THE TRUCK WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. SINCE NEW, THE STEERING HAS SEEMED "VAGUE". THE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL CAN BE 4" BEFORE TURNING THE TRUCK, THIS MAY VARY. THE STEERING SEEMS "RUBBERY". I HAVE HAD THE FRONT WHEELS ALIGNED TWO TIMES. THE DEALER CAN DO NO MORE; THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF BRINGING …
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THE TRUCK WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. SINCE NEW, THE STEERING HAS SEEMED "VAGUE". THE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL CAN BE 4" BEFORE TURNING THE TRUCK, THIS MAY VARY. THE STEERING SEEMS "RUBBERY". I HAVE HAD THE FRONT WHEELS ALIGNED TWO TIMES. THE DEALER CAN DO NO MORE; THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF BRINGING THE TRUCK INTO "SPECS". A SQUARE "LINKAGE TUBE" WAS REPLACED, WHICH PROVIDED LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, CONSTANT CORRECTION IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A SEMBLANCE OF A STRAIGHT PATH. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE REPAIRED BEFORE ONE OF THE MANY COMPLAINANTS RUNS OFF THE ROAD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #754237
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2001
SuspensionCrash
WHEN ROLLING OVER A BUMP ON THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #898277
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2001
Suspension
VAN IS UNSTABLE IN CROSS WINDS, PREVIOUS 1999 VERSION WAS NOT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #752818
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2001
Suspension
WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN COULD FEEL AND HEAR TIRES RUBBING AGAINST BOTTOM CONTROL ARM. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THEY SAID THAT WAS A FACTORY DEFFECT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #892900
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2001
Suspension
PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT WORK AND WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE A "NORMAL" TURN RADIUS. THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE TURN RADIUS OF THE VEHICLE THAT I WAS'NT FAMILIAR WITH. LATER THAT SAME DAY, PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE SAME WAY I HAVE MAY TIMES WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NOTED THE SAME TURN RESTRICTION. STEERING WHEEL WAS BOUND UP …
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PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT WORK AND WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE A "NORMAL" TURN RADIUS. THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE TURN RADIUS OF THE VEHICLE THAT I WAS'NT FAMILIAR WITH. LATER THAT SAME DAY, PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE SAME WAY I HAVE MAY TIMES WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NOTED THE SAME TURN RESTRICTION. STEERING WHEEL WAS BOUND UP INTERNALLY. I APPLIED MORE STEERING PRESSURE AT THIS POINT AND FELT A SNAP INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT. VEHICLE SCHEDULED FOR WARRANTY REPAIR AT THE CHERRY HILL DODGE DEALERSHIP, CHERRY HILL NJ, ON 06 JULY 2001.*AK
NHTSA ODI #747868
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2001
SuspensionCrash
RECALL 00V307000 UPPER CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR. DEALER DELETED INFORMATION OUT OF DATABASE WITHOUT INSPECTING VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER SUSPECTED THAT RECALL DEFECT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE COLLISION. PLEASE PROV…
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RECALL 00V307000 UPPER CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR. DEALER DELETED INFORMATION OUT OF DATABASE WITHOUT INSPECTING VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER SUSPECTED THAT RECALL DEFECT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #891185
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE ENGINE VIBRATION/SHAKING AT IDLE, SUBSTANTIAL VIBRATION AT 1400 RPM, VIBRATION THRU STEERING WHEEL, FLOORBOARDS AND SEAT, THERE IS ALSO A GRINDING SENSATION AT 65 MPH AND A BOOMING SOUND AT 70 MPH, THIS IMBALANCE IS CAUSING WEAR OF OTHER COMPONENTS. NLM
NHTSA ODI #561618
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2001
Power TrainSuspensionWheels
CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 60 MPH AND VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF ON SIDE OF ROAD, 6 TO 8 INCH DROP, WHICH CAUSED RIGHT REAR RIM TO BEND, RESULTING IN RIGHT REAR AXLE BREAKING. A PRIVATE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT AXLE DID NOT FUSE TOGETHER PROPERLY.*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #888642
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureSuspension
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED SIDE MIRRORS SHAKE, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *AK CONSUMER STATES DEALER HAS REPLACED MIRRORS THREEE TIMES AND DEALER REFUSE TO FIX OR INVESTIGATE ANY FURTHER, THERE IS A FRONT END NOISE IN SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, SPRINGS,SJOCKS AND SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE STOPPED …
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WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED SIDE MIRRORS SHAKE, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *AK CONSUMER STATES DEALER HAS REPLACED MIRRORS THREEE TIMES AND DEALER REFUSE TO FIX OR INVESTIGATE ANY FURTHER, THERE IS A FRONT END NOISE IN SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, SPRINGS,SJOCKS AND SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE STOPPED FOR TWO WEEKS AND REOCCURED, ENGINE IDLING ROUGH, POOR GAS MILEAGE, FOUND THAT SPARK PLUG MISFIRED, ENGINE STALLS WHEN IN GEAR CONSUMER ALSO STATES SEAL AROUND WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED..*JB
NHTSA ODI #886586
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2001
SuspensionVisibility
PROBLEM #1: FRONT SUSPENSION BOTTOMING OUT ON SPEED BUMPS, AND AT LOW SPEED BUMPS. VEHICLE FRAME IS SMACKING DOWN ON TOP OF AXLE. FRONT SUSPENSION BUSHINGS WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. PROBLEM #2: DRIVER DOOR MIRROR GLASS LOOSE. DEALER INSTALLED NEW MIRROR, STILL LOOSE, ORDERING A SECOND MIRROR. PROBLEM #3: ENGINE SHAKES A…
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PROBLEM #1: FRONT SUSPENSION BOTTOMING OUT ON SPEED BUMPS, AND AT LOW SPEED BUMPS. VEHICLE FRAME IS SMACKING DOWN ON TOP OF AXLE. FRONT SUSPENSION BUSHINGS WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. PROBLEM #2: DRIVER DOOR MIRROR GLASS LOOSE. DEALER INSTALLED NEW MIRROR, STILL LOOSE, ORDERING A SECOND MIRROR. PROBLEM #3: ENGINE SHAKES AT START UP AND WHILE IDLING. ALSO GAS MILEAGE HAS NOT IMPROVED.*AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
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.
2001 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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