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.
(1)no events leading up to the failure. (2)rear end locked up at 55 mph, caused us to slide off the road and into the ditch. Truck had to be towed home. (3)replacement not available as it was discontinued. Parts are too expensive to be repaired at this time. Dealer quote on parts $3500. Failure at 92K miles on a $30K truck that is not a 4X4.
While driving 45 mph asphalt turned into gravel and vehicle hydro planed, landed on gravel, and passenger's side aluminum wheels broke. The vehicle hydro planed, again, twisted, and landed on roof. The vehicle was totaled. The driver sustained injuries, and was taken to hospital for surgery. The axle assembly failed.
Vehicle has had repeated failures of rear axle components. All appear to be related to overstated towing capacity. After purchasing a trailer well within the vehicles tow rating the vehicle on the first trip out with the trailer exhibited a putrid smell that could not be located. This occurred on 07-25-03 at just under 8500 miles. The dealer could not locate the source of the smell, an independent garage found coagulated differential fluid and metal shavings in the rear axle. See your ODI number 786051 for a similar case. The rear gears were replaced. On 12-01-03 at 10638 miles I was able to limp the truck with the trailer attached into southside Dodge/Kia in kissimmee, fl. The entire rear axle was so badly damaged including the antilock brake sensors that the entire unit had to be replaced. On 12-06-03 my wife and I retrieved the trailer. The truck was having trouble maintaining expressway speeds into a headwind on this trip. Upon arrival at our home 265 miles later we again smelled the overheated rear axle fluid. Later inspection at the dealer showed it to be burnt smelling, and discolored. Further repairs are now awaited. I will be forwarding complete documentation today via usps.
Wobble in the rear wheels which has caused me on a couple of occasions to almost lose control of the vehicle. I have notified DaimlerChrysler of this problem also.
Recall repair 02V159000 concerning truck axle flanges weld which may fatigueand allow brake caliper to rotate, causing rear brake tube to and leak, resulting in a partial brake loss and extended stopping distance were not done by dealer due to lack of parts.
- Granbury, TX, USA
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Right rear axle broke while driving 40-45 mph. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Consumer sent broken shaft to dealer for testing, but dealer denied any claims, stating that it was driver neglect, one person was injured in accident caused by the defective rear axle.
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- Morganton, NC, USA