Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
TIRES
03V504000DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 07/01/1999 to 07/31/2001V (Vehicle)21412/22/2003MFRCHRYSLER GROUP LLC12/10/200312/11/2003571120
Defect SummaryOn certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120,
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryDealers will provide replacement p245/75r16 tires to meet the load carrying capacity specified on the vehicle certification label and accommodate the addition of a commercially available snow plow and hardware. owner notification began on december 22, 2003. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
NotesDaimlerchrysler recall no. c40.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
TIRES
09/14/20121357141
 The under the bed spare tire assembly cable broke at the junction of where the cable ends and the holding metal assembly begins. the spare tire came loose and hit the highway bouncing off of the pavement and becoming airbourne behind my truck . at that time it became a hazard for any vehicle especially a motorcycle behind me. my spare is a 16 inch tire and weighs over 35 pounds. i got off the interstate at the next exit and tried to find the tire but could not locate it . i suspect it went off the road and down a steep embankment. no cars behind me struck the tire and no was hurt. after inspecting the spare tire crank assembly i found the cable was rusted and suspect the holding nut assembly was too. i have not used my truck for off road use only to travel back and forth to work and to haul material when needed. i went to the local junk yard and was bought another spare tire crank assembly off of a 2000 dodge ram 1500 4 wheel drive and found the whole assembly was also rusted. i suspect that it may fail in the future just like mine did. i believe this to be a design flaw for on inspection it is easy to see how rust can make the holding nut and washer fail. i am afraid this is going to happen or already has happened on dodge trucks using this type of spare tire holder. if this tire coming free and hitting the highway at 70 mph could have cause serious harm to another vehicle or could have led to serious injury or death. my guess is that many times this has happened but has not been reported. *tr
04/06/2009136000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. the vehicle has cooper discoverer atr tires, size 245/75r/16 (na). while placing tire shine on the tires, the contact noticed that the driver's side tire was showing signs of separation. he was also able to see the radial part of the tire. the manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to a tire shop for inspection. the mechanic at the shop stated that the tire was defective and other tires were beginning to display signs of tread separation. he consulted the manufacturer again and they stated that since the tires were not the size cited in nhtsa campaign id number 06t016000, they were unable to assist. the current and failure mileages were approximately 136,000.
02/03/2009440001
 While i was on my way to work one day, my first indication was a high vibration from the left front tire at certain speeds, and a slight pull to the left. when i arrived at my destination (about five minutes after i first felt the vibration) my tire blew out all the air instantly. after i got the tire changed, i inspected it, and found several sidewall cracks running from the edge of the treads progressing down to the sidewall about 2 to 3 inches in length. they ran at an angle that matched the rotation of the tire. there was no impact to the sidewall at any time. some of the other tires show small lines that could develop into cracks. i have not taken the tires to the place of purchase because i want to make sure if it is a defect i want the public warned and prevent any tragedy. thank you. *tr
10/14/200537890111/08/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph the right rear tire detached from the vehicle. afterwards the vehicle fell to the ground and was pulled to the side of the road. after the tire was located the vehicle was towed to a local independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic replaced the brake shoes and drums, wheel nuts and studs, combination spring kit and self adjuster kit. the manufacturer was alerted.*ak
05/19/200566556401/18/2002
 5/19/05 i had to replace all (4) tires due to a defect in the tire. the tires were coming apart around the crown on every tire. i was told that they could blow at anytime and it was best that i replace them all. i bought the truck they were on used (2001 dodge ram 1500), it had 27,291 miles on it when i bought it and the tires were new. i now have 66,556 miles on it. the tread on all tires was good to go for another 40-60,000 miles. but because of the defect and the fact that i travel a lot i had no choice but to replace the tires. i have kept one of them as proof should someone want to see it. the point being that i should not have had to purchase new tires at this time. i have heard of recalls you have had on tires and don't know if this was one of them or not. the number on the tire is 255/70r16 and they were all in a very dangerous state when replaced. i spent 678.42 on the replacement tires and i don't expect a full refund but i do think that firestone should compensate me due to the fact that it was your tire defect that caused the problem. which of course caused me to have to pay out money i didn't have to replace all (4) tires for safety purposes. i have a copy of the invoice for the replacement tires with a written note specifying that they were defective tires. i have written to you before, about 2-3 weeks ago and have heard nothing back so i'm going through this again. please advise me what you are going to do and if you need anymore info from me. i do expect a refund of some type due to your defective tires.
01/16/20051
 While driving 65 mph one of the vehicle's tires blewout. *nm the tire was only 50% used. *sc *jb
10/25/20041
 Consumer stated while attempting to rotate tires, he noticed that the tires were being cut by the shock bracket. after further investigation consumer found that front left tire had been cut by the shock bracket. there was no reason for the cut because these were new firestone tires with about 5000 miles on them. *ak
07/14/200457000107/31/2001
 While getting an oil change and tire rotation the technician noticed rubbing on the inside front tires. upon further investigation he noticed where the tires are rubbing against the lower a-arm. needed to replace tires. *jb
06/02/2004120001
 When turning the vehicle sharply, the clearance was obstructing the tire, causing the tire rubber to disintegrate. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. however, the dealer was unable to duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak the tires rubbed on the bolt head that goes through the shock. *sc
07/11/2003790002
 While changing the oil, noticed a severe grove in the inside side wall of each front tire. (severe enough for imediate tire replacement) discovered that the groves had been caused by rubbing against the lower a frame (found shiny areas where tires had rubbed). the intended stops to prevent this from happening were not engaging early enough in the steering turn to prevent this. we checked two other pickups of same model year and make and found identical problems. when we checked 2003 trucks at a local dealer we found this area had been redesigned. this looks like a major design flaw in the wheel area for this model year. i have 79,000 miles on this truck but only 25,000 miles on the tires, which were otherwise in very good shape. this is going to start killing people as other trucks milage increase. these tires could have blown at any time under normal driving.*ak
01/08/2003
 Consumer called complaining while driving the vehicle at any speed and turning the wheel left or right, both front tire touch mounts bracket bolt. dealer has inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem. please provide further information. ts
09/27/200223760210/22/2000
 Consumer states michelin tire blew out while driving over a sheet of plaster. one mile later another tire started to leak air. truck always exhibited a pull / wander condition which stopped after replacing michelin tires. *tt *nlm
01/01/20011510/01/2000
 There is vibration when hitting a bump at 60-65 mph. dealer has replaced front tie rod.but, it has not remedied the problem.*akconsumer adds that this is not just vibrations but intense ascillations that alternate left to right. the bouncing makes the vehicle difficult to control and will not subside until broughtr to a complete stop. upon checking several times, the tires were choppy and needed replacing, the track bar needed replacing, and a special part for the tie rod was ordered, also the left mirror was not heating, also the clock spring was replaced, also tires were showing wear.. *jg
01/01/2002
 While making a sharp turn driver's side tire rubs against sharp bracket. consumer feels tire may blowout. consumer has had tires replaced, but problem has reoccurred. please provide any further information.*ak
08/20/2001107/01/2001
 I am reporting this problem on my fathers vehicle. i just learned of this issue from him, he is a 64yo man with a 8th grade education and i feel he has been taken advantage of. i am an engineer with a background as well in law. i talked with him on sunday and this is the issue he has with his new dodge ram 1500 quadcab. the vehicle he found shook at speeds over 40 mph, only slightly. this worried him however and he had a friend at a tire dealership inspect the tires. it was then noticed that the goodyear wrangler tires he requested were not in fact lt or light truck tires but p, passenger car rated tires. they are 4 ply instead of the 6 ply as found in the lt modesl, (such as i have on my jeep wrangler). these tires bulge and in my opinion are deforming under the load of a heavier vehicle. resulting in the vibrations at higher speeds. also, since the tires aparently have issues just helping the truck maintain traction, if a load were to be added upwards of the gvwr then my likely conclusion would be that the tires could have a higher likelyhood of failure. this is a serious concern and an issue that needs to be addressed. it is putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk. and dodge is not the only ones who do this, chevy and ford dealers my father also noticed to have done the same thing of putting on car tires on the trucks. the issue is of coruse cost here, the tires on my fathers truck were 70 dollars a piece, while the replacement truck tires my father put on were 125. my father traded in the tires but he does have a signed receipt from the tire dealer stating the issue of the tires, all their specs and why he suggested replacement. i know most people do not work their trucks hard, or use them near their gvwr but a truck should be able to perform up to its specs without serious safety concerns. i would like to see this investigated and for all owners to be given new tires or reimbursed for their costs. please contact me as to your plans.
04/28/200109/01/2000
 My truck has an engine miss, that is confirmed by the manufactures own engineers who say there is no known solution. dc refuses to honor their comittment and has failed in their so called attempts at repair. the clockspring has twice been replaced, first after it broke two days after the dc rep inspected my truck but refused to do anything with the concerns. second time was the recall 982 which was performed on 7/9/01. the noise in the steering wheel has since returned and the steering at times gets tight while turning right. the first clockspring that broke was also after the vehicle steering wheel was turned to the right. the brakes will shudder when coming to a stop, and the dealer replaced the rear drums at one point but refused to procede further. on 5/13/01 coming to an intersection the trucks rear tires locked up and the truck entered the intersection approx. 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the truck, on 11/17/01while returning home i noticed a burnt odor at the rear of the truck, a further inspection showed smoke coming from the wheels, touching the rear wheel it was extremely hot to the touch. so hot in fact i pulled my hand away before i was burnt. front tires still show extreme signs of wear , dealer has refused to do anything further. in fact dependable dodge of vero beach on 5/14/01 told me dc ordered that no further work be done on my truck. they in fact stated they will breach their warranty. *ak
08/20/2001107/01/2001
 I am reporting this problem on my fathers vehicle. i just learned of this issue from him, he is a 64yo man with a 8th grade education and i feel he has been taken advantage of. i am an engineer with a background as well in law. i talked with him on sunday and this is the issue he has with his new dodge ram 1500 quadcab. the vehicle he found shook at speeds over 40 mph, only slightly. this worried him however and he had a friend at a tire dealership inspect the tires. it was then noticed that the goodyear wrangler tires he requested were not in fact lt or light truck tires but p, passenger car rated tires. they are 4 ply instead of the 6 ply as found in the lt modesl, (such as i have on my jeep wrangler). these tires bulge and in my opinion are deforming under the load of a heavier vehicle. resulting in the vibrations at higher speeds. also, since the tires aparently have issues just helping the truck maintain traction, if a load were to be added upwards of the gvwr then my likely conclusion would be that the tires could have a higher likelyhood of failure. this is a serious concern and an issue that needs to be addressed. it is putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk. and dodge is not the only ones who do this, chevy and ford dealers my father also noticed to have done the same thing of putting on car tires on the trucks. the issue is of coruse cost here, the tires on my fathers truck were 70 dollars a piece, while the replacement truck tires my father put on were 125. my father traded in the tires but he does have a signed receipt from the tire dealer stating the issue of the tires, all their specs and why he suggested replacement. i know most people do not work their trucks hard, or use them near their gvwr but a truck should be able to perform up to its specs without serious safety concerns. i would like to see this investigated and for all owners to be given new tires or reimbursed for their costs. please contact me as to your plans.
05/28/2001206/01/2000
 Tires have spilit from rim to tread. *ak (tiresize: p246/70021)( dot number: tire size: p246/70021 )
04/01/2001
 New truck sold with different tires 265-16's and 275-17 tires. *ak
TIRES - BEAD
11/29/2006111955104/04/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated a set of tires and rims were ordered from a magazine, and were mounted before shipping. one of the tires was damaged at the bead when mounted causing a slow leak. although the tires were rotated regularly, the damaged tire will not balance properly causing excessive wear. the manufacturer was contacted. the tire was a pro comp at 315/75r16, not a lt315/75r16. updated 01/10/07. *jb
TIRES - TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
06/30/20021
 Vehicle came with 17 inch tires, but has a 16 inch spare tire. dealer has been notified. *ak the dealer provided a new spare tire without charge to replace a smaller tire that consumer received with the vehicle. *yh
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
10/10/200655600311/15/2000
 Have 2001 dodge ram pu upon which continental contitrac suv 265-70x16 tires were mounted dot a3723jj1103. tires had approx 29,000 miles on them (60,000 mile warranty) while traveling nb on ih35, just south of hillsboro ,tx, left rear tire exploded, about 15 mins after strange vibration was felt. tread separated from sidewall. entire tire was recovered and taken to discount tire co in grand prairie ,tx. was inspected by manager who also inspected remaining tires. manager insisted upon immediate removal of all continental tires after finding evidence of impending tire separation on remaining tires. left rear was sent to continental for inspection who reported that the tire was damaged previously by unknown impact. failed to report on remaining tires. there was no previous impact and there was no puncture prior to tire failing. continental refuses further comment. *nm
07/09/2001101/11/2001
 Right rear tire exploded while driving approximately 50mph. sidewall had remained intact while entire tread separated itself and rolled down the road. had maintained control, and had no prior warning. goodyear, wrangler, rts p265/75r16,original equipment.*ak dot number of tire, 4b73d5dr4500. *slc