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 - HOOD - LATCH | |||
| 11/11/2008 | 16000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram . while driving 40 mph the hood un latched and slammed against the windshield. upon further inspection she noticed that the hood latch had fractured. no repairs were made. the manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. the failure and current mileages were 160,000. | |||
| 09/16/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram. while driving 55 mph the hood of the vehicle opened, which impaired his visibility. he was able to safely drive to the emergency lane and temporarily secure the hood in a latched position. a mechanic, upon inspection concluded that the hood latch failed. he was in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the failure and current mileages were 120,000. | |||
| 09/01/2006 | 70000 | 1 | 11/22/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the safety latch on the hood rusted causing the hood of the vehicle to come up and hit the windshield. the dealership was not notified. there were no problems with the hood latch prior to the incident. updated 11/17/06. *jb | |||
| 12/25/2001 | 1 | 04/06/2001 | |
| 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 | |||