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2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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What owners reported most

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

96 reports with mileage · 26 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 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports14 injury reports

What owners actually said

122 reports
34,126 miles · Apr 6, 2005
Power TrainCrashInjury

(REAR AXLE SHEARED) AT 4:00 PM ON MARCH 19TH 2005, I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE SOUTH BOUND ON CALIFORNIA STATE HIGHWAY 71. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE SHEARED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FORCED LEFT HANDED 360 DEGREE SPIN. I TRIED TO CORRECT THE SPIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND OR STOP. THE VEHICLE …

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(REAR AXLE SHEARED) AT 4:00 PM ON MARCH 19TH 2005, I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE SOUTH BOUND ON CALIFORNIA STATE HIGHWAY 71. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE SHEARED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FORCED LEFT HANDED 360 DEGREE SPIN. I TRIED TO CORRECT THE SPIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND OR STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. ALSO, THE ENGINE RPM'S WENT UP WHEN THE AXLE SHAFT BROKE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR IT OR ADMIT TO THE DEFECT. HOWEVER AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP SHOWED ME ANOTHER SHAFT FROM A CRASHED 2003 TRUCK. THE AXLE SHAFT WAS IDENTICAL TO MINE, THE CENTER PART OF THE AXLE SHAFT WAS CRYSTALIZED. SEE ODI 10116454 ALSO. DSY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116455

34,126 miles · Apr 6, 2005
Power TrainCrashInjury

(REAR AXLE SHEAR), T 4:00 PM ON MARCH 19TH 2005, I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE SOUTH BOUND ON CALIFORNIA STATE HIGHWAY 71. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE SHEARED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FORCED LEFT HANDED 360 DEGREE SPIN. I TRIED TO CORRECT THE SPIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND OR STOP. THE VEHICLE C…

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(REAR AXLE SHEAR), T 4:00 PM ON MARCH 19TH 2005, I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE SOUTH BOUND ON CALIFORNIA STATE HIGHWAY 71. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE SHEARED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FORCED LEFT HANDED 360 DEGREE SPIN. I TRIED TO CORRECT THE SPIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND OR STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. ALSO, THE ENGINE RPM'S WENT UP WHEN THE AXLE SHAFT BROKE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR IT OR ADMIT TO THE DEFECT. HOWEVER AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP SHOWED ME ANOTHER SHAFT FROM A CRASHED 2003 TRUCK. THE AXLE SHAFT WAS IDENTICAL TO MINE, THE CENTER PART OF THE AXLE SHAFT WAS CRYSTALIZED. SEE ODI 10116455 ALSO. *DSY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116454

9,000 miles · Apr 1, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

VEHICLE VIBRATED/SHOOK WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AND THE CALIPERS. WITHIN 9,000 MILES OF WEAR THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AGAIN, BUT REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10117271

56,600 miles · Apr 1, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire

I DRIVE A DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SLT 4X4. AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WAS OBSERVED IN THE WIRING HARNESS LEADING FROM ABS CONTROL UNIT. IN THE PAST, I HAVE HAD TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SENSOR AND WIRING HARNESS. ON ONE OCCASION, THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SENSOR. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, ONLY THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN…

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I DRIVE A DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SLT 4X4. AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WAS OBSERVED IN THE WIRING HARNESS LEADING FROM ABS CONTROL UNIT. IN THE PAST, I HAVE HAD TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SENSOR AND WIRING HARNESS. ON ONE OCCASION, THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SENSOR. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, ONLY THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN A DOCUMENTED DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER'S MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS MOISTURE PRESENT IN THE WIRING HARNESS NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AWAITING AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. I HAD FOUND A RECALL NOTICE ON AUTORECALLS.ORG (NHTSA NUMBER 04V18500), BUT APPARENTLY MY VEHICLE'S VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116223

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2005
Suspension

I HAD BOUGHT MY 2500 DODGE RAM BACK IN JUNE OF 2003. I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS WHEN I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 75MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO STOP THE VIBRATIONS. I BROUGHT IT IN TO DODGE AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING LOO…

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I HAD BOUGHT MY 2500 DODGE RAM BACK IN JUNE OF 2003. I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS WHEN I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 75MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO STOP THE VIBRATIONS. I BROUGHT IT IN TO DODGE AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THINKING THIS WAS A FREAK OCCURRENCE. THEN ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO I WAS ONCE AGAIN DRIVING AROUN 60MPH HIT A BUMP AND THE VEHIVLE STARTED SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THREE DAYS( AS I WAS DRIVING A LOT THOSE DAYS). I BROUGHT IT IN TO DODGE AND THEY GAVE ME A HARD TIME, BUT ENDED UP REPLACING THE TRACKBAR AND STEERING STABILIZER. THEY SAID THEY DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM OR NOT. NOW I FEEL THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HAVE HEARD MANY OTHER FOLKS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SHAKING AS WELL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10114294

3,000 miles · Dec 13, 2004
Wheels

I HAVE AN 03 DODGE RAM 1500. THE ROTORS HAVE WARPED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. AT 3,000; 8,000; 13,000 AND 22,000. DEALER WILL ONLY TURN THEM DOWN AND HAS NOT REPLACED THEM. FROM ALL OF MY RESEARCH THIS IS CONSTANTLY OCCURRING ON ALL 1500 RAM TRUCKS WITH FACTORY 20" WHEELS. DODGE DID NOT UPGRADE ANYTHING TO COMPLIMENT THE LARGER WHEE…

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I HAVE AN 03 DODGE RAM 1500. THE ROTORS HAVE WARPED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. AT 3,000; 8,000; 13,000 AND 22,000. DEALER WILL ONLY TURN THEM DOWN AND HAS NOT REPLACED THEM. FROM ALL OF MY RESEARCH THIS IS CONSTANTLY OCCURRING ON ALL 1500 RAM TRUCKS WITH FACTORY 20" WHEELS. DODGE DID NOT UPGRADE ANYTHING TO COMPLIMENT THE LARGER WHEELS. THE ONLY CURE HAS BEEN FOR OWNERS TO REPLACE THEM WITH AFTER MARKET ROTORS AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE.

NHTSA ODI #10102843

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2004
Air BagsCrashInjury

WHILE STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT MY 2003 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK WAS HIT IN THE REAR AND PUSHED OFF THE ROAD INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS AND MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH RECEIVED HEAD AND FACE INJURIES FROM HITTING THE DASH AND/OR THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10100872

32,500 miles · Jul 18, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT VIN 1D7-HU18N53S-188168 ASSEMBLY POINT, WARREN, MICHIGAN. THE TRUCK STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC MAKING A 10-15 MPH RIGHT TURN. THE SECOND OCCURENCE WAS JULY15, 2004. VERY CLOSE CALL HERE. I WAS IN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS CAMPING. THE SIX HOUR DRIVE HOME TOWING MY POPUP WAS NERVE RACKING…

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I OWN A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT VIN 1D7-HU18N53S-188168 ASSEMBLY POINT, WARREN, MICHIGAN. THE TRUCK STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC MAKING A 10-15 MPH RIGHT TURN. THE SECOND OCCURENCE WAS JULY15, 2004. VERY CLOSE CALL HERE. I WAS IN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS CAMPING. THE SIX HOUR DRIVE HOME TOWING MY POPUP WAS NERVE RACKING TO SAY THE LEAST. ESPECIALLY, SINCE MY 13, 6 AND 3 YEAR OLD WERE IN THE TRUCK. I MENTIONED THAT THE TRUCK RUNS EXTREMELY ROUGH INTERMITTENTLY TO THE DEALER MORGAN DODGE DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT SHUDDER THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, ALSO MENTIONED TO THE DEALER ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SIMPLY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SHUDDER OR STALL. I ALSO HAD A SEVERE BRAKE PULSATION. THEY DID REPLACE FRONT PADS AND CALIPERS AND CUT ROTORS. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW UP WITH ME REGARDING THE SHUDDER AND STALL BUT AS OF THIS DATE, 7/18/2004 I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVE A CALL BACK.

NHTSA ODI #10081297

12,000 miles · Jun 15, 2004
Suspension

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REAR AXLE BROKE WHEEL OFF MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB, MY HUSBAND AND 4 YEAR OLD SON WAS ALSO IN TRUCK, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT IN TRUCK OR WHEN WHEEL FELL OFF NOT HITTING ANYONE ON A BUSY INTERSECTION. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE THIS HAPPENED, WOULDNT GIVE US A RENTAL CAR SAYIN…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REAR AXLE BROKE WHEEL OFF MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB, MY HUSBAND AND 4 YEAR OLD SON WAS ALSO IN TRUCK, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT IN TRUCK OR WHEN WHEEL FELL OFF NOT HITTING ANYONE ON A BUSY INTERSECTION. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE THIS HAPPENED, WOULDNT GIVE US A RENTAL CAR SAYING IT WAS OUR FAULT IT BROKE ACCUSING US OF TAKING IT 4 WHEELING AND ABUSING OUR TRUCK. OUR TRUCK IS OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION, AND WE BOUGHT IT NEW FOR THE FACT OF RELIABILITY AND FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT WITH 3 CHILDREN. AFTER A LONG WEEK OF WAITING AND WAITING TO HEAR SOMETHING THEY SENT OUT A INVESTIGATOR TO TAKE PICTURES OF DAMAGE WHICH WAS FINALLY DONE ON THE 11TH OF JUNE, A WEEK AFTER THIS HAPPEN. STILL NO RENTAL CAR, DAIMLER SAID THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR ONE. WAS TOLD DAIMLER GOT THE PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN ON THE 14TH, AND STILL WAS NOT REVIEWED. MY HUSBAND IS A TRUCK DRIVER AND TOOK A VACATION WHICH DOES NOT HAPPEN TOO OFTEN, AND SINCE SCHOOL WAS COMING TO A END, WE WANTED TO TAKE THE KIDS AWAY TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, OUR VACATION WAS A VERY DISAPPOINTING ON. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS ACCUSED US FOR MAKING THE AXLE BREAK, I THINK IT WAS THEIR WAY OF NOT WANTING TO TAKE OUT OF THEIR POCKET A VAHICLE FOR US TO USE. THIS IS THE 2ND WEEK NOW STILL WITH NO WORD ON IF OUR TRUCK WILL BE GETTING FIXED, IT IS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD TO US WITH 12,000 MILES ON IT, ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED WHERE WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND DAIMLER EVEN DIDN'T TAKE THEIR WORD WITH THE DAMAMGE. MY HUSBAND SAID HE DAIMLER MADE HIM FEEL LIKE A CRIMINAL AND WE WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE OR CHRYSLER AND WILL ALSO TELL OTHERS THAT, AND WITH HIM BEING A TRUCK DRIVER HE CAN TELL ALOT OF PEOPLE NOT TO BUY THEIR VEHICLES. IT IS TOTALLY IS A SHAME THAT THIS COMPANY ACTS THE WAY THEY DO TO PEOPLE. I THINK DODGE IS REALLY GOING DOWN HILL. I WILL NEVER FEEL SAFE AGAIN IN MY DODGE, ESPECIALLY WHEN OR IF THEY EVER GET AROUND TO FIXING THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10075423

14,000 miles · May 31, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE ON MY 2003 RAM 1500, AT 14000 MILES HAD FRONT CALIPERS REPLACED, NEW FRONT ROTORS AND THEY TURNED THE REAR ROTORS. THIS WAS ALL BECAUSE OF WARPED ROTORS I NOW HAVE 23000 MILES ON TEH TRUCK AND WILL AGAIN BE TAKING IT IN TO HAVE THE ROTOR REPLACED. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAIN…

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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE ON MY 2003 RAM 1500, AT 14000 MILES HAD FRONT CALIPERS REPLACED, NEW FRONT ROTORS AND THEY TURNED THE REAR ROTORS. THIS WAS ALL BECAUSE OF WARPED ROTORS I NOW HAVE 23000 MILES ON TEH TRUCK AND WILL AGAIN BE TAKING IT IN TO HAVE THE ROTOR REPLACED. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS FILED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. MAYBE WE NEED TO CONTACT THE MEDIA. I KNOW THAT WHEN MORE PEOPLE START DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM THE MEDIA WILL BE ALL OVER IT. JUST LIKE THE TIRES PROBLEMS ON FORD SUV'S. PLEASE DO SOME THING BEFORE IT IS TO LATE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10074552

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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

1

EA04025 · False Park

Opened Aug 26, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND, WITHOUT VERIFYING PARK ENGAGEMENT (E.G., PRNDL GEAR INDICATION), SECURING THE PARK BRAKE, OR TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, EXITED THE VEHICLE.INITIALLY, NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WAS APPARENT, HOWEVER, A SHORT TIME LATER, TYPICALLY REPORTED AS 10 TO 30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE MOVED REARWARD UNDER ENGINE POWER.THE INCIDENT OFTEN ENDED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AND SOMETIMES INVOLVED SERIOUS INJURY.TWO FATALITIES ARE ALLEGED.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF TEST VEHICLES AND SOME INCIDENT VEHICLES FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A SHIFT LEVER PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK COULD UNINTENTIONALLY (I.E., WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT) DISENGAGE FROM THAT POSITION.HOWEVER, ODI DID FIND THAT THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY PLACED, AND REMAIN AT REST, WITHIN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION BETWEEN THE PARK AND REVERSE GEAR POSITIONS.WHEN PLACED IN SUCH AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE A DELAYED PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL REARWARD UNDER POWER.THE DELAY PERIOD ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OPERATORS TO EXIT THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WITHOUT PERCEIVING THAT THE SHIFTER IS NOT IN PARK.THE SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL AND COMPARES THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO OTHER PEER VEHICLES THAT ODI EXAMINED.AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR OCTOBER 4, 2005 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-462, DCC NO. E17) TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALARM WILL PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK TO ALERT THE DRIVER, AND OTHERS, IF THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.THE TIMING OF DCC?S ACTION HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND, WITHOUT VERIFYING PARK ENGAGEMENT (E.G., PRNDL GEAR INDICATION), SECURING THE PARK BRAKE, OR TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, EXITED THE VEHICLE.INITIALLY, NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WAS APPARENT, HOWEVER, A SHORT TIME LATER, TYPICALLY REPORTED AS 10 TO 30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE MOVED REARWARD UNDER ENGINE POWER.THE INCIDENT OFTEN ENDED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AND SOMETIMES INVOLVED SERIOUS INJURY.TWO FATALITIES ARE ALLEGED.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF TEST VEHICLES AND SOME INCIDENT VEHICLES FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A SHIFT LEVER PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK COULD UNINTENTIONALLY (I.E., WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT) DISENGAGE FROM THAT POSITION.HOWEVER, ODI DID FIND THAT THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY PLACED, AND REMAIN AT REST, WITHIN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION BETWEEN THE PARK AND REVERSE GEAR POSITIONS.WHEN PLACED IN SUCH AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE A DELAYED PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL REARWARD UNDER POWER.THE DELAY PERIOD ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OPERATORS TO EXIT THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WITHOUT PERCEIVING THAT THE SHIFTER IS NOT IN PARK.THE SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL AND COMPARES THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO OTHER PEER VEHICLES THAT ODI EXAMINED.AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR OCTOBER 4, 2005 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-462, DCC NO. E17) TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALARM WILL PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK TO ALERT THE DRIVER, AND OTHERS, IF THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.THE TIMING OF DCC?S ACTION HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND, WITHOUT VERIFYING PARK ENGAGEMENT (E.G., PRNDL GEAR INDICATION), SECURING THE PARK BRAKE, OR TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, EXITED THE VEHICLE.INITIALLY, NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WAS APPARENT, HOWEVER, A SHORT TIME LATER, TYPICALLY REPORTED AS 10 TO 30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE MOVED REARWARD UNDER ENGINE POWER.THE INCIDENT OFTEN ENDED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AND SOMETIMES INVOLVED SERIOUS INJURY.TWO FATALITIES ARE ALLEGED.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF TEST VEHICLES AND SOME INCIDENT VEHICLES FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A SHIFT LEVER PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK COULD UNINTENTIONALLY (I.E., WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT) DISENGAGE FROM THAT POSITION.HOWEVER, ODI DID FIND THAT THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY PLACED, AND REMAIN AT REST, WITHIN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION BETWEEN THE PARK AND REVERSE GEAR POSITIONS.WHEN PLACED IN SUCH AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE A DELAYED PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL REARWARD UNDER POWER.THE DELAY PERIOD ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OPERATORS TO EXIT THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WITHOUT PERCEIVING THAT THE SHIFTER IS NOT IN PARK.THE SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL AND COMPARES THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO OTHER PEER VEHICLES THAT ODI EXAMINED.AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR OCTOBER 4, 2005 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-462, DCC NO. E17) TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALARM WILL PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK TO ALERT THE DRIVER, AND OTHERS, IF THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.THE TIMING OF DCC?S ACTION HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND, WITHOUT VERIFYING PARK ENGAGEMENT (E.G., PRNDL GEAR INDICATION), SECURING THE PARK BRAKE, OR TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, EXITED THE VEHICLE.INITIALLY, NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WAS APPARENT, HOWEVER, A SHORT TIME LATER, TYPICALLY REPORTED AS 10 TO 30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE MOVED REARWARD UNDER ENGINE POWER.THE INCIDENT OFTEN ENDED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AND SOMETIMES INVOLVED SERIOUS INJURY.TWO FATALITIES ARE ALLEGED.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF TEST VEHICLES AND SOME INCIDENT VEHICLES FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A SHIFT LEVER PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK COULD UNINTENTIONALLY (I.E., WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT) DISENGAGE FROM THAT POSITION.HOWEVER, ODI DID FIND THAT THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY PLACED, AND REMAIN AT REST, WITHIN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION BETWEEN THE PARK AND REVERSE GEAR POSITIONS.WHEN PLACED IN SUCH AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE A DELAYED PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL REARWARD UNDER POWER.THE DELAY PERIOD ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OPERATORS TO EXIT THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WITHOUT PERCEIVING THAT THE SHIFTER IS NOT IN PARK.THE SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL AND COMPARES THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO OTHER PEER VEHICLES THAT ODI EXAMINED.AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR OCTOBER 4, 2005 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-462, DCC NO. E17) TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALARM WILL PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK TO ALERT THE DRIVER, AND OTHERS, IF THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION.THE TIMING OF DCC?S ACTION HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.