun and it still has 3 cracked places. I have been a loyal dodge owner for more than 16 years and having problems like this makes me question the quality of materials and integrity of the company.

- Marc D., Grayson, GA, US

problem #311

Jul 042010

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

As much as I paid for this truck, this shouldn't have done this. I mean how my dashboard cracked. joseph thompson

- Joseph T., Roebuck, SC, US

problem #310

Nov 022009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,800 miles

click to see larger images

cracks in dashboard

Have noticed that some of my friends that have had a dodge, have also had problems with their dashboards cracking, falling apart, and caving in completely. Mine is not far from doing the same thing. I have a 3 year old grand daughter, and afraid she will cut her self, if she happens to touch any of the sharp edges on the dashboard.

There is a serious problem and needs to be addressed and recalled immediately.

- jmarcus, Daytona Beach, FL, US

problem #309

Aug 052011

Ram 1500 5.9lV8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Dodge needs to get off their butts and recall all of these dashboards. It really makes a Dodge family want to switch to another Mfg.

- John O., Henderson, NC, US

problem #308

Nov 012010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,410 miles

My 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard started cracking last year on the rear portion. Then, the front portion got worse so I recovered with a dash cap for the rear and front portions. This cost me around $249. I wish Dodge would recall these dashboards because I see a lot of Dodge trucks out there like mine and there are a lot of complaints online.

- hambone, Prattville, AL, US

problem #307

Jun 012011

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Dodge should stand behind this problem. I keep my dashboard protected from the sun and it still has cracked 4 places and counting. I will never buy another Dodge truck after the problems I have had with this one.

- Bill R., Delaware, OH, US

problem #306

Feb 152009

Ram 1500 4.7lV8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I had a customer bring in a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 for a heater core.The dash was cracked badly and when I pulled it out to access the heater core it broke in even more places resulting in a nasty cut to myself and my son.I called Dodge and they offered a $100 discount on parts and labor at their local dealer to have it replaced.The price was about $1200 installed. I told them I was going to contact my lawyer and they just laughed, so I reported it to NHTSA instead and learned that if enough people will report the same thing they will force Chrysler Corporation to recall the defect.This is FYI to anyone out there who has or had one of the many model year Dodge Ram pickups with this problem to REPORT IT TO NHTSA so it will eventually be recalled as a safety issue.Just imagine what could happen to anyone,especially children,who was involved in a crash in one of these trucks with the defective dashboards.The cracks form what are essentially very sharp" knives" that will maim or, God forbid, KILL someone.If we all band together we can get this thing recalled for the safety of many people.Remember Jesus loves you unconditionally.............Have a blessed day....................

- Nathan R., Glen, MS, US

problem #305

Dec 012010

Ram 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,650 miles

Same ol story with Dodge service. No loyalty to its customers. You would think by now they would get it but obviously they do not. Every friend who owns the same pick up I do has the same issue with the cracked dash. Every one!!!!!!! This is not our problem. Dodge should recall this faulty piece. Not only the dash cracked, the driver and passenger window controls broke free from the doors, the A/C speed control unit was replaced twice, the cover to the ash tray fell off, and the sun glass holder cracked........all due to the Florida sun, Bullsh.**. I do not believe it. Built ram touch. Yeah right!!!!!

- jbessell, Safety Harbor, FL, US

problem #304

Aug 102009

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

First off Dodge should be ashamed of this type of "quality" they put in trucks. Secondly after paying what I paid for this thing Dodge should just own up to this problem and do the right thing by fixing it at least once!!! Lastly, because of this type of problem and the lack of responsiblitly from Dodge, rest assured Dodge will never get any more of my dollars ever again!!!

- Allen S., Newnan, GA, US

problem #303

Dec 102010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Diamler has known for a long time that the dash material they use in these trucks is inferior and they continued to use it anyway. There is no way to prevent it except to leave the truck parked in the garage forever. Dodge should be held legally liable and be mandated to replace every dash in every truck produced since '97-'98ish with a quality product. I have purchased my LAST Diamler vehicle.

- Ryan G., Gilby, ND, US

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