Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 131000 | 1 | |
| My dash is literally falling apart. i bought it in february with 0 cracks and now it looks like a piece of peanut brittle. i searched and apparently this is a huge problem. i just want it fixed. *tr | |||
| 08/16/2010 | |||
| The dash in my 1997 dodge ram 1500 is disinergrating. it's just falling to pieces with sharp jagged edges everywhere....... | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 1997 dodge ram 1500 dashboard shattered under consumers hand.*cw the consumer also wanted to add that chrysler pt cruiser has the same dash problem. updated 03/08/10 | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 150000 | 1 | |
| I own a 1997 dodge 1500 pickup truck and the dashboard is literally falling in pieces. this truck has been treated with a lot of care and has been detailed frequently to keep its appearance like new. it surprised me to see a small crack and i immediately sealed the crack to avoid it getting larger. i was amazed that larger cracks started appearing in various areas of the dashboard and soon it started to fall in pieces. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1997 dodge 1500. my dash started cracking, which appears to be stress cracks. since then my windshield has starting cracking as well. they both have not stopped cracking. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 30000 | 1 | |
| 1997 ram 1500 cracked dash is dangerous. pieces are sharp and i feel is unsafe to drive in the event of an accident.. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2009 | 100000 | 1 | |
| 1997 dodge ram 1500 pickup dash board cracked in several places. this is a replacement of a previous dashboard that had also cracked. first dashboard cracked after windshield was replaced due the a crack. windshield company stated windshield cracked from stress. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 1 | ||
| 1997 dodge 1500 ram truck, cracked dash board in several places. many owners new and old are having problems with this issue. dangerous for airbag deployment and wiring issues in dashes. *tr | |||
| 04/10/2009 | 101436 | 1 | |
| 1997 dodge ram 1500 - tan interior - 2 cracks opened up from the front to the rear of the dashboard about 1/8 wide. this happened overnight, with no adverse weather conditions and no changes in habits. nothing was placed on the dashboard. i am concerned that the location of the cracks will interfere with or damage the air bag if it is deployed, not to mention the shrapnel that would be created because the crack is so close to the airbag area on the passengers side. there is no reason for this on a 12 year old vehicle. *tr | |||
| 04/18/2007 | 1 | ||
| When i got the truck there were minor cracks in the dash nothing to noticeable and i don't use armor all or any silicone based product on it and the cracks have worsened mainly on the driverside and on the passengerside the dash is cracking over the glove compartment and the windows are 5% tinted and a window shade is always used day or night put i've read up on the problem and its on all models 94 and up and it makes no sense to buy a new one from the dealer when the same thing is going to happen with the poor quality of materials used to make. *tr | |||
| 04/20/2009 | 130000 | 1 | |
| I bought a 1997 dodge ram slt 1500. it is used and has 135,000 miles on it. however, i like the truck and i don't want to sell it because it is not safe for my family and i to be in. it has cracks all in the dashboard...and they are getting worse every day. i can actually see wires and the internal part of my dash components. it squeaks and i can also see steel mounting post that look really dangerous for a sudden stop or even i miner fender bender. it is actually caving in....and completely deteriorating. nothing has been done to correct this problem by dodge as far as i know. i have researched this and there is no recall that i can find...and i do not feel that the original..or even a second owner should have to pay for this...nor do chryslers job...and make the vehicle safe for driving. i take good care of the vehicle...and not only is it unsightly...but is a hazard that needs to rise concern in all dodge owners.i am requesting a replacement dash for my vehicle either from dodge...or a safety certified after market dash that will not do this again!!!! this is also the second dash to do this on this vehicle...that is apparent. *tr | |||
| 01/22/2004 | 40000 | 1 | |
| I have a 97 dodge ram that started cracking around 2004 and has steadily gotten worse and worse. as a result i have a terrible looking interior and i believe my electrical problems are a testament of the dashboards exposing my electrical wiring to the sun. the only way to halfway fix it i've found is to mount formica squares(not cheap mind you) over the wholes with mounting squares, though it looks terrible. my electrical problems are but are not limited to: power door locks that only unlock the driver side door and power windows that only work half the time and a cupholder that has fallen out on more than one occasion and caused me to rig back into place. of course besides inconvenience of having a lousy dash that sticks out like a sore on a usually sound truck, i am afraid of the other problems it can bring i.e.: worse electrical failures and the possibility of an airbag deploying when it's not supposed to or not deploying when there is need. *tr | |||
| 10/18/2008 | 110000 | 1 | |
| The dash on my 1997 dodge ram and 2000 dodge ram have cracked for no apparent reason. they not only have cracked but they look like jig saw puzzles. *tr | |||
| 05/06/2007 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1997 dodge ram and the dash board is now cracked in 4 different places were one of the screws is holding it on there were now you can see wires through the dash so my lawyer told me to check with u all to see if there were any recalls on the dash boards ??? *tr | |||
| 08/01/2007 | 148000 | 1 | |
| 1997 dodge ram 1500 dash is cracking and falling out in chunks. bezel is also cracking. *tr | |||
| 03/18/2008 | 1 | ||
| My dashboard in my 1997 dodge ram started cracking and before i knew it i had gaping holes in the dash board. it is an eye sore to me and i am currently trying to look for a dash board through the internet. i wish i could get some help in paying for this. *tr | |||
| 10/10/2007 | 92500 | 3 | 06/05/1995 |
| Dashboard and all other interior plastic deteriorating, cracked, broken, falling into firewall area. while driving at night on i-95, large piece of dashboard broke off and fell into area behind speedometer and caused dash lights to go out. this scared me terribly and i was able to pull off the road and reconnect the wire coupling to get my dash lights back on. *tr | |||
| 12/09/2007 | 1 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Dash board cracking all up and falling apart making sharp exposed plastic pieces easily to get cut on . *tr | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 3 | ||
| Dash has cracked in numerous places. i am concerned that the integrity of wiring and airbags beneath the dash may be compromised. *tr | |||
| 03/03/2007 | 1 | ||
| Dash cracked and started to fall inside, large pieces fell on floor. i hard to pay 3 hours of labor plus the price of the new dash board. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2007 | 57000 | 1 | 02/15/1997 |
| Dashboard cracked/split into pieces causing wires to be cut. loss of headlamps, taillamps, and brake lights. unknown if any damage has been done to the airbag system. how do i check that? *tr | |||
| 11/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| Dash cracking on a 97 dodge ram 1500. *jb | |||
| 03/16/2005 | 84000 | 1 | 12/04/2004 |
| The dashboard was cracking up and fell into the inside of the dashboard, causing the light to short out. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2004 | 10 | ||
| The 1997 dodge ram dashboard is cracked through out. i have tried to bandied the problem , but it just keeps getting worse.*ak | |||
| 06/15/2002 | 1 | 07/13/2001 | |
| Purchased a used 1997 dodge ram in 2001. the dashboard began to crack. now, there i was a large hole when part of the dashboard broke off, and another crack was beginning to form. when i asked the dealer and the manufacturer about the problem i was told that this item was not covered under warranty and there was no recall on this item either. i researched prices on a replacement dashboard, and they were very expensive, time consuming, and labor intensive project. this dashboard should last more than four years , a four year old dashboard should not be falling apart. there was definitely a problem with this dodge line of equipment. note: i would not have been aware of this widespread problem if it were not for channel 6 news. *ak | |||
| 05/07/2007 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1997 dodge ram 1500 p/up with a cracked dashboard. i understand this is a major problem, and feel dodge should do something about it. *ak | |||
| 04/28/2007 | 2 | 03/05/2005 | |
| Severe cracking of the dashboard. other vehicles from manufacturer have even lost electrical functions while driving down the road due to the dashboard dropping. i am concerned, and dodge said tough luck your vehicle was out of warranty.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| I have a 1997 dodge ram pickup and the dash is cracking and falling in. this started in 2000 and has gotten worse over the years. dodge told me there was nothing they could do. *tr | |||
| 11/12/2006 | 165800 | 1 | 02/10/2004 |
| I have a dodge ram 1500, recently i discovered that my dashboard was cracking into sections about a-half foot each or more.there is also a gaping hole at the vin number display area, that allows me to see down in the inside of the dash. i want to know why this is happening? *tr | |||
| 10/14/2006 | 1 | 08/10/1997 | |
| The dash on my 1997 dodge ram 1500 is cracking for no apparent reason. *tr | |||
| 09/02/2002 | 1 | ||
| Cracks in dashboard. *tr | |||
| 01/25/2007 | 3 | 11/29/2006 | |
| Cracking of dashboard and short in headlights. *tr | |||
| 04/30/2007 | 1 | 12/22/1999 | |
| The dash on the pick up has cracked in several areas. it is my understanding that it may collapse in the near future. *tr | |||
| 04/14/2005 | 10500 | 1 | |
| I own a 1997 dodge ram 1500. the dash started cracking by itself and is caving in. my research on the internet and research by local tv (wkmg) indicate that this is happening all over- every dash on a dodge pickup will crack and fall apart. this creates a safety hazard with the wiring. dodge refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem. *tr | |||
| 12/22/2005 | 3 | 06/01/2003 | |
| I have three cracks in the upper part of my dash in my 1997 dodge ram 1500. this seems to be a common problem with 1994-2001 dodge ram trucks. *nm | |||
| 09/30/2005 | 100000 | 1 | 09/27/2005 |
| I own a 1997 dodge ram 1500 4x4 extended cab. my dash board is cracked in the center from top of radio to the base of the windshield. don't know why it cracked it just appered. *nm | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Cracked dash on 97 dodge ram 1500,told that it could cause airbag damage--started cracking after a year or so and just keeps getting worse. *nm | |||
| 01/20/2003 | 60000 | 1 | 10/12/1997 |
| Dodge ram with 65,000 miles dash has spit in several places this is uncalled for on a 20,000 dollar truck. there was a malfuction in the production of these dashes and chrylsler should make them good. i took it to the chrylsler company that i purchesed it from, and they said it would cost me around 200 dollars. its also a safety hazzard, i hope no one gets cut from the sharp edges.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 1 | 01/29/1999 | |
| My dash is cracking all over around vin number from the defrost vents. i keep my truck in the garage and in the last 2 years it has cracked more and more and for two yrs i have not driven it more than 1 thousand miles cause i am not home to drive it. also the column on the sides of the windshield i can not see around them i have almost hit several people and cars this is a blind spot right in front of me i don't know if it is because of the seat and wear i sit i think this column is to fat and obstructs my view. *jb | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 180000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. while driving 70 mph, the hood latch separated from the vehicle and flew over the vehicle, fracturing the front windshield. the dealer and manufacturer concluded that the contact was no longer qualified for repairs under a silent recall, due to the circumstances surrounding the incident and denied any further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 180,000. | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 180000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. while driving 70 mph, the hood latch separated from the vehicle and flew over the vehicle, fracturing the front windshield. the dealer and manufacturer concluded that the contact was no longer qualified for repairs under a silent recall, due to the circumstances surrounding the incident and denied any further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 180,000. kmj | |||
| 06/07/2010 | 100000 | ||
| 1997 dodge ram pickup truck dash board is cracking and falling apart. started summer of 2010. now whole section has caved in. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 3 | 05/01/2002 | |
| My fiance is the owner of a 1997 dodge 1500 4x4 pickup. the problem is that we have had the transmission repaired/change 4 times since we have taken possession of the vehicle in 2002. i check the defects for that vehicle on your defect information & sure enough there it is. we have had nothing but trouble with this truck since we purchased it. the hood latch is always loose & finally cause the hood to fly up while driving down the road with me & my 2 children. the tail gate has fallen off in the middle of traffic. the drivers door has been replace because the it sags. and finally, the bumper has just about completely rusted away since we've owned it. i feel we got the biggest lemon. i emailed dodge directly with this same issue & received no response. hopefully, your agency can help. thank you for your time. angela sayre. *nm | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 1 | 11/30/1997 | |
| Handle used for entering and exiting vehicle on passenger side pulled out of the roof causing person holding it to fall to the ground. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 04/13/2005 | 40 | 8 | 05/30/1997 |
| A long list is available at humes of waterford,pa. the most amazing failure of the vehichle was when the driver's door flew open while driving around the bend and i was lucky thaat no oncoming traffic was coming. humes(dealer) fixed it by a horrible weld on the latch.*ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 08/01/1997 | |||
| The posts on each side of the windshield are approx. 6 wide and restrict the drivers visability serverly. my son and i have similar truck dodge truck models and we have had several near accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. my most recent near collition was with a railroad locamotive at an ungated crossing. luckly another driver alerted me to the locamotive and i saw it in time . however it was complely hidden from my view by the post . i have owned dodge trucks for the past 23 years with over 700,000 miles of service and have always found them reliable an safe . *ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS | |||
| 07/08/2002 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| While pulling onto a ramp rear wheel locked up. vehicle taken to a repair shop, and informed consumer that pinion gear sheared off in rear end. dealer and the manufacturer were notified. *ak the vehicle made a noise when accelerating uphill, the heat shield broke and was fixed. the transmission locked up. *yh | |||