July 03
While operating my 1996 Dodge 1500 Ram pickup on Rt. 101 in Milford NH, @ 6:30 pm, traveling aprox 40 to 45 mph, accelerating up to the posted speed limit of 50 mph. The Latch, and Secondary latch on my hood released. The hood flew open and smashed against the windshield. Causing the windshield to shatter and hood to buckle in the middle. As I was in traffic, this is only a two lane road, I pulled over in to the grassy ditch. Needless to say, my passenger and I were pretty much stunned and in shock of what just happened.
I was able to secure the hood back down to the bumper and continue another mile to my home. When I had a few moments to collect my thoughts, I started the tedious task of looking for a replacement hood and mounting hardware. A person I contacted here on CL told me about a recall for the hood latch mechanism and suggested I check it out first before going on with my search.
Sure enough there is a recall for the secondary latch on these model trucks. The sole purpose of this latch is to make sure what just happened to me doesnt happen at all.
So I contacted my local Dodge Dealership, They verified that the recall had not been done on this particular truck and that it was open and available. They pointed me to customer service, who in turn sent me back to the local dealership. The dealer said the would contact the Area Rep and see if the damages to the truck would be covered.
At this point I was stunned once again It was a recalled part that failed and caused the damage. Why would it not be covered? Apparently because the truck is 12 years old and has 146k mileage on it, and I didnt bother to check the vin numbers for recalls when I bought it from a private sale. That makes dodge not responsible for any of the damage, just the latch? Its seems to me that they didnt issue a recall until Feb 01. Nor was it issued until September to the public. Four years after the defective part was in place. They ought to be thankful mine lasted another Eight years, and this mishap didnt cause a nasty accident resulting in injury or death.
I dont think I am asking too much for Dodge to make good on the Recall and fix the damage to my truck that their known failed part caused.
I think this is bull, and its just another way that big money Corporations like Dailmer Chrysler squeeze the life out of hard working Americans. Heres a good reason why another good hard working American will buy an import next time.
Campaign Number: 01V040000 Date: Feb-12
Component: latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch defect summary: on certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the "release position." consequence summary: if the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. Corrective summary: dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began september 17. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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