2001 Dashboard Cracks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
ORIGINAL: Autumngrey
For those that have been turned down.... I'd try again. What verbage was used? PM me if you have specific questions.
And, just to clairify, in my folder that I gave to the Dodge service guy - it wasn't a list of complaints. It was the NTSB complaint ( to the office of defects investigation) that I filed about a possible defective product (I wanted Dodge to see that I was serious and that I wasn't just trying to get something for nothing) and the other sheet in the folder I gave my service rep. was a vehicle info sheet - date of complaint, time, make/model/year/color/purchase date/milage at purchase/VIN/Style/Engine/current milage....My complaint, the Chrysler AG phone#, my ref. # given to me when I called CAG, My name and info, the Dealership where I purchased it (used), the Dealership I was taking the Dodge to, the Service manager's name. And my requested restitution: I want Dodge to replace my dashboard at no cost to me. Then I explained why.
" This is neither an isolated event nor a unique problem. It is an apparent defect most likely within the process of molding the dash. In the molding process, if the molten plastic is not the proper temperature, or formulated properly, then the dash will develop "stress cracks", which are straight lines, not webbing. Additionally, these cracks are neither caused by sun or protectorant nor heavy use or environment. MAIN CONCERN: Further cracking can and will lead to the dashboard failing and falling into the wiring, possibly causing a short or fire. Electrical failure could cause a fatality due to the deploying of the air bags in a manner not related to an automobile accident via a short (two wires touching), or the failure of the headlamps during darkness, or the failure of the windshield wipers at speed during heavy rain."
For those that have been turned down.... I'd try again. What verbage was used? PM me if you have specific questions.
And, just to clairify, in my folder that I gave to the Dodge service guy - it wasn't a list of complaints. It was the NTSB complaint ( to the office of defects investigation) that I filed about a possible defective product (I wanted Dodge to see that I was serious and that I wasn't just trying to get something for nothing) and the other sheet in the folder I gave my service rep. was a vehicle info sheet - date of complaint, time, make/model/year/color/purchase date/milage at purchase/VIN/Style/Engine/current milage....My complaint, the Chrysler AG phone#, my ref. # given to me when I called CAG, My name and info, the Dealership where I purchased it (used), the Dealership I was taking the Dodge to, the Service manager's name. And my requested restitution: I want Dodge to replace my dashboard at no cost to me. Then I explained why.
" This is neither an isolated event nor a unique problem. It is an apparent defect most likely within the process of molding the dash. In the molding process, if the molten plastic is not the proper temperature, or formulated properly, then the dash will develop "stress cracks", which are straight lines, not webbing. Additionally, these cracks are neither caused by sun or protectorant nor heavy use or environment. MAIN CONCERN: Further cracking can and will lead to the dashboard failing and falling into the wiring, possibly causing a short or fire. Electrical failure could cause a fatality due to the deploying of the air bags in a manner not related to an automobile accident via a short (two wires touching), or the failure of the headlamps during darkness, or the failure of the windshield wipers at speed during heavy rain."
You mentioned filing a complaint with the NTSB. I would like to take this to the next level. Can you point me in the right direction for starting that process. I'm not looking for a free dash, just that Chrysler would stepup and at least help fis a defective product. I have posted a pix.
http://www.imageryconcepts.com/dash/dash-139.jpg
As you can see I have nearly lost my entire dash. The yellow wires for the airbag are starting to show and that bothers me. I will be hitting the local dealership later today and see what they say. Im not to optimistic but its worth a try.
Troy
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
I'm going to try the 800# because I'm at my wits end. I've got one more payment and my 03 2500 4x4(68,000miles) is mine and its starting to fall apart. I've taken extreme care of this truck and have 5 hugh cracks in the dash. Just spent $553 at the dealership today.My "Lamp Out" light would come on every 2-3 seconds with the annoying ding-ding, washer fluid would only come out on the passenger side of the windshield and the rear door lock wouldnt work from any of the door controls. The a/c control has been acting "crazy" recently but seems to fix itself -- I know its getting ready to cost me. I really have enjoyed this truck, but the Cummins and the drive gear is the only thing left I have any faith in. I've got to keep it as I have 2 college educations to pay for in the next 10years. It sure can suck being part of the "WorkingClass".Gotta go, the alarm goes off at 4am.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
Hey guys try this website http://www.coverlaymfg.com/they may be able to help you out with the cracked dash problems
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
1998 1500 Quad Cab, 98,500 miles. Multiple cracks in the dash for years that I just ignored. Last week, a gaping hole opened up above the steering/column/instrument cluster, exposing fun stuff beneath the dash. Checked at a local salvage yard for a replacement. Owner said he won't do replacements on Dodge trucks anymore because the salvage dashes break up when you try to remove them or break up when you try to install them in another truck. You know the rest of the story. Exhorbitant price on a new dash from the dealer, no help from Chrysler Customer Assistance because the vehicle is out of warranty and no recall on the dash. Went ahead and filed an NTSB complaint and ordered up the coverlay product for about $170 with shipping. We'll see how that works out.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Tomball, Texas
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
Well my family all own Dodge Rams and have the same problem....... My dad's 1998 Dodge Ram dash with multiple cracks and chunks missing. My mom's 2002 Ram 1500 (3rd gen. not excluded I guess[&o]) with several cracks on the passenger side by the airbag. This absolutely sickens me!!! A truck you work your *** off to pay for literally falls apart after just a few years![:@] These trucks were babied as well. I own a 2004 Ram and I'm just waiting for mine to do the same thing[&:] I have had a mat over the dash since new hoping it will prevent the cracks. Now get this...... I also have a 1985 Ford F-150 that was not babied its whole life........and the dash looks brand new!!! No cracks no fading, no nothing! Plus its very reliable and runs like a top. I am VERY dissapointed with the obvious cheap quality (or lack there of!) of a $30,000+ truck. The trucks keep getting more expensive and the quality keeps going down. (Our 1983 Dodge Ram never had this problem!) Its no wonder why people keep buying Toyotas. I NEVER thought I'd say that but this dash problem is very disheartening when you are still making $400+ payments every month and have to look at such an embarrasing eyesore!!
If (when) my '04 dash cracks Dodge is not going to hear the end of it from me. I will make sure they fix this embarassing problem.
If (when) my '04 dash cracks Dodge is not going to hear the end of it from me. I will make sure they fix this embarassing problem.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
just thought i'd share another tale of woe with you all,i chose dodge as my first new truck.What a mistake that was,at 16,000 miles the transmission problems started,at 20,000 miles the power steering pump went out in the middle of a turn{tranny still whining like hell after 2 rebuilds @ local dealer}.Windshield replaced due to faulty installation,a/c/head replaced.Thrown out of the dealership because the tranny was still whining and it was going off warranty.Then the dash started cracking.So now my truck that i just spent $2000 putting a tranny in is gonna have a big hole where the dash used to be ? oh by the way the dodge is up on blocks again as we speak just layed out another $250 for a fuel module.Should be able to drive it again tomorrow hopefully.All this at 60,000 miles. I wouldn't buy a used bicycle from dodge
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: 2001 Dashboard Cracks
[:@]I'd like to add my name to the list of people pi$$ed off at Dodge because of a defective dash. I have a 2001 3/4 ton diesel. My dash started cracking this time last year. It started on the passenger side with two major cracks. Then as if the unsightly cracks aren't embarrassing enough, I went to get an inspection sticker and when the guy applied the pressure to take the old sticker off a huge chunk of my dash cracked and fell into the dash cavity. Grrrrrr. I love my truck it is the first 3/4 ton diesel I have ever owned and it is a pulling machine, but this dash ordeal is ridiculous. I'll be danged if I ever buy another. I just hope I can get this one payed off before it falls completely apart. I think I will follow Autumngreys lead though and file a complaint, then contact dodge.