2001 Dodge RAM 2500

I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, manufactured in September 2000, with approximately 197,000 miles. The AIRBAG warning light now remains illuminated continuously, and the steering-wheel cruise-control buttons are completely inoperative. The horn still works. I performed the instrument-cluster self-test, and the CRUISE indicator illuminates during that test, confirming the indicator itself functions. I suspect a failure in the steering-wheel clockspring or related airbag circuit because these symptoms are similar to the condition addressed by Chrysler Safety Recall 982 / NHTSA Recall 01V153000. The vehicle has not yet been repaired or disassembled for this issue, so the original component remains installed and would be available for inspection if requested. My safety concern is that a clockspring or airbag-circuit failure could prevent the driver’s frontal airbag from deploying properly in a crash. The illuminated AIRBAG warning lamp indicates that the supplemental restraint system has detected a fault. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility. I contacted the Dodge/Ram Recall Assistance team and reported the condition. They opened a customer-assistance case, but told me that my VIN was not included in Recall 982. My Dodge/Ram case number is 97895685. My truck was manufactured in September 2000, and the 11th character of the VIN is “G.” Because the vehicle is experiencing an airbag warning condition and loss of steering-wheel cruise-control functions similar to symptoms associated with clockspring failure, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether vehicles outside the original recall population may be experiencing the same safety-related defect. The AIRBAG warning light and cruise-control failure are the current symptoms. I do not know the exact date the underlying component began to fail. No crash or airbag deployment has occurred.

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. In 2003, I noticed parts of the dash, starting to break apart. In 2004, I had a major head on collision, and the airbag, did NOT deploy. The damage was extensive, with bent frame. The damage was $17,000 in 2004. I was told by the Chrysler Dealership, that did the repairs, that they could not check the condition of the airbag wiring, because the dashboard was broken. I wonder how many others out there, that have the same issue, with the dashboard, and don't have a working airbag. The other issue I have, is the seatbelt tensioner, has caused the seatbelt, to get chewed up. The belt, is now, no more than an inch wide.

MY GREATEST FEAR IS THAT BECAUSE THE DASHBOARDS OF THESE VEHICLES ARE SO FRAGILE, IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS DURING AN ACCIDENT THE FRAGMENTS WOULD BE DEADLY. MY DASH IS ALREADY CRACKED AND TINY SHARDS BLOW THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE BLOWER IS ON. IT'S DANGEROUS AND THE DASHBOARD ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME WITH THESE VEHICLES. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I RAN INTO SOME BUMPY ROADS AND I LOOKED AT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IN THE DASH AND IT WAS GONE. THE WHOLE INNER DASH WAS BROKE LOOSE AND PLASTIC PARTS WERE FALLING ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. I'VE E-MAILED DODGE AND HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING BACK FROM THEM YET. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COULD BE FROM $1000 TO $7000 TO FIX. IT HAD A FEW CRACKS IN IT BEFORE BUT NOW IT SEAMS TO BE JUST FALLING TO PIECES. I BELIEVE THIS COULD CAUSE MY AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AT ANY MINUTE AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN AN ACCIDENT HOW COULD YOU TELL IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT? COULD THE AIRBAG CAUSE AN ACCIDENT? DODGE SAYS IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WILL HAVE TO FIX IT MYSELF. I THINK WITH ALL THE DASH ISSUES, DODGE SHOULD AT LEAST BARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITY. THEY WON'T EVEN TELL ME IF MY TRUCK IS SAFE TO DRIVE? SO IT SETS IN BACK YARD.

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND CAN'T GET IT OUT . AND THE DOORS ARE ALL ROTTED ON THE BOTTOM AND IS THE ONLY THING THAT ROTTED ON MY TRUCK I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY TRUCK. AND THAT IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT IN THIS TRUCK. AND THE FRONT END THAT'S HARD TO KEEP UP WITH. I ONLY HAVE 118000 ON IT. AND KNOW THE MOTOR WILL GO A LONG WAYS THE CUMMINS 25 VALVE. *TR