NHTSA Complaint #10046037 — 2003 DODGE RAM 1500

2003 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 1500 4X2 VEHICLE, ABOUT 5 MONTHS SINCE BUILD AND 3 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE WITH ABOUT 4,700 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IN A SWERVING MANEUVER TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40-45 MPH THE LEFT REAR TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY IS TO INCLUDE A BROKEN AXLE SHAFT, BROKEN BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT, BROKEN BRAKE CALIPER, BROKEN ROTOR BACK PLATE, BROKEN EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, BROKEN BRAKE LINE, DAMAGED 20" WHEEL, AND DAMAGE TO THE AXLE SHAFT HOUSING. DEALERSHIP, AUTOWAY DODGE, IS STRONGLY URGING THE VEHICLE BE TURNED IN AS AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND BEING DIFFICULT ABOUT THE PURSUIT OF A WARRANTY CLAIM. OTHER ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE DAIMLER CHRYSLER MANUFACTURER REP WHO LOOKED AT THE TRUCK ON 11/11/2003, AS WELL AS DON ARMSTRONG, DC CUSTOMER SERVICE ORLANDO HAVE YIELDED MORE RELUCTANCE TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AS WELL. SO FAR WE HAVE FOUND SOME OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR FAILURE AND WERE LIKEWISE DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE WHILE BEING PRESSURED TO PURSUE IT AS AN INSURANCE CLAIM. ONE AT A REPORTED SPEED OF 3 MPH IN A U-TURN. *LA