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 15 of 27)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #242

Jan 012005

Ram 1500 SLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

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

This is obviously a defective part. Dodge should replace the dashboards

- lifter, Schertz, TX, US

problem #241

Apr 012010

Ram 1500 v6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

my dash is simply crumbling. it has sharp, jagged edges and we must be careful with it.

- sgodfrey, Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #240

Sep 082009

Ram 1500 1500 4.7L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 138,000 miles

One would think that Chrysler would have some type of corporate customer relations department that would have at least a high school degree of understanding customer service and brand image.

When I called Dodge about this issue, they are fully aware of their inferior materials used for these dashes. Their level of "not our problem" is totally ridiculous. Even though I have had my problem escallated up to three levels of supervisors (I am sure there are a lot more levels that I must go through - again : more work for the consumer) they all have been trained that the organization is not going to assist the end user in this manufacture defect.

I too talk to many Dodge owners and encourage them to put up as many posts on any blog, complaint website, and contact Dodge to spread the word. This is truly a buyer beware scenario that should be approached from a legal / government standpoint. I am sure that the government response will be similar to Dodge's, but it is worth the try. It just amazes me that in today's customer driven environment, they are willing and allowing this type of negativity to be connected to the brand.

Like many of you, I would understand if I was one of a few, however, this affects a tremendous amount of current Dodge owners - which more than likely will not be in the future.

At some point, you have to admit your mistakes (again, they know it's jacked up) - but acting on correcting your mistakes is what defines you. Dodge: Your choice on the direction you will take --- We will make our future vehicle (and try to influence others) choices on your actions.

- M F., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #239

May 042010

Ram 1500 1500 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

there is no reason for dodge not to take responsibility for a defective item. Dodge should replace all part that is defective.

- Tim H., Omaha, NE, US

problem #238

May 012010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Local Dodge dealership wants $2,550 to replace dash with another piece of crap like I have. My solution: Now that the government owns Dodge I feel like a portion of "my" tax dollars should go to fix my dash. I sure as hell don't want freeloaders buying drugs with my tax dollars!!!!!

- colbydunkle, Englewood, TN, US

problem #237

Nov 152009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

I bought this Dodge in November and it has two small cracks in the dash now almost a year later I have 5 large ones. Just replaced the heater core and it was real fun trying to not have the dash break even more while removing!! Piece of crap Dodge!!

- debbiejo, Spanaway, WA, US

problem #236

Sep 052008

Ram 1500 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 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 cracks in dashboard

I sure wish that Chrysler would step up to the plate and do a recall-the right thing.They have ignored this way to long and the world needs to know about their defects in this area. Please do the right thing and recall all vehicles affected,.

- Ron G., Cape Coral, FL, US

problem #235

Jan 312010

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

I can't believe Daimler Chrysler would not try to correct the problem with the dash problem on the Dodge trucks. I was proud to purchase my dodge; however, this will probably be my last. The dash on my 2002 Dodge ram began cracking in January of this year. I have kept it on the carport whenever it was not on the road. It started with one 6 inch crack in the main dash over the glove box from the leading edge toward the windshield. Then the rear section cracked in the middle from windshield to midsection and now the speaker grill has fallen out and two perpendicular cracks about 8 inches each have formed a cross.

The main dash cover has now cracked from front edge all the way to where the front & rear sections meet. The crack has gotten wider and seems to be separating. The last crack to appear was on the rear piece right behind the steering wheel. Dodge should recall these trucks with a cracked dash. God forbid me from having a wreck that would put my body in contact with this dash. The edges of these cracks would probably be sharp. Dodge should recall the trucks with these dashes from a safety standpoint.

- pepaw, Shelby, NC, US

problem #234

May 012005

Ram 1500 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Dodge should step up and fix these cheap parts that they are installing....

- Jared C., Durham, NC, US

problem #233

May 012010

Ram 1500 SLE 4.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

I spent good money on what is supposed to be a really nice truck and in a few short years the dash board starts cracking like the dried up mud in the bottom of an old mud puddle, yuk! I hope Dodge as some sort of guilt complex we all can zero in on with this problem!

- sparky1cg, Blue Springs, MO, US

problem #232

Jun 102005

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

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

My Dodge only had one crack in the dash and now the whole dash is falling apart. Everyday I get in it there is a new crack. I think it may just disinigrate one day. It is a huge concern of mine I wonder what will happen to those pieces if we get in an accident. If my teenager gets hurt with dasboard shrapnel you can bet I will be press charges against Dodge. Toyota is looking pretty good at this point. So much for Dodge Rams being Ram Tough. The only thing tough it sounds like is getting them to do a recall on the Dashboards. False advertisment on Dodges part.

- kathynala, Glen Lyon, PA, US

problem #231

Jan 082010

Ram 1500 ST 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

THE CRACKED DASH BOARD BRINGS THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE DOWN WAY BELOW WHAT IT IS WORTH, I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DASH BOARDS IT'S OBVIOUS THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. IT REALLY GIVES DODGE A BAD NAME SINCE THEY WONT MAKE IT RIGHT FOR THE CONSUMERS THAT BOUGHT THEIR PRODUCTS. I PERSONALLY WOULD NEVER CONSIDER BUYING OR RECOMMENDING ANOTHER DODGE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY CAN STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCTS THAT THEY SELL.

- withrowg, Tulsa, OK, US

problem #230

Aug 132010

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

literally a perfect truck EXCEPT for the dash--It is so hard to believe that a $26,000 truck has a $10.00 dash instaled at the factory but wants over $400.00 to fix---My first and my LAST Chrysler product--Now you know why they are almost out of business and need Fiats to turn there fortunes around---Very sad day in America---

- moses.malone, Indio, CA, US

problem #229

Aug 032010

Ram 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

The cracks began appearing on the "inner" dash near the windshield and then branched to the part that pushes up against that piece but in a different place. A week later, another crack appeared a few inches down and yesterday another appeared directly over the glove box. The dashboard is literally dissolving right before our eyes.

Dodge needs to do something about this inferior material they used to manufacture the dashboards from and if anyone is interested in joining a class action lawsuit against Dodge, I will see if my attorney will file or research to see if one has been filed already. Just drop me a line at mls3@charter.net. Send pictures and descriptions along with you name, address, and email, and phone # for the attorneys. We have got to stop being duped by companies that think we are going to sit around and just take this crap from them and still pay $20,000 to $30,000+ for their crappy products!!

- slayml, Alabaster, AL, US

problem #228

Jan 012006

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I am just one of the many Irate Dodge owners that love their truck but feel disgusted when getting in it and seeing the dashboard in pieces. I would like to state that I have always kept my dashboard armoralled from day one. I will not buy another Dodge due to this problem and dodge not stepping up and fixing the defect.

- Michael W., Smyrna, TN, US

problem #227

Jan 012009

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

The dash in my 2002 ram 1500 looks like crap. I take excellent care of my truck and now I am ashamed of the interior. Dodge really has disappointed me by not recalling this defect.

- Rick M., Jeffersonville, IN, US

problem #226

May 012008

Ram 1500 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

I am not really suprised to find all the complaints about the gosh awful cracks. Just started with a hairline but is now several large cracks across the top and now beginning to run toward the front of the dash and down. It is very, very ugly looking. I have checked into replacing the dash, but quite frankly have no confidence i any product and the cost is ridiculous! I too believe Dodge should step up to the plate and recall this crap!

- M T., Kerrville, TX, US

problem #225

Apr 072010

Ram 1500 1500 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

What a piece of crap. Although I like my truck, I will never purchase another Dodge product again. I intentionally put a sun visor in my window daily to protect the dash. In the span of 2 months, I have cracks popping up in the dash on a daily basis (currently 5). The biggest problem is that they continue to spread and there is nothing I can do to stop them. You pay that much money for a vehicle, you shouldn't have that sort of eye sore looking at you on a daily basis! I want Dodge to fix it.

- Roderick N., Savannah, GA, US

problem #224

Dec 012004

Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Why can't Dodge make a dash that doesn't crack??? I can't purchase another Dodge until I KNOW this has been addressed and fixed. In the market now in fact and will have to look onward. I own a 20 yr. old Mazda Miata, driven exclusively in the texas sun and heat, dash still in great condition. My Dodge truck had for two freakin years and the dash cracked. I kept masking the cracks but now the dash has completely disintegrated. I had to buy a new dash cap to cover all the missing dash pieces. Overall I am relatively pleased with the truck but this dash issue is HUGE to the majority of us who care about the way our vehicles look. Dodge management... hear us now or suffer the consequences later. How many people just live with the problem and don't say anything?????

- mbyrnes, Helotes, TX, US

problem #223

Aug 082008

Ram 1500 Side Molding 3.6lV8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

this one with dashboard is really too much. - Need fix from dodge.

- Terrye H., Houston, TX, US

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