This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
1998 Dodge Ram hood flew open while driving. Consumer states that he was driving 65 mph. He also states that the grill, hood hinges, and insulation are destroyed. He stated there is a recall for this problem.
On 1 Dec 2001 I left watertown, NY to drive to syracuse, NY via I-81 South. Just after the central square entrance ramp my hood blew open at 65mph. This nearly caused me to crash but I managed to finally get the truck pulled over without a crash. I am a handicapped member of the us army so I called my wife to help me get the hood down and strap it down with a ratchet strap and bungie cords. The hood, grill, hinges and hood liner are all damaged beyond repair. Upon returning home I searched the internet and found a "safety recall" #973 for the secondary hood latch failure. I purchased the vehicle used in 2006 and never received a warning. Today I went to dealmaker Dodge service dept and it was verified that the repair service had never been completed. After speaking with the service technician mark (315)-779-5725 I was informed that the district manager Mr. David littlejohn disapproved the repair of the damage, however would authorize the recall to be performed. I was told that Chrysler Dodge was not liable for inherit damaged caused by the hood out of nowhere popping open. I contacted the Chrysler customer relations (800) 992-1997 and was told the same thing. I asked for the proof in writing and was refused the document stating that they were not responsible for inhered damaged caused by a defective part that can cause severe injury or death to many people if they do not know how to handle such problems. My chryler corporation reference number is 16995780.
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4 wd short bed standard cab hood latch failed. While driving (after a couple miles) the hood began to shake up and down. I pulled over and slammed the hood closed. Completed my trip (30 miles round trip). 2 weeks later I was driving to work. After 1/2 mile the hood began to shake up and down. I began to slow but it was too late (40 mph), the hood flew open and slammed against the windshield. Since I was only 1 mile from my house I stood on top of the engine compartment and pulled the hood back down with my 200 pound frame and inched back to home where it sits. This is definitely a failure of the secondary latch. There was minor yard damage when I drove off the road. Damage to the hood (creased) and the hinges, and front fenders.
Hood latch popped open while driving. Was able to pull over to the shoulder, closed the hood, and drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic informed consumer that this vehicle was not recalled.
Received recall letter from Dodge regarding secondary hood latch, and they were refusing to honor recall letter. Dodge stated that repairs would have to be performed on a weekday. Consumer stated it would have to be a weekend, and Dodge will not honor that.
While traveling at 45-50 mph hood flipped backwords, causing poor visibility. Previously, consumer was having problems with hood hinge attachment coming undone.
Vehicle has antil-lock brakes. When consumer applies brakes brake pedal goes to the floor, and there is pulsation within the brakes. Also, transmission doesn't have speed/gears slip, and there is a leak underneath the hood.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Watertown, NY, USA