2005 Dodge Magnum RT. During oil change technician found rust perforation of the frame structure immediately beside the catalytic converters/exhaust manifold flange, on both sides of the car. Car inspected by Niagara Chrysler 10/23/14 noted "heavy corrosion beside catalytic converter. Recommend body shop to inspect. Service Manager has photos. A report was sent by the service manager to his DSM, as well as to Chrysler Canada.

Car inspected by Performance Chrysler Collision 10/24/14. Caused by E-coat burning off frame due to catalytic converter heat. Estimate $8100 to replace defective frame rails. Complaint made to Chrysler Canada case file 25844173.

10/27/14 Chrysler says car out of warranty, case closed. Told only if problem found to be chronic would Chrysler take action.

10/28/14 I personally looked at a 300C (LX Platform cars are 300/Charger/Challenger/Magnum) at local scrapyard with same frame damage as my car.

10/28/14 Reports made to Transport Canada, MTO and the NHTSA.

11/10/14 Car inspected by Dixons Autobody (thru Rose City Chrysler) told can't be repaired without removing engine. Car unsafe to drive.

11/11/14. Reports sent to Patrick Foran at CTV, Better Business Buero, Lemon Aid author Phil Edmonston, reports posted on Chrysler enthusiast forums LX Forums, Magnumz and Moparts.

11/12/14 Chrysler Canada called to reopen a new case file 25937351. Offered to make dealer of my choice take my car on trade even though it is unfit and offered undisclosed discount on a new Chrysler. I did not agree to that offer.

11/13/14 member of LX forum claims to be 27-year veteran Chrysler Service Manager. Says Chrysler is aware of the problem, it is common in police and fleet vehicles subject to heavy idling, caused by catalytic converter heat burning through frame e-coat and leaving frame metal unprotected against rust.

11/24/14 Member of LX forum from Calgary posts his 2006 Magnum has same defect; burn through of e-coating by catalytic converters/exhaust manifolds causing rust on frame structure.

I have not as of yet resolved this defect to my car with Chrysler Canada. I have had to rent a car, borrow cars and finally buy another cheap car for transportation while my outwardly beautiful Magnum sits useless in the driveway. How many Magnums/Chargers/Challengers/300 could be affected, especially in urban areas where they may be subject to prolonged periods of idling? This is a very serious and dangerous situation! I was told by a technician if I ran into something the engine would end up in my lap!

Chrysler needs to take action before someone is killed or injured by an LX frame failure to bring all the LX vehicles in for frame inspection, and if necessary repairs and preventative measures to ensure Catalytic Converter heat does not burn away the e-coat and render the frame structure vunerable to rust perforation.

My beautiful car is essentially ruined by a defect Chrysler will not acknowledge! If you have an LX platform car please bring it to a Chrysler dealer ASAP for inspection of the frame immediately adjacent to the catalytic converters, on both sides of the car! You can't see the affected area during normal service routines from above or below, so have your car put up on a hoist and inspected! If the e-coat is damaged or your frame has started to rust beside the catalytic converters/exhaust manifold flange have the service manager make a report to Chrysler. You can also make a report to Chrysler Customer Care by calling 1-800-465-2001.