By all accounts, the dashboard is made of defective plastic that doesn't stand up to even just a few short years of regular use. Up until recently, most Ram owners reported back that Dodge refused to acknowledge this defect or offer any help or assistance. Then in 2007, a Florida TV station ran a report about the cracked dashboards (see below). Soon after, Dodge announced a preliminary plan to handle owner complaints.

The defect appears to have been introduced with the 1998 Dodge Ram model year, & continues to be a problem through the 2006 model year. A wide range of Dodge Ram trucks are affected including the Ram 1500, Ram 2500 & Ram 3500. Other Chrysler/Dodge models are affected as well.

So far this issue is not covered by a recall because the NHTSA has not determined it to be a safety defect. However it's obvious (to us) that someone could be seriously hurt by the sharp edges of the exposed broken dashboards. For now the best thing you can do is report this issue to Dodge at (800) 992-1997 and sites like Car Complaints.com and SaferCar.gov.

The best way to fix this appears to be installing an aftermarket dashboard cover. Simply replacing the dashboard isn't recommended because as far as we know, Dodge hasn't fixed the defective plastic in the replacement parts, so it will just crack again in a few years - you'll be out $800 & back where you started. See the ad at the bottom of the page if you're interested in custom-fit dashboard covers.

The Dodge Ram Trucks with the Most Cracked Dashboard Complaints:

• 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 cracked dashboard
• 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 cracked dashboard
• 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 cracked dashboard
• 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 cracked dashboard
• COMPLAINT SEARCH: all cracked dashboard complaints

Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse

This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.

1. File your complaint at CarComplaints.com
2. Submit your complaint to the Center for Auto Safety
3. Report a safety concern with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Local6.com, a Florida TV station, ran an investigative story in 2007:

• Local 6 Dashboard Investigation (with video)
• Dodge Has Preliminary Cracked Dashboard Plan