Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - HOOD - LATCH | ||||||
| PE08047 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 07/25/2008 | 12/17/2008 | 2000-2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | |||
| 01/08/2009 | 78480 | 1 | |
| Approx 15 miles onto the highway at about 55 mph hood suddenly opened and smashed wind shield hood was closed completely and had no rattle or bouncing like it was partially closed upon return home there are pieces of plastic below where the truck was parked. *tr | |||
| 12/26/2008 | 81118 | 1 | |
| I bought a 2000 dodge ram 1500 yesterday 12/26/08 as a christmas present for myself and as i was driving home later that day at 10:30 pm and the hood of the truck all of a sudden came up and hit the windshield, causing me to hit the brakes at come to a stop on a busy road. *tr | |||
| 09/14/2008 | 1 | ||
| While driving down the road, the hood latch on my 2000 dodge ram 1500 released. this caused the hood to fly up, crashing into the windshield. the windshield shattered, the hood twisted beyond repair, and the hood springs were completely mangled. i found an article on consumer affairs showing that there have been 30 consumer complaints regarding the same incident. we have filed a claim w/ the insurance company for severe damages. *tr | |||
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - HOOD - LATCH | |||
| 07/20/2008 | 90000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram 1500. while the contact's spouse was driving approximately 35 mph onto a ramp, the hood flew up and cracked the windshield. the failure occurred without warning. the current and failure mileages were 90,000. | |||
| 01/21/2006 | 95000 | 1 | 10/06/2003 |
| The hood latch failed. we were driving on the interstate going approximately 65 mph and the hood flew up and slammed into the windshield, causing zero visibility. the windshield shattered, and hood was destroyed, a major accident could have easily occurred. no personal injuries, but approximately $3,000 damage to vehicle.*ak | |||
| 10/14/2002 | |||
| Consumer states while driving 65mph the hood flew up causing zero visability. ts | |||
| 06/02/2002 | |||
| While driving 55 mph the hood flew open. manufacturer was contacted. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - TRUNK LID - LOCK | |||
| 10/26/2006 | 65000 | 0 | |
| I have a 2000 ram 1500 and my dash is beginning to crack. right now it is only a 6-8 crack, but i have read many problems about this, and i am just waiting until mine decides to just cave in completely. the crack continues to spread. i have tried going to my dealership, but they just tell me that it is not their problem. | |||