2002 Dodge RAM 2500 Air bags Problems

“My 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 quad truck dash board started to crack about three years ago. When I checked with my dealer I was told that it would not be covered by warranty. Shortly later I was walking in a walmart parking lot and notice a 2001 Dodge ram 1500 which had a dash board cracked worse than mine. I then made a trip to many used car lots--I found that seven (7) out of ten (10) 2001+ Dodge ram pickups I checked had cracked dashes. I contact Dodge with my complaint and what I had observed in other Dodge pick ups and asked about any recall for the problem. …”

“Dash board is crumbling exposing numerous controls, gauges, wiring, and airbag components which is a huge safety concern. The A/C has seized to work anymore due to electrical problems which is spreading to other control gauges and components. The safety of the airbag system is now a concern.”

“The plastic dashboard and related underpinnings and suport structure for everything from passenger airbag,radio, climate control and vents, headlight, mirror defroster, gauge pod, onboard diagnostic plug, etc. Began disintegrating in large sharp pieces while driving. These pieces cut wiring and fles for anything and everything and are distracting and dangerous in multiple ways worse if in an accident. I had to remove radio, and disable airbags for safety. Replacement parts alone are potentially in the thousands, not including labor and wiring harness repairs.”

“This diesel truck was started in order to let it warm up. Owner went into a building to retrieve a pair of gloves and returned 5 min later to find the vehicle on fire. Smoke was pouring out of the front cowl at the base of the windshield. Entry to the vehicle was attempted in order to put the fire out however the locking mechanism kept the doors shut so entry could not be attained. The truck was on fire and it had locked the doors. The drivers side window had to be busted out with a fire extinguisher in order to gain entry. Once the fire was extinguished the problem area was evident. …”

“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 turbo diesel. In may 2003 the trailer that was attached to the vehicle detached and forced the contact's vehicle to crash into a brick wall at 60 MPH. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. Also, the seat belt failed near the fastener, but has been repaired. The contact stated that the same year while driving about 40 MPH and approaching an intersection a vehicle turned in front of contact's vehicle and he struck the vehicle from the rear passenger side. The air bags failed to deploy. …”