Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The windshield appears weak having many pock marks in it. This causes the windshield wipers to need to be replaced often. The dash is severely cracked and we are afraid that this is going to cause the air bag to rupture on the passenger side (besides the fact that it is coming apart).
The dashboard and HVAC system has cracked to pieces causing the defrosters to be inoperable most of the time and constantly blows pieces of plastic and foam out of the vents occasionally getting in the driver's eyes and nose causing sneezing and distracting irritation.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab has a surging problem at highway speed. The check engine light will come on and it is read as transmission fluid pressure sensor. This was replaced with a factory sensor and within 2 weeks it did it again. After 200 miles the light went out and the surging stopped only to start and stop repeatedly up to this date, 8/23/2010. How can a sensor repair itself? Impossible! Mileage at first check engine light was less than 100,000. Also dash is cracked to a completely unacceptable level for the age of the vehicle and mileage on dash at 138,000 with care taken to keep it clean and conditioned. Cracks began at 85,000 miles. Wipers when operating on high will lower speed and will continue to change from high to low intermittently unless they are turned off and turned back on several times. Do not consider this safe in any way. …
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab 4x4, very well maintained and was never abused. About 8 months ago I noticed a crack on the dashboard on the passenger side. Within several months one crack had grown to 6 cracks. Then about 1 month ago the air would not flow through the dash vents anymore. In order to find out the problem I had to remove the dash board to get the heat and air system. When I removed the dash board it crumbled into about 20 pcs. Upon inspection of the air problem I found out the blend door that controls the air to the dash was broken. Seems this is a problem. I am now having to replace the dashboard, front and rear pc and the 4 blend doors in the air system. While replacing the shocks I noticed the rack and pinion was leaking extremely bad which has never leaked before. No noise while turning the steering wheel, no warning light to advise of the problem.
Steering column problems have been reported 5 times, repaired 4 times in which the clock spring (safety recall 982) was replaced 2 times. Left outer mirror vibrates at highway speeds impairing visibility when merging with traffic. Truck is not safe for highway use. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis***764311
June 1,2000 (2958ml) engine starts pinging, driver side window thumps when rolling up & down. July 21,2000 (6840ml) engine still pings, knocking sound under vehicle, thumping in window still present , oil pressure falls while driving. July 31,2000 (7509ml) engine still pings, knocking under vehicle still present.left cylinder head cracked, #2 cylinder replaced. Sept. 12,2000 (9420ml) engine still pings, knocking under vehicle still present , oil pressure still falls while driving , thumping in window still present, final repair attempt. Dec. 7,2000(14128ml) had to have crankshaft,rod bearings, main bearings, #4 cylinder rod and piston, oil pump repalced.returned on 12/14/00. Dec. 15,2000 (14169ml) no oil pressure. Had to have oil sending unit, oil pump, & screen replaced..
The placement and size of the driver-side and passenger-side door window along with the position of the driver seat in the rear position limits visibility to the point of creating a hazard. Average-sized (and larger) drivers must lean forward while sitting in the seat to see out before pulling into traffic. A number of complaints and near-miss collisions due to reduced visibility have been reported to the safety office by maintenance workers assigned to subject vans. A preliminary investigation by safety officials has been completed; alleged conditions are founded. Request further investigation and coordination with consumer product safety commission. Please advise.
On April 12 I was involved in an accident in which I rearended a car in front of me. Approximate speed was 20 MPH. There is extensive front end damage and the back window of the blazer in front of us busted out, but neither the driver or passenger side airbags in my truck deployed.
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty Dodge Ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 17, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failures
Alleged failures of windshield wipers without warning during rain and snow.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (30), 1995 (25), 1996 (21), 2002 (19) and 1998 (14) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-084 (motor, Mar 13, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (39 mentions), followed by the windshield (32).
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.