Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Shortly after we purchased the vehicle back in 2000 the dashboard started to crack. Throughout the years the plastic dash has become more brittle and the broken pieces have the strength and texture of peanut brittle but are rather sharp. We would find pieces all over the cab of the truck and if you dropped something down in the dash and tried to retrieve it, you would often come in contact with the sharp edges of the plastic that was still attached to the rest of the dash assembly. Here recently the inner-frame that is also made of the same faulty plastic which holds the radio, temperature controls, headlight switch, airbag control switch, instrument panel, etc has also started to crack and the components are beginning to detach from the rest of the dash assembly. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. While reversing at a low speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to engage the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that there was brake fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the dashboard fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the latch from the front hood broke. As a result, the hood flew open while the vehicle was being driven and crashed into a tree. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who verified the failure and stated that the latch and hinges needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 158,000.
My dashboard was completely destroyed by the sun and heat ( 2008). It started as cracks and morphed into pieces falling apart. I asked Dodge in 2008 if they was any recalls and the responded no. I could have it replaced for apprx 600 usd. Its now 2016 and I finally had my dash replaced with a new aftermarket piece that is made with plastics thst are designed to withstand sunlight and heat. Why is Dodge allowed to produce a product that fails so easily and not held responsible? There should be releif for the owners !!
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured. The contact was concerned that the front passenger side air bags would be unsafe due to the location of the fracture. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,600.
The Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 try k needs to be recalled due to bade fram rust and bad body rust and for the bad dash that Dodge put in them but let's first. Talk about a safety recall for the bad farms that was used I want my truck fixed and Dodge should be made to do so
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was deteriorating very badly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
2000 Dodge Ram my dash has cracked and imploded. Pieces of plastic hit me in the face while I was driving and now my airbag light is on. I had to swerve to the side of the road with blood gushing from head. I'm lucky to be alive.
I purchased a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 new in 2000. At 50,000 miles the dash began to crack at 2 yrs old. Although I purchased an extended warranty to 75K miles, I was informed by a dealer that trim and upholstery was not covered. Now the dash has completely failed, a huge hole has emerged, it rattles this has caused the defrost vent not work properly and possibly the passenger airbag May be compromised due to the dash becoming unsecure because the plastic has broken from around the screws. I recently went to another dealer to get a quote of over $1000 to repair. The dealer tells me that Chrysler has been fixing these trucks if the original owner still owns it regardless of warranty expiration. Because of the product failure. So I then call the 800 number given only to be told that it is basically too late now because my truck is 8 yrs old. …
Dash developed cracks after second year after purchase, one above air bag chamber, and the other above speed meter. ,and eventually fractured into multiple parts during the following years.. Decided to remove it, as parts were falling down into the empty space under the dash top, and making rattling noises. This material is defective. Internet sources, television news broadcasts site thousands across country having same issues. Why has no recall been performed on this defective product? The risks of possible injury, from moisture from leaks or other sources could cause interference with electrical circuits. I will take steps to replace this dash myself, with suitable protection, as the manufacturer has not showed any concern towards its customers, or offered a solution. …
Body complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 248 complaints about the body & structure of the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500, 48% of the model year's 513 complaints. The component named most often is body (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.