IllustrationDASHBOARD HAS BROKEN UP LIKE A JIG SAW PUZZLE. *TR
2001 Dodge RAM
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most RAM years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 61 of 318 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
- Steering. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
53 crash reports9 fire reports20 injury reports
Structure complaints
24 reportsMULTIPLE CRACKS IN THE DASH HAVE OCCURRED, FORMING SHARP EDGES AND POINTS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF HARD STOPS OR ACCIDENTS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DANGER, STATING THIS IS A COSMETIC ISSUE, BUT THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC IS INDEED A SAFETY HAZARD. A MANDATORY RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DASH PLASTIC SHOULD …
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MULTIPLE CRACKS IN THE DASH HAVE OCCURRED, FORMING SHARP EDGES AND POINTS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF HARD STOPS OR ACCIDENTS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DANGER, STATING THIS IS A COSMETIC ISSUE, BUT THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC IS INDEED A SAFETY HAZARD. A MANDATORY RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DASH PLASTIC SHOULD BE ORDERED. *TR
THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ALL OVER AND IS FALLING APART COMPLETELY. I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND THIS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!! DODGE HAS NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE AND I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THIS MAKER AGAIN UNTIL IT IS FIXED. *TR
THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THE DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED AND POSES A SAFETY HAZARD BY DANGEROUS SHARP PIECES. IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ONE OF THESE PIECES COULD INFLICT POTENTIALLY SEVERE INJURY. *TR
I OWN A 2001 DODGE THAT (JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE) HAS MANY CRACKS FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH (PLASTIC). THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I AM LUCKY THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH STILL WORKS, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP. THE SUNGLASS DOOR ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THE CUP…
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I OWN A 2001 DODGE THAT (JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE) HAS MANY CRACKS FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH (PLASTIC). THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I AM LUCKY THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH STILL WORKS, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP. THE SUNGLASS DOOR ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THE CUP HOLDER (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THIS IS CRAZY EVERYONE WITH AN 01 DODGE RAM KNOWS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC THAT WENT INTO THE INTERIOR. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE THESE PEOPLE STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT. *TR
I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL PICKUP AND THE DASH IS CRACKED AND HAVE A COUPLE OF LARGE HOLES APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES WIDE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2001 DODGE RAM'S THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE WIRING BEHIND THE DASH EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT COMPONENT FAILURE A…
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I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL PICKUP AND THE DASH IS CRACKED AND HAVE A COUPLE OF LARGE HOLES APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES WIDE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2001 DODGE RAM'S THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE WIRING BEHIND THE DASH EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT COMPONENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLY A FIRE RESULTING FROM EXPOSED WIRING. *TR
2001 DODGE RAM - THE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AND HAS SINCE CRACKED FROM FRONT TO BACK AND NOW INTO THE FRONT TRIM PIECES. DASH PIECES ARE NOW FALLING OUT AND POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS. I AM CONCERNED THE CRACKS MAY AFFECT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN THE CASE OF A COLLISION. …
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2001 DODGE RAM - THE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AND HAS SINCE CRACKED FROM FRONT TO BACK AND NOW INTO THE FRONT TRIM PIECES. DASH PIECES ARE NOW FALLING OUT AND POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS. I AM CONCERNED THE CRACKS MAY AFFECT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN THE CASE OF A COLLISION. THOUSANDS OF THE SAME REPORTS ARE VISIBLE ACROSS THE INTERNET. THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO FIX AS THIS IS NOT A "RECALL ITEM". *TR
MY 2001 DODGE RAM FELL COMPLETELY APART FROM THE DASHBOARD, IT IS NO LONGER THERE. ANYMORE,, AND I HEAR ODD SOUNDS COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DASH. *TR
2001 DODGE RAM WITH A CRACKED DASHBOARD. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED FROM FRONT TO BACK. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *KB
THE DASHBOARD ON OUR 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP CRACKED ONLY AFTER A YEAR. WE TOOK IT SO THE DEALERSHIP IN MCALESTER, OK (RIVERSIDE DODGE) AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT. THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THERE IS AN 8 INCH HOLE IN THE DASHBOARD AND NUMEROUS CRACKS OVER THE ENTIRE SURFACE AND EVEN ON THE INSIDE TRIM WOR…
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THE DASHBOARD ON OUR 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP CRACKED ONLY AFTER A YEAR. WE TOOK IT SO THE DEALERSHIP IN MCALESTER, OK (RIVERSIDE DODGE) AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT. THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THERE IS AN 8 INCH HOLE IN THE DASHBOARD AND NUMEROUS CRACKS OVER THE ENTIRE SURFACE AND EVEN ON THE INSIDE TRIM WORK. SINCE FIRST REPORTING THIS, IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES EXACTLY LIKE OURS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT DODGE/CHRYSLER NEEDS TO RECALL THIS AND TAKE CARE OF THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD OF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, ETC THAT WORRIES US TOO. *TR
Official recalls
904V185000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Apr 12, 2004
ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
02V042000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
Feb 7, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALTERNATOR WIRE CONNECTION TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) CAN LOOSEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INSTALLATION OF THE ALTERNATOR WIRE CONNECTION TO THE PDC AND IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE WIRE SO THAT THE CRIMP CONNECTION WILL FACE UPWARD AND TIGHTEN THE FASTENER TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SETTING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 2002. 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.
01V289000 · Tires
Sep 10, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 2500 WAGONS WERE EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT LOAD RANGE TIRES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A TIRE TO BLOW OUT IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT THE MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT. .
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOAD RANGE 'D' TIRES WITH CORRECT LOAD RANGE 'E' TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 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.
01V253000 · Electrical System:wiring
Aug 2, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT SEATS. IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD SALT, WATER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER DEBRIS, THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD DEVELOP A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CYCLES THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER CYCLES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, HEAT COULD BUILD UP IN THE CONNECTOR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM THE FUSE PANEL. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REPAIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
01V184000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Jun 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS. A SUBSTITUTE WHEEL LUG NUT TIGHTENING PROCESS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT TO ASSURE PROPER TORQUE OF THE LUG NUTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IMPROPER WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE COULD ALLOW A WHEEL TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL LUG NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE AND CORRECT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 4, 2001. ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED.
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.
01V008000 · Suspension:rear
Jan 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A CAMPER PACKAGE AND OVERLOAD SPRINGS. THE REAR AXLE SPACER PLATE COULD LEAD TO DEFORMATION OF THE UPPER SPRING PLATE DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE AXLE TO THE VEHICLE RESULTING A SOFT JOINT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SOFT JOINT COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE U-BOLTS TO LOSE CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN DISPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SPACER PLATES AND THE SPRING PLATES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 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.
00V366000 · Child Seat
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
00V307000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
Oct 12, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS ATTACHED WITH CADMIUM COATED NUTS CAN CAUSE THE BOLTS TO STRETCH DUE TO THE APPLICATION OF A HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED CLAMP LOAD. BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM FASTENERS COULD CAUSE THE AXLE TO ROTATE FORWARD UNDER BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ROTATION COULD TWIST THE STEERING LINKAGE AND POSSIBLY SEPARATE THE BRAKE LINES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLTS AND NUTS.
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
1PE08047 · 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.