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2001 Dodge RAM

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 61 of 318 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.

  • Steering. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

53 crash reports9 fire reports20 injury reports

What owners actually said

318 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2023
Engine

2001 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEIR VEHICLE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING TO SWAP OUT THE OLD VEHICLE WITH A NEW COMPARABLE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11509300

55,000 miles · Jan 22, 2012
StructureSuspension

DASHBOARD HAS BROKEN UP LIKE A JIG SAW PUZZLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444804

116,000 miles · Nov 16, 2011
Structure

MULTIPLE CRACKS IN THE DASH HAVE OCCURRED, FORMING SHARP EDGES AND POINTS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF HARD STOPS OR ACCIDENTS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DANGER, STATING THIS IS A COSMETIC ISSUE, BUT THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC IS INDEED A SAFETY HAZARD. A MANDATORY RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DASH PLASTIC SHOULD …

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MULTIPLE CRACKS IN THE DASH HAVE OCCURRED, FORMING SHARP EDGES AND POINTS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF HARD STOPS OR ACCIDENTS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DANGER, STATING THIS IS A COSMETIC ISSUE, BUT THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC IS INDEED A SAFETY HAZARD. A MANDATORY RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE DASH PLASTIC SHOULD BE ORDERED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436140

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2011
Structure

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ALL OVER AND IS FALLING APART COMPLETELY. I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND THIS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!! DODGE HAS NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE AND I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THIS MAKER AGAIN UNTIL IT IS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434388

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2011
Unknown Or Other

I PURCHASED BRAND NEW, A 2001 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB TRUCK. THE TRUCKS DASH HAS SO MANY CRACKS IN IT, THAT THEY NOW HAVE RAN INTO EACH OTHER AND LARGE AREAS HAVE FALLEN OUT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. THESE CRACKS HAVE BEEN IN MY DASH FOR YEARS. IT IS NOT HEAT RELATED BECAUSE I PURCH…

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I PURCHASED BRAND NEW, A 2001 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB TRUCK. THE TRUCKS DASH HAS SO MANY CRACKS IN IT, THAT THEY NOW HAVE RAN INTO EACH OTHER AND LARGE AREAS HAVE FALLEN OUT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. THESE CRACKS HAVE BEEN IN MY DASH FOR YEARS. IT IS NOT HEAT RELATED BECAUSE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN WASHINGTON STATE AND WAS THERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE COMING TO CALIFORNIA. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND A FLYING OBJECT HAZARD, SHOULD I HIT SOMEONE OR THEY HIT ME AND PIECES START FLYING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THIS IS A NATION WIDE PROBLEM WITH THE DASHES FROM DODGE, IT'S TIME THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THESE CRACKS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE OVER THE YEARS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10433037

201,000 miles · Oct 13, 2011
SteeringSuspensionWheels

ON MY WAY TO WORK, AS USUAL, ON A "SLIGHTLY" BUMPY PART OF THE HIGHWAY MY STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END STARTED VIBRATING SO VIOLENTLY THAT I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I COULD BARELY HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL; AND COULD NOT STEER AT ALL; ALL I COULD DO WAS START BRAKING AND COME TO A STOP. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES AND FRONT END AN…

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ON MY WAY TO WORK, AS USUAL, ON A "SLIGHTLY" BUMPY PART OF THE HIGHWAY MY STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END STARTED VIBRATING SO VIOLENTLY THAT I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I COULD BARELY HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL; AND COULD NOT STEER AT ALL; ALL I COULD DO WAS START BRAKING AND COME TO A STOP. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES AND FRONT END AND EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL. I CONTINUED TO WORK AT ABOUT 40 MPH (I HAD GONE TO WORK EARLY SO NO TRAFFIC) . AT 8:00 I CALLED MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND TOOK IT TO HIM TO CHECK OUT WHAT HAPPENED. HE CHECK EVERYTHING AND NOTHING SHOWED. THE NEXT DAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN; THEN AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I TOOK PICKUP IN FOR REGULAR OIL/FUEL/AIR FILTER CHANGE SERVICE. HE TEST DROVE WITH ME ALONG AND I EXPLAINED FURTHER WHAT HAPPENED. HE SAID HE HAS SEEN IT BEFORE WITH DODGE 2500 & 3500 AND IT HAS BEEN LABELED THE "DODGE DEATH WOBBLE". I THANK GOD I WAS NOT IN A BUSY TRAFFIC AREA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430142

84,000 miles · Jun 27, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TIE ROD ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TIE ROD ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER A POTENTIAL CRASH IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10409111

270,676 miles · May 18, 2011
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING BOX BUT THE STEERING BOX DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE STEERING BOX WAS RE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING BOX BUT THE STEERING BOX DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE STEERING BOX WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING BOX WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT BUT THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,676.

NHTSA ODI #10401490

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2011
EquipmentStructure

THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THE DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED AND POSES A SAFETY HAZARD BY DANGEROUS SHARP PIECES. IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ONE OF THESE PIECES COULD INFLICT POTENTIALLY SEVERE INJURY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10397157

40,000 miles · Oct 28, 2009
Structure

I OWN A 2001 DODGE THAT (JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE) HAS MANY CRACKS FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH (PLASTIC). THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I AM LUCKY THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH STILL WORKS, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP. THE SUNGLASS DOOR ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THE CUP…

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I OWN A 2001 DODGE THAT (JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE) HAS MANY CRACKS FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH (PLASTIC). THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I AM LUCKY THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH STILL WORKS, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP. THE SUNGLASS DOOR ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THE CUP HOLDER (PLASTIC) IS BROKEN. THIS IS CRAZY EVERYONE WITH AN 01 DODGE RAM KNOWS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC THAT WENT INTO THE INTERIOR. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE THESE PEOPLE STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290057

Official recalls

9

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.

02V042000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Feb 7, 2002

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.

01V289000 · Tires

Sep 10, 2001

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.

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.

01V184000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Jun 5, 2001

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.

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.

01V008000 · Suspension:rear

Jan 5, 2001

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.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

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.

00V307000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

Oct 12, 2000

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.