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2000 Dodge RAM

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
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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: 18 of 147 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

31 crash reports6 fire reports23 injury reports

What owners actually said

147 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL PULL TO LEFT OR RIGHT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8005317

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2002
Wheels

LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENT. DAMAGED LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY, SPINDLE, BRAKE CALIPER, BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE PADS, ABS BRAKE SENSOR, AND TIRE. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT THE WHEEL FROM COMING OFF. THIS PART IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND ON PAGE 214 OF THE OWNER'S …

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LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENT. DAMAGED LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY, SPINDLE, BRAKE CALIPER, BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE PADS, ABS BRAKE SENSOR, AND TIRE. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT THE WHEEL FROM COMING OFF. THIS PART IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND ON PAGE 214 OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL IT IS STATED "FRONT WHELL BEARINGS FOR ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS ARE SEALED-FOR-LIFE. THEY DO NOT REQUIRE GREASING OR SEAL REPLACEMENT." THIS IS A VERY UNEXPECTED AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH REGULAR MAINTENCE BECAUSE IT IS A HIDDEN PROBLEM WITHIN A PART THAT IS "SEALED-FOR-LIFE". THERE ARE MANY OF THESE TRUCKS ON THE HIGHWAYS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERING THIS SAME POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #758766

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

WHILE TRYING TO ENTER FREEWAY HEARD 3 BELL CHIMES. THEN, HORN STARTED TO SOUND, AND ENGINE HAD SHUT DOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002563

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control

AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON ENGINE SURGES, CAUSING THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 1 1/2 INCHES. ALSO, A "GRINDING NOISE" COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED USE OF A SPECIAL SYNTHETIC OIL AND PERFORMING A SERIES OF MANEUVERS IN A PARKING LOT TO LOOSEN THE CLUTCH. …

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AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON ENGINE SURGES, CAUSING THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 1 1/2 INCHES. ALSO, A "GRINDING NOISE" COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED USE OF A SPECIAL SYNTHETIC OIL AND PERFORMING A SERIES OF MANEUVERS IN A PARKING LOT TO LOOSEN THE CLUTCH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002240

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES WEARING OUT QUICKLY ( HAD THEM RELINED TWICE) AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HONOR ITS WARRANTY. THE BRAKES ARE VERY UNSAFE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #756584

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2002
Steering

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT I AM ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE IT FIXED THROUGH A CHRYSLER DEALER BUT THEY HAVE RUN OUT OF IDEAS. IT SEEMS THAT IN THE SLIGHTEST WIND OR PASSING TRUCK THE VEHICLE GETS THROWN IN TO ANOTHE LANE OR SHOULDER. I AM INFORMING YOU BEC…

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I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT I AM ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE IT FIXED THROUGH A CHRYSLER DEALER BUT THEY HAVE RUN OUT OF IDEAS. IT SEEMS THAT IN THE SLIGHTEST WIND OR PASSING TRUCK THE VEHICLE GETS THROWN IN TO ANOTHE LANE OR SHOULDER. I AM INFORMING YOU BECAUSE THERE MAY BE OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND COULD BE IN GREAT DANGER.. THANKS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #756436

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2001
Latches/locks/linkages

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HOOD FLEW OPEN BECAUSE SECONDARY LATCH BROKE, VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME. *AK THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH HAD BENT BACK TOWARDS THE FIREWALL SO THAT IT BECAME TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, THATS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH FAILED, THE HOOD OPENED SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING. *YD

NHTSA ODI #8001070

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2001
Tires

I INSTALLED TIRE CHAINS ON MY VEHICLE AS PERMITTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A LINK ON THE CHAIN BROKE BECAUSE IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE LEAF SPRINGS OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPACE BETWEEN THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS IS APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH. THIS IS INSUFFICIENT TO SAFELY RUN CHAINS ON THE VEHICLE.…

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I INSTALLED TIRE CHAINS ON MY VEHICLE AS PERMITTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A LINK ON THE CHAIN BROKE BECAUSE IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE LEAF SPRINGS OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPACE BETWEEN THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS IS APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH. THIS IS INSUFFICIENT TO SAFELY RUN CHAINS ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CHAINS FAILED - IF THEY HAD WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE IT VERY LIKELY COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFERRED ME TO THE SELLING DEALER. THE SELLING DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT GET ANY GUIDANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE SELLING DEALER OFFERED THAT I USE CABLE CHAINS INSTEAD. I BOUGHT A SET OF THESE AND THEY, TOO, DON'T FIT WITHOUT RUBBING THE LEAF SPRINGS. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY IF I PURCHASED WHEELS WITH MORE OFFSET (MOVE THE CENTERLINE OF THE WHEEL OUTBOARD OF THE VEHICLE) BUT THEY CANNOT OFFER A RECOMMENDATION FROM DODGE FOR AN AMOUNT OF OFFSET. FOLLOWUPS TO DODGE HAVE PROVEN FRUITLESS. I AM RUNNING FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES AND CHAINS THAT ARE SIZED TO FIT THOSE TIRES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #755796

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2001
Air BagsCrashInjury

WE RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT WE WERE NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH FOR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. OUR SPEED WAS 65 MILES PER HOUR . ACCORDING TO THE SKID MARKS AND BASED ON THE REPORT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL AND THE MISSISSIPPI SHERIFF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #755595

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS TRUCK HAS HAD A NOISE IN THE ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. IT HAS BEEN DOWNHILL SINCE THEN, I CASN GET ALL THE SERVICE REPORTS ON FILE AT BILL ABBOTT. THE TRUCK IS NOW AT CUMMINGS MIDWEST POWER CO. IN BLOOMINGTON IL FOR ANOUTHER PROBLEM THEY HAVE THE HEAD OFF AND CHECKING IT FOR A PROBLEM ALSO THE CRANKSHAFT S…

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THIS TRUCK HAS HAD A NOISE IN THE ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. IT HAS BEEN DOWNHILL SINCE THEN, I CASN GET ALL THE SERVICE REPORTS ON FILE AT BILL ABBOTT. THE TRUCK IS NOW AT CUMMINGS MIDWEST POWER CO. IN BLOOMINGTON IL FOR ANOUTHER PROBLEM THEY HAVE THE HEAD OFF AND CHECKING IT FOR A PROBLEM ALSO THE CRANKSHAFT SEAL LEAKS OIL THIS ISTHE SECOND ENGINE IN THIS TRUCK. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE IF I COULD EXCHANGE THIS TRUCK FOR A LIKE ONE AS I CAN'T TRUST THIS TRUCK . THANK YOU. GLENN THOMAS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #755559

Official recalls

6

04V185000 · 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.

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.

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.

01V038000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Feb 12, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRE/WHEEL AND THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY. DURING FULL LOCK TURNS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TIRE OR WHEEL TO CONTACT THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN WIRE DAMAGE AND/OR A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE, AFFECTING BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES, AND THE ABS SENSOR WIRE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 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.

00V107000 · Trailer Hitches

Apr 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

00V007000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Jan 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WELDS AT THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO AXLE TUBE ATTACHMENT MAY HAVE INADEQUATE FATIGUE LIFE DUE TO POOR WELD QUALITY. THIS CAN LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET FROM THE AXLE TUBE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE BRACKET SEPARATES THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE REDUCED DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, BRAKING DEGRADATION AND/OR VEHICLE PULL UNDER BRAKING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE WITH A PROPERLY WELDED FRONT AXLE.

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.