2001 Dodge Ram Van 2500

FRONT STEERING COMPONENT RUSTED OFF THE FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ID

10668077

Incident

Dec 1, 2014

Mileage

64,871 mi

VAN STEERING IS UNSTABLE (WANDERS) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (>60 MPH) WHEN CHANGING LANES OR PASSING LARGE TRUCKS WITH WEIGHT (TWO ADULTS) IN REAR SEAT/BACK OF REAR AXLE. UNABLE TO FULLY UTILIZED VEHICLE BECAUSE OF WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS CAUSED BY IMPROPER REAR SUSPENSION. DID NOT BECOME AWARE OF TSB THAT WOULD HAVE CORRECTED PROBLEM UNTIL VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IN FEB. 2004. NEVER NOTIFIED BY CHRYSLER OR BY DEALER SERVICE CENTER DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE VISITS.*AK

NHTSA ID

10065997

Incident

Feb 13, 2004

CONSUMER INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40-45MPH AND NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

NHTSA ID

10026883

Incident

Jul 7, 2003

IN APRIL '02, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE 2500 VAN BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT WHEELS. THERE WAS ALSO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE HE FOUND THE WHEEL WAS COMING OFF BECAUSE THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DISINTEGRATED AND NO GREASE WAS THERE. SOME PARTS OF BRAKING SYSTEM WERE ALSO DAMAGED AND IN NEED OF REPAIR. AT OUR INSISTENCE, THE OTHER SIDE WAS CHECKED WHICH ALSO NEEDED NEW BEARINGS. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE INSPECTED AND GREASED ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURES SCHEDULE IN AUG. '02. IN JAN. OF '03, A NOISE AND GRINDING WAS HEARD IN THE FRONT END. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ONCE AGAIN REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT BEARINGS. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE SEEING THIS PROBLEM IN A LOT OF THE 2500 VANS AND THAT CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND "WORKING ON IT". IN MAR. OF '03, THE SAME NOISE AND GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD, AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ONCE AGAIN IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HOWEVER, THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR UNDER THE WARRANTY THIS TIME AS THEY SAY THE CAR WAS NOT MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE. THE WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS THE WHEEL BEARINGS MUST BE SERVICES EVERY 9,000 MILES WHILE THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS EVERY 15,000 MILES ON ONE SCHEDULE AND DOESN'T EVEN MENTION THEM ON THE OTHER SCHEDULE. FIRST, I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AS IT A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY FACTOR THAT YOUR WHEEL CAN FALL OFF WHEN THE BEARINGS FAIL. I AM ALSO CONCERNED BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THEY WERE SEEING MANY VANS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOW THE WARRANTY COMPANY IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BY SHIFTING THE BLAME TO THE CONSUMER. PERHAPS THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE REASON FOR THE MULTIPLE FAILURES RATHER THAN ATTEMPTING NOT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA ID

10010658

Incident

Apr 1, 2002

Mileage

54,917 mi

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.