NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
18 reportsClear category filter9,900 miles · Apr 9, 2007
Exterior Lighting
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IT COOLED OFF, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLES LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED…
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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IT COOLED OFF, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLES LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED TOO FREQUENTLY . IT BEGAN TO OCCUR 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, AND HE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES OVER 12 TIMES. DAIMLER/CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT AND THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO RECALL #99V024000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10187340
134,000 miles · Dec 6, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V024000, REGARDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V024000, REGARDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA ODI #10175274
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2005
Exterior Lighting
DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BURNING UP IN HIS 1996 DODGE RAM TRUCK. IT IS BURNING THE WIRE HARNESS THAT GOES TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. IT COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME. HE HAD IT REPLACED ABOUT 3-4 MONTHS AGO AND IT IS OUT AGAIN. HE HAS TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE MADE A SPECIAL WIRE HARNESS TO SPLIC…
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DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BURNING UP IN HIS 1996 DODGE RAM TRUCK. IT IS BURNING THE WIRE HARNESS THAT GOES TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. IT COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME. HE HAD IT REPLACED ABOUT 3-4 MONTHS AGO AND IT IS OUT AGAIN. HE HAS TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE MADE A SPECIAL WIRE HARNESS TO SPLICE INTO THE WIRING ON THE TRUCK. THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS SAME THING. THE DEALER SAID CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. HE CAN BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE LIGHTS WILL JUST GO OUT. YOU CAN PARK IT FOR A WHILE, WHEN YOU COME BACK TO START THE CAR AND SWITCH ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. THE LAST TIME HE HAD IT REPLACED, THE WIRING HAD MELTED THE INSULATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10128264
53,000 miles · Aug 26, 2003
Exterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. ALSO THE REAR HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10026742
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2002
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. DEALER DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BURNED OUT.*AK *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #8009684
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2001
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS IN A DOWNWARD DRIVING POSITION. IF STEERING WHEEL IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY UP HEADLIGHTS COME ON. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 00V135000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 875. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP, DEALER WASN'T SURE IF RECALL WAS FOR THAT SPECIFIC PROBLEM. D…
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HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS IN A DOWNWARD DRIVING POSITION. IF STEERING WHEEL IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY UP HEADLIGHTS COME ON. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 00V135000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 875. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP, DEALER WASN'T SURE IF RECALL WAS FOR THAT SPECIFIC PROBLEM. DEALER DIDN'T FIX IT UNDER RECALL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #894058
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2001
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT. CYCLED SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. REPAIRED AT DEALER ON 06/08/01. DEALER FOUND SOME BURNT WIRES FROM HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THRU PLASTIC MULTIPIN CONNECTOR, TO FIREWALL. 1ST REPORT TO DODGE VIA INTERNET ON 06/05/01, REF # 8723405; TICKET # 369336. DODGE RESPONSE ON 06/06/01, TAKE…
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HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT. CYCLED SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. REPAIRED AT DEALER ON 06/08/01. DEALER FOUND SOME BURNT WIRES FROM HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THRU PLASTIC MULTIPIN CONNECTOR, TO FIREWALL. 1ST REPORT TO DODGE VIA INTERNET ON 06/05/01, REF # 8723405; TICKET # 369336. DODGE RESPONSE ON 06/06/01, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. ON 06/08/01 DEALER HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND SOME OF THE WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE OF BURNT WIRES, GOING THRU CONNECTOR TO THE DASH. ON 06/11/01, RE-NOTIFIED DODGE VIA INTERNET OF THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY/FIRE ISSUE SINCE NO FUSE "OPENED" TO PREVENT THE BURNT WIRES UNDER THE DASH. AND THE FACT THAT DEALER PERSONNEL (MECHANIC) SAID THEY'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE BUT HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH REPLACEMENT SWITCHES. NO RESPONSE FROM DODGE. CALLED 1-800 NUMBER 06/26/01 AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS ONLY ONE MESSAGE IN FILE, CUSTOMER SERVICE REP (DEREK) WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE 2ND MSG INSPITE OF FACT I HAVE AUTOMATED RESPONSE CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT ON 6/11/01. DEREK? SAID IF ITS PART OF A RECALL, I AM CONTACTING THE WRONG DEPARTMENT AND IF ITS NOT PART OF RECALL, "ITS A FIVE YEAR OLD TRUCK, ITS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY". THERE IS A RECALL (#819) ON DODGE RAM 3500 FOR EXACTLY THE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED (EG OVERHEAT HEADLAMP SWITCH CAN CAUSE FIRE AND OR CAUSE SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS...). CUST OMER SERVICE REP (DEREK) REFUSED TO DISCUSS FURTHER...ITS A CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY..HELP
NHTSA ODI #747424
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2000
Exterior Lighting
WHEN SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY. AFTER WIGGLING SWITCH LIGHTS COME BACK ON. PROBLEM HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO THE DEALERSHIP. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO UNDER RECALL. *AK THE PROBLEM REOCCURED RECENTLY. THE CUSTOMER THINKS THE DIMMER SWITCH FAILURE IS THE CAUSE NOT OFF-ON S…
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WHEN SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY. AFTER WIGGLING SWITCH LIGHTS COME BACK ON. PROBLEM HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO THE DEALERSHIP. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO UNDER RECALL. *AK THE PROBLEM REOCCURED RECENTLY. THE CUSTOMER THINKS THE DIMMER SWITCH FAILURE IS THE CAUSE NOT OFF-ON SWITCH. *YH
NHTSA ODI #873521
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2000
Exterior LightingPower Train
DURING FAILURE ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASH THE TRANSMISSION GOES HAYWIRE AND THE TACHOMETER GOES HAYWIRE. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS, WE HAVE CHANGED OUT THE TRANSMISSION RELAY, THE HEADLIGHT LAMP, SERVICED THE TRANSMISISON AND STILL CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE REPLACE A RADIO WHICH HAS S…
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DURING FAILURE ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASH THE TRANSMISSION GOES HAYWIRE AND THE TACHOMETER GOES HAYWIRE. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS, WE HAVE CHANGED OUT THE TRANSMISSION RELAY, THE HEADLIGHT LAMP, SERVICED THE TRANSMISISON AND STILL CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE REPLACE A RADIO WHICH HAS SHORTED OUT AND THE FUEL INDICATOR DOESN'T WORK. BOTH OF WHICH FAILED BEFORE THE TRUCK WAS THREE YEARS OLD, UNFORTUNEATELY JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #723229
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2000
Exterior Lighting
HEADLAMP SWITCH AND CONNECTOR MELTED, AMPERAGE OVERLOAD, REINSTALLED RELAY ASSEMBLY AND HEADLAMP SWITCH, NOTIFIED BY DEALER THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS, YET THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE RELAY ASSEMBLY
NHTSA ODI #721990
Official recalls
10Feb 12, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. 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.
Feb 12, 2001
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. 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.
May 10, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.
May 6, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Feb 5, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
Nov 13, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.
May 5, 1997
UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
Apr 28, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE ENGINE DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP CAN ALLOW ENGINE OIL INTO THE VACUUM HOSES DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE. THE OIL CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO DETERIORATE AND PARTIALLY COLLAPSE, REDUCING THE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: REDUCED POWER BRAKE ASSIST CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A VACUUM PUMP CHECK VALVE TO THE VACUUM PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED TO THE VACUUM PUMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH A HOSE THAT IS ENGINE OIL RESISTANT.
Feb 5, 1996
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE TIRE/WHEEL SPECIFICATION INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH INDICATES A SMALLER SIZE TIRE THAN REQUIRED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE SMALLER TIRES WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE VEHICLES SPECIFIED GROSS WEIGHT RATING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OVERLAY LABEL WITH THE CORRECT TIRE/WHEEL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THE LABEL ON THEIR VEHICLES. IF OWNERS PREFER, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
Dec 12, 1995
THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.
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
9DP03006 · 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.
RQ00012 · Hood Latch
Opened May 3, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
Structure
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
DP00002 · Steering Column Fire
Opened Jan 20, 2000 · Closed Apr 24, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ALLEGES THAT THE POOR DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND//OR THE KEY CYLINDER ASSEMBLY IN THE MODEL YEAR 1991-2000 VEHICLES MAY CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH FIRE
EA99027 · Steering Column Fires
Opened Sep 10, 1999 · Closed May 30, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
ODI has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 Dodge Ram trucks.The root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag and anti-lock brake system (ABS) warnig lights. DaimlerChrsler has been aware of the potential for this failure and implemented a design change to reduce the current draw through the switch.This design change involved the installation of a relay in the blower motor circuitry for all Ram trucks built after March 15,1996.DaimlerChrysler also made available an ignition switch repair package (PN 4874996) which includes the necessary components to upgrade vehicles built prior to the implementation date.DaimleChrysler also issued a correspondence to its zones instructing technicians to replace failed ignition switches in the subject population with the sevice kit only.An Engineering Analysis is necessary to determine if a safety defect trend exists.ODI will focus its investigation on fires in the steering column area as well as the effects of switch failure on the ABS and air bag system.
PE99031 · Ignition Switch
Opened May 5, 1999 · Closed Sep 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE FIRES, MELTING, SMOKE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE VICINITY OF THE IGNITION SWITCH
RQ98002 · Transmission Quick Connectors
Opened Mar 10, 1998 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNING TRANSMISSION LEAKAGES FROM THE QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS RESULTING IN EIGHT FIRES.THE REPORTED VEHICLES INCLUDED ARE THE 1994 AND 1995 JEEP WRANGLER, 1995 AND 1996 CHEROKEE, 1993 THROUGH 1996 GRAND CHEROKEE, AND 1994 AND 1995 DODGE DAKOTA.THE PURPOSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION IS TO EXAMINE THE SCOPE OF RECALL 97V-084.CLOSING SUMMARY: FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER REPORTS REVEALED THAT SOME OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE WAS DUE TO OTHER CONNECTIONS ALONG THE COOLING LINES.IN THE FIRE INCIDENTS, THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE EITHER USED BEYOND THE VEHICLE'S TOWING CAPABILITY OR HAD IMPROPER TRANSMISSION REPAIR.IN ADDITION, THE RECALLED RAM PICKUP TRUCKS, 98V-084, HAVE AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEAR THE PLASTIC QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS WHICH EFFECTIVELY PRESENTS A HEAT SOURCE TO IGNITE THE HOT TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE EVENT OF A LEAKAGE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS ARE EITHER TOO FAR, OR POSITIONED COMPLETELY AWAY, FROM A HEAT SOURCE OR EXHAUST COMPONENTS.CONSEQUENTLY, THE FIRE REPORTS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE OF THE DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.BASED ON THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, 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 A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA98005 · Clutch Hydraulic Line
Opened Feb 27, 1998 · Closed May 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
PE97043 · Clutch Hydraulic Line Failure
Opened Oct 20, 1997 · Closed Feb 27, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ALLEGED CLUTCH LINE MAY MELT AND LEAK HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
PE96070 · Transmission Fluid Fires
Opened Nov 26, 1996 · Closed May 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
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