NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
168 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 6, 2001
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspensionFire
FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOUR TIMES, REPLACING VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS/ STABALIZER BARS, ETC. SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LEAD TO POOR HANDLING CONTROL,AND IS UNSAFE FOR OPERATION ON THE ROAD. ALSO, IN MAY OF 2001 AFTER STARTING ENGINE, IGNITION WOULD NOT STOP TURNING WHICH CAUSED SMOKE TO COME FROM T…
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FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOUR TIMES, REPLACING VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS/ STABALIZER BARS, ETC. SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LEAD TO POOR HANDLING CONTROL,AND IS UNSAFE FOR OPERATION ON THE ROAD. ALSO, IN MAY OF 2001 AFTER STARTING ENGINE, IGNITION WOULD NOT STOP TURNING WHICH CAUSED SMOKE TO COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #893545
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
WITH ENGINE IN IDLE AND APPLYING BRAKES MORE THAN TWICE, THE THIRD TIME LOSS OF POWER BRAKES WILL OCCUR. DEALER HAS INSTALLED NEW CHECK VALVE, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING. CONSUMER FEELS DIESEL ENGINE DOES NOT PRODUCE ENOUGH VACCUM WHILE IN IDLE , 800 RPMS. CHRYSLER HAS NOW DEVELOPED A FIX TO INSTALL A VACCUM ACCUMALATOR AT CONS…
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WITH ENGINE IN IDLE AND APPLYING BRAKES MORE THAN TWICE, THE THIRD TIME LOSS OF POWER BRAKES WILL OCCUR. DEALER HAS INSTALLED NEW CHECK VALVE, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING. CONSUMER FEELS DIESEL ENGINE DOES NOT PRODUCE ENOUGH VACCUM WHILE IN IDLE , 800 RPMS. CHRYSLER HAS NOW DEVELOPED A FIX TO INSTALL A VACCUM ACCUMALATOR AT CONSUMER COSTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #893522
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2001
Latches/locks/linkages
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO SEPARATE ACCIDENTS DUE TO HOOD LATCH BECOMING DISENGAGED, CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DAMAGES SINCE THE FAILED PART WAS ON RECALL, MANUFACTURER DENIED CONSUMERS CLAIM STATING THAT THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*YH (INSURANCE COMPANY ON BE…
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THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO SEPARATE ACCIDENTS DUE TO HOOD LATCH BECOMING DISENGAGED, CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DAMAGES SINCE THE FAILED PART WAS ON RECALL, MANUFACTURER DENIED CONSUMERS CLAIM STATING THAT THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*YH (INSURANCE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF CLIENT).
NHTSA ODI #562129
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2001
Tires
TIRE HAD A TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION, REMAINING CASE STILL HELD AIR. ONLY THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD AM I ALIVE TO MAKE THIS REPORT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: MDWYDF0T27 TIRESIZE: LT245/75R1)
NHTSA ODI #744469
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2001
Latches/locks/linkages
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH HOOD FLEW UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, SLAMMING INTO WINDSHIELD, AND OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VISION. HOOD LATCH WAS REPLACED UNDER A RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #886058
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2001
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR NOISE COMING FROM FRONT LIKE GRINDING. ALSO, BEARING AND SPINDLE BROKE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #885611
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2001
Latches/locks/linkages
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HOOD FLEW OPEN AND BROKE WINDSHIELD, LATCH WAS SECURELY SHUT. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #883679
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2001
Electrical System
THE TRUCK COULD NOT BE TURNED OF, THE IGNITON SWITCH WAS LOCKED OUT BECAUSE THE CONTACTS IN THE STARTER SOLENOID RELAY HAD WELDED SHUT. THIS PREVENTED THE STARTED BENDIX GEAR FROM DISENGAGING AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTED. ON THE DIESEL TRUCK, THIS ALSO CONTROLS THE FUEL SHUTOFF RELAY. WITH THE SLOENOID CONTACTS WLEDED SHUT, THE CIR…
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THE TRUCK COULD NOT BE TURNED OF, THE IGNITON SWITCH WAS LOCKED OUT BECAUSE THE CONTACTS IN THE STARTER SOLENOID RELAY HAD WELDED SHUT. THIS PREVENTED THE STARTED BENDIX GEAR FROM DISENGAGING AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTED. ON THE DIESEL TRUCK, THIS ALSO CONTROLS THE FUEL SHUTOFF RELAY. WITH THE SLOENOID CONTACTS WLEDED SHUT, THE CIRCUIT COULD NOT BE DE-ENERGIZED, SO THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD WORK PROPERLY AND ALLOW THE TRUCK TO SHUT OFF. AS A RESULT, THE STARTER SOLENOID DRASTICALLY OVERHEATED, CAUSING A DIRECT SHORT WHICH CAUSED A FIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS.IT ALSO CAUSED THE FUEL SHUTOFF SOLENOID TO OVERLOAD, BURNIG IT AND ITS WIRING HARNESS.THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE WAS TO DISCONNECT BOTH NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLES FROM EACH OF THE BATTERIES.THE STARTER SOLENOID THAT OVER HEATED AND SHORTED OUT IS DIRECTLY BELOW AND SLIGHTLY OF TO THE SIDE OF THE DIESEL FUEL DRAIN.HAD I NOT HAD IN MY POSSESSION A SMALL ADJUSTABLE WRENCH TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLES, THE TRUCKS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD HAVE ENTIRELY SHORTED OUT AND MOST LIKELY CAUSED A SERIOUS ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.THE MANUFACTURER HAS KNOWN OF TIS DEFECT FOR MANY YEARS, AT LEAT AS FAR BACK AS 1995.IT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE MANUFACTURER USED A BETTER QUALITY CONTACT SET ($30.00). THE FACTORY INSTALLED CONTACT SET IN THE SOLENOID IS GROSS DESIGN FLAW.MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY LUCKY THIS TIME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #740433
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2001
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicStructure
BRAKING SYSTEM WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. HAD BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED 3 TIMES. ALSO, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS/HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF AND ON/POWER WINDOWS GOING UP AND DOWN, AND DOOR LOCKS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. DODGE REPLACED ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER 74 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY,…
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BRAKING SYSTEM WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. HAD BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED 3 TIMES. ALSO, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS/HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF AND ON/POWER WINDOWS GOING UP AND DOWN, AND DOOR LOCKS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. DODGE REPLACED ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER 74 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER CAN'T FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM ON BRAKES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #878196
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ONGOING SEVERE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE PULLING TO LEFT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #877790
NHTSA investigations
8DP03006 · Seat Back Failure
Opened Sep 23, 2003 · Closed Apr 8, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
PE00048 · Loss Of Throttle Control
Opened Dec 11, 2000 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
ALLEGED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN FRAY OR SEVER DURING NORMAL USE RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE OR AN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE.
PE99026 · Front Suspension Spring/shock Absorber
Opened Apr 16, 1999 · Closed Aug 31, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGE FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE FRAME MAY ALLOW COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, AND POTENTIALLY AFFECT STEERING OR BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
EA98010 · Headlight Circuit
Opened May 8, 1998 · Closed Dec 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLAMP SWITCH IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN OVER-HEAT AND FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND POSSIBLY OTHER LIGHTS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SERIES OF TESTS AND DETERMINED THAT THE 3500 SERIES IS PRONE TO GENERATING HEAD LAMP SWITCH TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT THRESHOLD OF 100 DEGREES CENTIGRADE.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE LUBRICANT SOLIDIFIES AND ADHERES TO THE SWITCH CONTACH SURFACES INCREASING INTERNAL RESISTANCE AND THERFORE, TEMPERATURE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER INFORMED THE NHTSA THAT IT WOULD INITIATE A RECALL OF 79,3665 MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE 3500 SERIES RAM TRUCKS ONLY BASED ON ADDITIONAL TESTING FROM WHICH IT DETERMINED THAT THE 1500/2500 SERIES VEHICLES NOMINALLY OPERATE SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE TEMPERATURE THRESHOLD OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT.OWNERS OF 1500/2500 SERIES TRUCKS WERE SENT A NOTIFICATION LETTER ADVISING OF THE PROPER METHODS FOR ADDING AFTERMARKET LIGHTING ACCESSORIES.
PE98002 · Headlight Circuit Failure
Opened Jan 14, 1998 · Closed May 8, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE96044 · Alleged Fuel Tank Leakage
Opened Jun 27, 1996 · Closed Nov 29, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
IN 1994, CHRYSLER INTRODUCTED A PLASTIC FUEL TANK, THAT WAS SHAPED DIFFERENTLY FROM THE METAL TANK IT REPLACED.DUE TO THE DIFFERENT SHAPE OF THE NEW TANK,GLAVAL HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH SCREWS, THAT IT INSTALLS, RUPTURING THE FUEL TANK.THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED DURING EARLY PRODUCTION AND GLAVAL CORRECTED THE SUBJECT UNITS PRIOR TO SHIPPING.GLAVAL ALSO DESIGNED A NEW TEMPLATE TO CORRECTLY LOCATE THE SCREWS TO MISS THE NEW STYLE TANK.EVIDENTLY A FEW EARLY PRODUCTION VEHICLES WERE NOT CAUGHT OR HAD SCREWS INSTALLED WITH THE WRONG TEMPLATE.ALL BUT ONE OF THESE VEHICLES WERE REPORTED AND CORRECTED UNDER WARRANTY IN 1994.ONLY ONE REPORT HAS BEEN RECEIVED SINCE 1994.NO. CRASH OR FIRE OCCURRED AND GLAVAL PAID FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS SINGLE UNIT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE94072 · Trans Hose Separation
Opened Oct 3, 1994 · Closed Mar 22, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
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