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 | |||
| 08/21/2005 | 1 | ||
| 2001 ram hood safety latch malfunctioned. *ts the consumer contacted the manufacturer about this malfunction. *nm while driving 30-40 mph the hood came open and smashed into the windshield. the consumer believes he should be reimbursed for this malfunction because a the latch of the 1994-1999 dodge ram had been recalled and he believes they have the same latch. *nm | |||
| 03/24/2004 | 1 | ||
| (1) 2001 dodge ram hood latch corrosion (2) hood latch released while driving in rush hour traffic on highway going 60 mph. blinded by hood when it flew up. hood completely damaged, windsheild cracked and cab of truck damaged (3) daimlerchrysler claims no responsibity even though this part was recalled on prior years rams. i have to make insurance claim and have truck repaired and new hood latch installed. | |||
| 09/06/2003 | 56000 | 1 | 09/01/2000 |
| While driving 45 mph hood flew up and smashed the windshield. this caused the driver's vision to be distorted. *ak after traveling on the highway for approx. 45 minutes, the consumer drove around a traffic circle. after exiting the circle, the hood flew up. trying to get off the road, the consumer almost slammed into a parked vehicle all because the safety latch failed. *ph | |||
| 05/30/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2002 | |
| The hood blew up while driving down the interstate.*ak | |||
| While driving 45 mph and without warning hood was released, resulting in minor damage to hood. dealer has been notified; however, was not willing to investigate malfunction.*ak | |||
| While driving 30 mph and without warning hood unlatched, resulting in a broken window, and crumpled the hood. dealership will fix the problem because vehicle is still under warranty.*ak | |||
| 05/25/2002 | |||
| While driving hood unlatched and blocked windshield, unabling driver to see. had to hold hood with ropes. dealer contacted.*ak | |||
| While traveling at 35-40 mph vehicle hood flew backward. dealer and manufacturer have been contacted. please provide further information.*ak | |||