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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

Structure complaints

24 reports
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87,000 miles · Oct 25, 2007
StructureVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THREE YEARS AGO, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD. CURRENTLY, THE CRACK HAS SPREAD SO FAR THAT THE DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND COMING APART. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ; HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THREE YEARS AGO, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD. CURRENTLY, THE CRACK HAS SPREAD SO FAR THAT THE DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND COMING APART. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ; HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SPORADICALLY DISENGAGES WHILE DRIVING. SHE FURTHER STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TOOK A LONG TIME TO ACTIVATE. THE CONSUMER STATED BROKEN PIECES FROM THE DASHBOARD CAN INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. THE POWERTRAIN, RECALL NUMBER, AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 01/03/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/31/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206916

36,000 miles · May 16, 2007
Electrical SystemStructure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK AND PIECES ARE FALLING DOWN INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE HAS WRITTEN LETTERS TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER. NO ONE HAS RESPONDED AS OF YET. THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING S…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK AND PIECES ARE FALLING DOWN INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE HAS WRITTEN LETTERS TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER. NO ONE HAS RESPONDED AS OF YET. THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE JANUARY OF 2004. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY WHEN THE FAILURE FIRST BEGAN. THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 91,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POWER DODGE FOR REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL PROVIDE A COPY OF REPAIRS. UPDATED 06/29/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10190907

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2007
Structure

5/8/07. 2001 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DASH SHOWS CRACKS AND IS FALLING APART. *MC *TR

NHTSA ODI #10191089

48,000 miles · Oct 14, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure

DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL THE BRAKES WENT OUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET IT SAFELY OFF THE HIGHWAY. THIS OCCURRED ON AUGUST 15, 2005. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE WAY THAT THE VAN WAS BUILT. HE SAID THAT IT CAUSED THE BATTERY TO LEAK AND BURN A WHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE. T…

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DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL THE BRAKES WENT OUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET IT SAFELY OFF THE HIGHWAY. THIS OCCURRED ON AUGUST 15, 2005. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE WAY THAT THE VAN WAS BUILT. HE SAID THAT IT CAUSED THE BATTERY TO LEAK AND BURN A WHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHCILE'S STRUCTURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10139725

40,000 miles · Aug 26, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension

DT: WAS PULLING A TRAILER AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED FISH TAILING. WITHOUT THE TRAILER AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL FISH TAIL. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CHRYSLER , AND FOUND THAT IT WAS SHAKY. THE TIE RODS ENDS, BALL JOINTS, AND THE CHECK BAR MALFUNCTIONED ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST HAD A WRECK. THIS HAPPENED ON 24, J…

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DT: WAS PULLING A TRAILER AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED FISH TAILING. WITHOUT THE TRAILER AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL FISH TAIL. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CHRYSLER , AND FOUND THAT IT WAS SHAKY. THE TIE RODS ENDS, BALL JOINTS, AND THE CHECK BAR MALFUNCTIONED ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST HAD A WRECK. THIS HAPPENED ON 24, JUNE 2205. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY DESIGNED, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LIGHT FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO GREASE FITTING FOR THE BALL JOINT. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10129669

59,980 miles · Jan 6, 2005
Structure

HOOD BLEW UP WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, STRIKING AND CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10106960

36,000 miles · Nov 23, 2004
Power TrainStructure

THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND THE BODY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10101576

44,000 miles · Feb 12, 2003
Structure

AT 35 MPH HOOD OPENED WITHOUT WARNING, DESTROYING WINDSHIELD AND HOOD. THERE WAS NO SECONDARY LATCH ON HOOD. DODGE DEALER UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #10005744

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureInjury

VEHICLE IS PULLING TO RIGHT AT ALL TIMES, TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. DEALER DID ALIGNMENT, DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PARTED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER VEHICLE TO AVOID A LIGHT POLE, HOWEVER VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP NOR TURN THEREBY HITTING A TREE INSTEAD. CONSUMER SU…

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VEHICLE IS PULLING TO RIGHT AT ALL TIMES, TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. DEALER DID ALIGNMENT, DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PARTED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER VEHICLE TO AVOID A LIGHT POLE, HOWEVER VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP NOR TURN THEREBY HITTING A TREE INSTEAD. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. DEALER FOUND RIGHT FRONT CALIPER FROZEN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER REPLACED. CENTER CONSOLE LATCH INOPERATIVE. NEW CENTER CONSOLE LID REPLACED. *TT

NHTSA ODI #8009686

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2001
Structure

LEFT SIDE REAR QUAD PANEL NOT WELDED CORRECTLY. THERE ARE LARGE GAPS IN THE SEAM, AND PANEL IS PUSHED OUT PASSED THE BODY LINE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #748532

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.