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2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM 1500 years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

741 reports with mileage · 371 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 548 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

65 crash reports34 fire reports65 injury reports

Equipment complaints

18 reports
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18,000 miles · May 15, 2017
EquipmentCrashInjury

THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC DASHBOARD ON THE 2001 DODGE RAM BROKE INTO FRAGMENTS AND STUCK THE DRIVERS RIGHT EYE CAUSING TEMPORARY BLINDNESS AND LOSS OF CONTROL TO VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME WELL KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF DODGE RAM OWNERS THAT NHSTA STILL SAYS IS A "COSMETIC ISSUE" I ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD DO TO YO…

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THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC DASHBOARD ON THE 2001 DODGE RAM BROKE INTO FRAGMENTS AND STUCK THE DRIVERS RIGHT EYE CAUSING TEMPORARY BLINDNESS AND LOSS OF CONTROL TO VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME WELL KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF DODGE RAM OWNERS THAT NHSTA STILL SAYS IS A "COSMETIC ISSUE" I ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD DO TO YOUR COLLUSION WITH CHRYSLER DEEMING THIS A "COSMETIC ISSUE"

NHTSA ODI #10985717

120,000 miles · Jan 30, 2012
EquipmentStructure

THE DASH IS CRACKING AND CAVING IN. RADIO ISN'T WORKING NOW DUE TO CUT OR BURNT WIRES. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANY SEC WITH ALL THE CRACKS AND PIECES FALLEN. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10445960

88,000 miles · Jan 16, 2011
Air BagsEquipment

DASHBOARD AND CAP IS CRACKING UP INTO JAGGED PIECES. SHOULD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY, SEVERE INJURY COULD RESULT FROM BEING PUNCTURED FROM PLASTIC SHRAPNEL MUCH MORE THAN THE CAUSE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD IMPLEMENT A REPLACEMENT AT NO EXPENSE. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10376839

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2010
EquipmentStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL LARGE CRACKS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. . IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ALSO LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE AIR CONDITIONER COIL NEEDED TO B…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL LARGE CRACKS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. . IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ALSO LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE AIR CONDITIONER COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DASHBOARD MUST BE REMOVED DURING THE AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE REPAIR. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE SEVERE DEFECTS OF THE DASHBOARD A REPLACEMENT WAS REQUIRED BEFORE THE AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10340006

130,000 miles · Mar 23, 2010
Equipment

MY DASH STARTED CRACKING BEFORE I BOUGHT IT BACK IN 3/2009 BUT NOW THE CRACKS ARE "HOLES". THE DASH IS LITERALLY CAVING IN. WHAT IS LEFT IS SHARP EDGED PIECES THAT CAN EASILY CUT YOU. ALSO, THE WIDE OPEN CRATERS ARE ALLOWING THE HOT TEXAS SUN TO BAKE THE WIRING AND HAS TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE RANDOM INTERMITTENT ELECT…

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MY DASH STARTED CRACKING BEFORE I BOUGHT IT BACK IN 3/2009 BUT NOW THE CRACKS ARE "HOLES". THE DASH IS LITERALLY CAVING IN. WHAT IS LEFT IS SHARP EDGED PIECES THAT CAN EASILY CUT YOU. ALSO, THE WIDE OPEN CRATERS ARE ALLOWING THE HOT TEXAS SUN TO BAKE THE WIRING AND HAS TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE RANDOM INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT SEEM TO BE CROPPING UP PERIODICALLY.

NHTSA ODI #10321570

54,000 miles · Oct 2, 2009
Equipment

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE TAKEN EXTREMELY GOOD CARE OF THIS TRUCK, THE DASH HAS CRACKED INTO A MILLION PIECES. IT IS ABOUT TO FALL IN. I DOUBT MY AIR BAGS WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY IN A CRASH, DUE TO THE DECREASED STRENGTH OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS, AND THE FACT THAT THE TOP OF THE DASH IS ABOUT TO FALL INTO…

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I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE TAKEN EXTREMELY GOOD CARE OF THIS TRUCK, THE DASH HAS CRACKED INTO A MILLION PIECES. IT IS ABOUT TO FALL IN. I DOUBT MY AIR BAGS WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY IN A CRASH, DUE TO THE DECREASED STRENGTH OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS, AND THE FACT THAT THE TOP OF THE DASH IS ABOUT TO FALL INTO THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ELECTRICAL WIRES CAN BE SEEN THROUGH THE CRACKS. EVERY TIME I TURN THE BLOWER ON NEAR THE WINDSHIELD, TINY PIECES OF DASH THAT HAVE BROKEN OFF BLOW UP AND AROUND THE TRUCK, OFTEN INTO MY EYES. THIS CERTAINLY ISN'T SAFE, SINCE I CAN'T SEE WITH PLASTIC IN MY EYES!!! THIS SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM. IF YOU REVIEW THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS LISTED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AT WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM, YOU WILL SEE JUST HOW MANY DODGE OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH THIS. THE PLASTIC USED TO MAKE THE DASH IS OBVIOUSLY SUBSTANDARD, AND ALL CRACKED DASHES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED AT DODGES EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286144

111,000 miles · Sep 9, 2009
EquipmentTiresWheelsCrashInjury

MY FRONT END RIM AND TIRE LOCKED UP AT 59 MPH-CAUSING A SEVERE SWERVE TO THE LEFT/RIGHT-THEN I SWERVED INTO AN 18 WHEELER;AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY;SEATBELTS WERE NOT UNLATCHING PRIOR TO ACCIDENT SO NOT USABLE AT THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283409

78,000 miles · Sep 9, 2009
Equipment

I PARKED MY PICKUP AFTER WORK ONE EVENING WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING AND THE DASH WAS CRACKED. IT IS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 THIS WAS IN 2004 THE NEXT MORNING I WENT OUT FOR WORK AND THE DASH WAS CRACKED AND HAS SINCE COMPLETELY CAVED IN. SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. NOW I KNOW THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD COMPLAINT BU…

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I PARKED MY PICKUP AFTER WORK ONE EVENING WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING AND THE DASH WAS CRACKED. IT IS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 THIS WAS IN 2004 THE NEXT MORNING I WENT OUT FOR WORK AND THE DASH WAS CRACKED AND HAS SINCE COMPLETELY CAVED IN. SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. NOW I KNOW THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD COMPLAINT BUT SO FAR IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY RISK. WELL WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOME ONE IS INJURED BEFORE IT IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY RISK. IS THE WIRING GOING TO SHORT OUT AND CATCH ME ON FIRE OR IS MY LIGHTS GOING TO BE THE NEXT THING TO GO OUT IS THE AIR BAG GOING TO DEPLOY PROPERLY SHOULD I HAVE A WRECK, OR WILL IT JUST DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FOR NO REASON. I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I CAN NOT AFFORD TO. DEFECTIVE PLASTIC WAS USED IN THE DASHES FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND DODGE REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MAYBE INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS YOU SHOULD CHECK ON THIS PROBLEM NOW AND MAYBE SAVE SOMEONE FROM INJURY OR SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE MAYBE MINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283361

36,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Equipment

IN JUNE OF 2006 I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE DASH OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500, WHICH ONLY HAD 36,000 ON IT AT THE TIME. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED THINKING THE DEALER WOULD JUST TELL ME IT WAS USUAL WEAR AND TEAR. SINCE THAT DAY THE DASH HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND I NOW HAVE A SECTION WHERE THE CRACKS HAVE CONNECTED. IT AP…

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IN JUNE OF 2006 I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE DASH OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500, WHICH ONLY HAD 36,000 ON IT AT THE TIME. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED THINKING THE DEALER WOULD JUST TELL ME IT WAS USUAL WEAR AND TEAR. SINCE THAT DAY THE DASH HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND I NOW HAVE A SECTION WHERE THE CRACKS HAVE CONNECTED. IT APPEARS THERE WILL SOON BE AN AREA OF THE DASH THE SIZE OF A SOFTBALL OR LARGER WHERE THERE WILL BE A HOLE. THIS HOLE WILL BE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE INSTRUMENTATION. I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF 1998-2002 DODGE TRUCKS. SOME OF WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THEIR HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF. THIS HAS LED ME TO VOICE A COMPLAINT WITH CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND THE NHTSA. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN MATERIAL AND/OR WORKMANSHIP AT THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! HEADLIGHTS SHUTTING OFF AS YOU DRIVE DOWN A DARK ROAD IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! IT IS A SHAME, BUT IT APPEARS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE EITHER DYING OR GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE TO FORCE CHRYSLER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279420

62,250 miles · Oct 14, 2008
Air BagsEquipmentStructureCrashInjury

I NOW HAVE TWO RAM 1500 TRUCKS WITH DASH TOP FAILURES HERE IN TEXAS. I WAS HIT FROM THE REAR IN MY 2000 RAM 1500 AND PLASTIC PIECES FROM THE ALREADY CRACKED AND CRACKING DASH HIT ME IN THE FACE AS IT EXPLODED ON IMPACT CAUSING MANY MINOR FACIAL CUTS BUT NONE IN MY EYES. BEING BLINDED CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I…

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I NOW HAVE TWO RAM 1500 TRUCKS WITH DASH TOP FAILURES HERE IN TEXAS. I WAS HIT FROM THE REAR IN MY 2000 RAM 1500 AND PLASTIC PIECES FROM THE ALREADY CRACKED AND CRACKING DASH HIT ME IN THE FACE AS IT EXPLODED ON IMPACT CAUSING MANY MINOR FACIAL CUTS BUT NONE IN MY EYES. BEING BLINDED CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I THEN HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED THAT CUT BOTH AIR BAGS ON BOTH SIDES WITH MORE SHARDS OF THE DASH. MY 2001 RAM 1500 ALSO HAS A SEVERELY CRACKED DASH AND IS GETTING MUCH WORSE. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE. CHRYSLER CORP. REFUSES TO RESPOND AND THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT RESPOND WITH ANY HELP CLAIMING THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE PLUS THEY HAVE NO PARTS OR ANY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR THE PARTS TO BE MANUFACTURED EITHER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC TO RAM OWNERS AND WILL SOMEDAY BECOME AND CAUSE SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY FATALITY PROBLEMS. ACCIDENT REPORTS ARE NOT SHOWING THE DASH AS A PROBLEM. THEY INDICATE THE CRACKED DASH WAS CAUSED BY THE ACCIDENT AND IS A RESULT. INSURANCE COMPANIES CLAIM IT IS A MANUFACTURES PROBLEMS. THE OWNER TAKES THE HIT UNLESS HE CAN CONVINCE THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO TOTAL THE VEHICLE. THE PRESENT POLITICAL SITUATION NATION WIDE IS STOPPING MY PLEAS TO MY REPRESENTATIVE ON MY COMPLAINTS AND PLEAS FOR ASSISTANCE TO FALL ON DEAD EARS. DODGE DEALERS ARE HIDING THE FACT THAT A CRACKED DASH RAM 1500 TRADE INS ARE BEING JUNKED TO HIDE THIS MAJOR ISSUE. THUSLY IT IS NOT GETTING THE PROPER ATTENTION. AT LOCAL AUTO AUCTIONS THE DODGE RAM 1500'S DO NOT SELL. AS A NOTE: THERE IS ALSO A MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AS NOTED BY MOST TRANSMISSION SHOPS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT MANY AND MOST OF DODGE RAM 1500'S PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE DASHES. "GET THEM OFF THE ROAD AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE" IS CHRYSLER CORPORATIONS PLAN AS PER THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE WHEN HE WAS CORNERED. I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST DODGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245400

Official recalls

2

03V504000 · Tires

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE08047 · 2000-2001 Dodge RAM Pickup Hood Latch

Opened Jul 25, 2008 · Closed Dec 17, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch; Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE00025 · Rear Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagement

Opened Jul 6, 2000 · Closed Dec 27, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other

ALLEGE THAT BOTH REAR INBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES WERE FOUND TO LACK PROPER ATTACHMENTS.