Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 30000 | ||
| My 2001 dodge ram 1500 has had the dashboard disinigrating since 30,000 miles as i was informed by the previous owner. it only had cracks but since i have owned it the dash has literally disinigrated with sharp objects flying about the cab when windows are down. my research suggest that chrysler used inferior products as a cost reduction, did not aquire the proper manufacturing temperatures which results in cracking, and the dash is inadequatly mounted causing flexing. this is a very dangerous situation.........and not a cosmetic issue as dodge has hidden behind!! when the dash breaks, sharp objects are in flight throughout the cab. when it breaks near the air bags, i believe they will deploy themselves and that alone is a serious event while driving in traffic! dodge has a history all the way back to my first purchase of a brand new 1973 dodge ram, ignoring warranty and making excues of why things aren't their fault! it's high time this company assumes it's responsibility especially after tax payers bailed them out!!!! i have fought many battles with this company concerning warranty issues as well where a brand new 1976 dodge ram i purchased spun the races in the rears as a result of defective manufacturing!!! the time for making excuses is old, it's time for action and assuming responsibility for an inferior product!!! | |||
| 08/01/2011 | 119000 | 1 | |
| My 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4 keep stalling when decelerating. the engine will start right up again when i turn the key but unless i keep my foot on the gas it dies again and again. it's always at low speeds like in a parking lot or approaching stop signs or red lights. this is very dangerous in traffic. i have had it to 3 different mechanics and we've replaced the alternator and the battery (twice on the battery) and it is still doing the same thing. sometimes it runs fine and then it just starts quitting on my. *tr | |||
| 06/02/2011 | 105019 | 1 | |
| Headlights were on high beam and dimmed lights and lost all of the headlights . it was early morning but there was enough light for me to slow and pull over to the side of the road. i kept moving the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam until the lights finally came back on. i left them in low beam and drove the rest of the way to work on low beam. when i got home later after work i waited till night time and pulled my truck into my car port and repeated what had happened on that morning. on about the fifth try the lights went out again , i then repeated flipping the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam and after many attempts was able to get the headlights back on. the next day took it to the dealer for repairs , they replaced the dimmer switch and the mechanic who worked on my truck told me that was no the first one he had replaced and told me i was very lucky. if it had failed in heavy traffic on a two lane highway and under darker night conditions and at a higher rate of speed i probably would have wrecked. i believe this is a design flaw. ## vin passed ## dodge ram 1500 ## *tr | |||
| 03/01/2007 | 1 | ||
| The dashboard started falling apart shortly after i purchased the truck. pieces of the dash keep falling down into the area where the wires are at. *tr | |||
| 03/01/2007 | |||
| The dashboard started falling apart shortly after i puuchased the truck. pieces of the dash keep falling down into the area where the wires are at. | |||
| 07/03/2012 | 130000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500. this vehicle however, has a defect, the dashboard cracks and is starting to basically disintegrate. i however, am not the only one with these issues. as you can see on the forums and websites below. http://www.dashcover.com/dodgeramdash.html http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6297146/pickups-suvs/is-your-2001-dodge-ram-dash-falling-apart/index.html http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard.shtml http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard-2.shtml http://www.automotiveforums.com/t429358-cracked_dash_in_2001_2500_truck.html the failure is so common there are youtube videos on how to fix it temporarily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wfcxsy8xi i have seen quotes to get this fixed anywhere from 800 to 1500 dollars. absolutely absurd. some people are reporting that their dashboard is cracking and pieces are falling behind the dash and creating rattling noises and some even as severe as taking out electrical equipment causing headlight failure, ac failure, etc. despite all of these issues dodge will not issue a recall. one of my biggest concerns is if i were to get into an accident the dashboard could shatter sending sharp edged pieces of plastic towards me under high impact, which could lead to severe injury and/or death. i am highly concerned with this issue and i hope that by you showing interest on mine and others behalf we can resolve this. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 07/03/2012 | 130000 | ||
| I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500. this vehicle however, has a defect, the dashboard cracks and is starting to basically disintegrate. i however, am not the only one with these issues. as you can see on the forums and websites below. http://www.dashcover.com/dodgeramdash.html http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6297146/pickups-suvs/is-your-2001-dodge-ram-dash-falling-apart/index.html http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard.shtml http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard-2.shtml http://www.automotiveforums.com/t429358-cracked_dash_in_2001_2500_truck.html the failure is so common there are youtube videos on how to fix it temporarily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wfcxsy8xi i have seen quotes to get this fixed anywhere from 800 to 1500 dollars. absolutely absurd. some people are reporting that their dashboard is cracking and pieces are falling behind the dash and creating rattling noises and some even as severe as taking out electrical equipment causing headlight failure, ac failure, etc. despite all of these issues dodge will not issue a recall. one of my biggest concerns is if i were to get into an accident the dashboard could shatter sending sharp edged pieces of plastic towards me under high impact, which could lead to severe injury and/or death. i am highly concerned with this issue and i hope that by you showing interest on mine and others behalf we can resolve this. thank you so much, tyler techo | |||
| 07/04/2009 | 100000 | ||
| The dash panels on my 01 dodge 1500 ram quad cab truck have cracked and are falling apart. the holes in the dash have exposed wiring and electrical components. it appears the molded plastics used in the dash panels are deteriorating over time due to the sun's heat and rays. i suspect, like polypropolene tubing, all dashes made of this defective plastic will desinigrate. anyway, after some research it seems that a aftermarket dash cover is the best remedy, however i'm concerned about the sharp edges of the old dash panel could cut some wiring over time and cause a vehicle fire. | |||
| 08/12/2010 | 210000 | ||
| Truck was running just fine. when truck was parked for less than 10 minutes, with engine off it suddenly ignited in the engine compartment. the truck was a complete loss. there was no warning before the event took place. | |||
| 11/17/2009 | 54000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that feel apart on the vehicle. the glass front and top of the dashboard feel apart. the gauge are still work, but they are exposed. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 54000 and the current mileage 64000.rl | |||
| 08/08/2008 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact was driving approximately 45 mph and noticed the passenger side dashboard exhibited several large cracks. in addition, the air conditioner leaked coolant. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the air conditioner coil needed to be replaced. the technician advised that the dashboard must be removed during the air conditioner service repair. however, due to the severe defects of the dashboard a new replacement was required before the repair could be performed. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was unknown. | |||
| 05/22/2010 | 125000 | ||
| Dashboard has cratered and pieces break off to this day. have had multiple cuts and wiring issues since the beginning of this problem and worried that air bag might be involved with the issues. have placed a cover over gaping holes while waiting for a recall regarding this problem. | |||
| 03/29/2010 | |||
| Dash is cracked and falling in. vehicle stops running due to wires being exposed. | |||
| 11/15/2009 | 0 | 1 | |
| Like many others, the dash fell apart...you aren't doing a thing about it until what? someone dies? 2001 dodge ram 1500 truck. everyone i talk to knows someone whose truck did the same thing. if we are in a wreck and the airbag doesn't deploy due to the support system being missing....falling apart totally....then if we die, will something be done to make chrysler stand good for the repairs? i have contacted them and they want us to pay 800 for our part. no...it is their widespread defect and we will not pay a penny. we have had a fire in the dash as everything is open to the elements now....we had to stop on the side of the road and crawl up under and find the wires burning. whenever you turned on the key, it smoked and burned. finally, after the truck was towed home, he traced the wire to the heated mirrors and removed it. waiting for the next fire, i guess. what a shame for chrysler to take bailout money and not help customers and ensure their safety. will someone please step up????? *tr | |||
| 09/29/2009 | 100000 | 1 | |
| I filed a complaint a few weeks ago about my 2001 dodge ram 1500 since then i am now having electrical problems. first the windows then the radio and dome light and now this morning when i was leaving for work at :30 my head lights went out. this is ridiculous. what if i had been on the road. i drive down the interstate every morning at around 5:30. *tr | |||
| 06/28/2009 | 112000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2001 dodge ram pu truck 5.2 .i was driving down road at night and went to click my bright lights on and the lights went out. this has happened several times. checked the fuse and it was good. this is very dangerous. *tr | |||
| 08/30/2005 | 1 | ||
| My 2001 dodge ram 1500 dash is completely cracked and has several holes in it where the plastic has caved in. i am concerned the holes and continued cracking will cause exposed wires to be burnt or severed, which could endanger the lives of the passengers in the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 37000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the dashboard cracked into pieces and the speedometer does not work. the dealer stated that the warranty for the interior of the vehicle expired at 36,000 miles. the estimated cost to repair the dashboard front cap is between $450-$600. the contact feels that the failure is a fabric defect and the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair cost. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 37,000 and current mileage was 67,179. | |||
| 09/20/2005 | 70000 | 1 | |
| My dash has been cracking out over the last few years. for about the last 10 months to a year i have had check engine light that has no significance to the way it runs, and the code is unrecognizable to auto garage. also i have wiring problems for about the same amount of time. my dash lights will go out completely on their own and sometimes come back on, sometimes not. also there are sharp edges on the plastic dash everywhere. as of two weeks ago, a section caved in, leaving a gaping hole about 6 by 8 inches in size. the cracks and hole look identical to pictures of other dodge truck dashes i've seen on the internet and news. i feel that the sharp edges alone make for a safety issue, and since the cracks are so sharp and sever by the passenger airbag deployment site, i wonder if it would fail during deployment. combined with the wiring issues that i and so many other owners are experiencing that a safety recall should be issued immediately before someone is seriously injured because of the faulty plastic used on all these dodge trucks. *tr | |||
| 05/23/2008 | 55500 | 1 | |
| 2001 dodge quad cab pickup has failing wiring in steering column which makes truck die while driving . which in turn there is no power brakes or steering and no electrical functions that makes the truck run . dead on the road literally. who knows at what speeds this problem may accure. luckily it happened to me while going slow and i was able to stop the truck. truck only dead so far to my knowledge .no known human deaths yet that i have heard of from this. if problem is not fixed with wiring harness that no death thing will change soon im pretty sure do to this problem. id like to do my best to keep my family and other families safe. this needs to be dealt with before someone does die unnecessarily in an accident that can be avoided by replacing the problem part of the pickup. *tr | |||
| 06/21/2008 | 88117 | 1 | |
| Flashing light on odometer reads, no bus and the gauges do not work. what is wrong with this trucks electrical system? *tr | |||
| 04/28/2003 | 20000 | 1 | 01/14/2002 |
| When raining or high moisture the vehicle dies or will not start. driving down the interstate several times it started to rain and the truck engine stopped running. leaving me with no power steering and trying to pull off the highway in traffic. if raining or damp. when try to start, there is no such luck. we have to leave it sit in the drive unusable. when you turn the headlamps from high to low beam the lights go out. the engine light stays on most of the time. *tr | |||
| 07/13/2007 | 100000 | 1 | 06/12/2007 |
| The dashboard has fallen apart piece by piece. wires are now dangerously exposed and the broken pieces could turn into dangerous, sharp flying debris in the event of an accident. *tr | |||
| 07/17/2007 | 1 | 07/05/2007 | |
| The dashboar d is cracked in several places , and also a few places have caved in. there are some electrical problems with dashboar d also.*ak | |||
| 12/07/2005 | 61000 | 5 | 08/28/2000 |
| 2001 dodge 4x4, 1500 quad cab truck. while driving down the hwy going 75 mph, at night time, the head light turned off and would not come back on until you kept flicking the high and low beams. vehilce was taken to dealership and they replaced the (multifunction switch) if there would have not been other vehilce drivng in front of my vehicle, it could of been a serious or deadly crash with no lights at night going the hwy speed limite on winding roadways. *nm | |||
| 05/10/2001 | 2000 | 10 | 03/11/2001 |
| Dash panel has went out on my truck 3 times already and is acting up now. check engine light has been on more than it has stayed off. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The headlights would go out when the high beams or dimmers were on. sometimes the headlights stayed on. the dealer had been contacted. *ak *scc *jb | |||
| 10/09/2001 | 1 | ||
| Partial fire under hood near steering column on drivers side, fire originated at the electrical distribution panel from the vehicle charging system, claim 43-r794-475. *slc | |||
| 11/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire under the hood in the drivers side at battery cable to powerbox, vehicle is a total loss, claim 46-0377-665. *slc | |||
| 10/09/2001 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced partial fire under the hood near steering column, the fire originated at the electrical distribution panel from the vehicle charging system, claim 43-r794-475. *slc | |||
| 11/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire under the hood in the drivers side at battery cable to powerbox, vehicle is a total loss, claim 46-0377-665. *slc | |||
| 10/09/2001 | 1 | ||
| Partial fire under hood near steering column on drivers side, fire originated at the electrical distribution panel from the vehicle charging system, claim 43-r794-475. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 05/24/2002 | |||
| Nhtsa recall 02v042000/ manfacturer recall b04: consumer contacted dealer end of may to have recall serviced. dealer was presently waitng for parts on back order. vehicle was driven on a daily bases. please provide more information.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | |||
| 12/31/2002 | 0 | 05/14/2002 | |
| Daimler chrysler mailed a letter informing me of a recall on th 4e power distribution ccenter generator cable connection on my truck. my spouse took the truck to don marshell dodge and service center . 716 north hwy 27 p.o. box1509, somerset, ky 42502, telephone # 606-678-8178. the truck was scheduled for another repair but my husband brought the letter and asked that the cable also be fixed. the service person looked a the letter, laid it down and said that they looked' at it and it was fine. the service department refused to fix the cable. the letter that daimler chryler mailed regarding the recall stated that any complaint with the dealer regarding having the vehicle fixed should be directed toward this agency. | |||
| 11/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire, it originated under the hood on the drivers side at battery cable to powerbox, vehicle is a total loss, claim 46-0377-665. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 02/23/2004 | 41000 | 5 | 10/11/2003 |
| Purchased vehicle 2003 with 32,000 miles. at 45,000 miles motor had to be rebuilt.new crankshaft, rod bearings, main bearings, oil pump. 2 days after picking up the truck after work was done, main seal went out and lost oil on highway on my way to work. everything covered under warranty, but it's just the fact that the truck still has problems with such low mileage and year. ongoing electrical problem. fuse for climate control, air bags, abs brakes, power windows, mirror defrost and reverse lights keeps blowing. has blown 5 times in the past 3 months. dealer replaces the fuse, says there is nothing wrong with it. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 08/11/2006 | 44000 | 20 | 03/08/2001 |
| Dodge ram 1500 continues to stall while driving at low speeds or braking to slow on highways. the loss of all power steering and brakes occur until the truck can be re-started. the problem seems to be heat related since it occurs most often when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees and the car driven over 1-1/2 hrs in duration. this problem has been occurring for the last three years and the manufacture has made many repairs but none that has fixed the problem. they have changes sensors, throttle body and then cleaned same. changed air filter but nothing has corrected the problem. as recently as last month the dealer had the truck for three weeks and could not find a single thing wrong. i can tell from the internet i'm not the only person having this problem. it most be fixed or loss of life will occur. *nm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 07/02/2002 | 1 | 05/01/2001 | |
| While driving at highway speeds, vehicle completely shutdown, but air conditioner was still running. consumer felt this was an electrical problem. *ak consumer lost all power including steering and brakes and was forced off the road. dealer replaced terminal to ignition switch. *jg | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 04/01/2001 | 1 | 01/19/2001 | |
| While parked, engine caught on fire due to an aftermarket remote starter installed by the dealership, claim 22-v517-407. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 10/09/2001 | 1 | ||
| There was a partial fire under the hood near the steering column on the drivers side, fire originated at the elctrical distribution panel from the vehicles charging system.*jb(claim#43-r794-475) | |||
| 11/18/2001 | |||
| Vehicle started to smoke just as the consumer had parked it and got out. black smoke was puring from under the hood. vehicle was totaled chrysler was sending someone out to inspect and determine cause of fire.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 01/21/2008 | 25 | ||
| Dashboard cracking and falling apart has led to electrical malfunctions. the main one is that when switching from dim to bright lights during night driving, the headlights go out completely. *tr | |||
| 05/02/2007 | 1 | 10/19/2002 | |
| Dodge 2001 ram truck has a fracturing and collapsing dash, i have recently been made aware that there are many other people with the same model truck experiencing the same problem including headlights shutting of when alternating between highs and lows possibly caused by the pieces falling from the dash and interrupting the wiring. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2007 | 45000 | 1 | 03/13/2003 |
| My 2001 dodge ram dash is cracking. i seen a special on my local news station and the parties present on the news cast had the same problems as i did but worse. i think this should be looked at before someone gets killed by the air bag deploying or lights going out. *tr | |||
| 11/22/2003 | 2 | ||
| The wiring harness on this year model has an insufficient ground which leads to a short in the harness. this in turn causes multiple problems,such as the trucks smoking from under the dash and or catching on fire completely. please check with the insurance companies thank you for your time | |||
| 08/20/2002 | 1 | 10/13/2001 | |
| The main wiring harness that controls all ignition and dash instruments separated while the consumer was using tilt steering and the vehicle stalled. *yh | |||