NHTSA Complaint #10135900 — 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

DT: 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 EXTENDED CAB PICK UP TRUCK. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO. DRIVER OF OTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT 60 MPH ON A WET SURFACE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND PUSHED THE BRAKES DOWN AND AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, THE CONSUMER FELT SOMETHING HIT HIM IN THE CHEST. DID NOT KNOW WHAT HIT HIM, BUT ONCE THE CONSUMER LOOKED HE DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET SHEARED OFF DURING THE IMPACT ,AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT UNDER THE AIR BAG HITTING THE CONSUMER'S LOWER RIGHT RIB CAGE. THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR DID NOT REALLY PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO THE STEERING WHEEL BRACKET THAT SHEARED OFF DURING THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER HAS PHOTOS OF THE CRASH, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK *NM WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED THE CONSUMERS UPPER BRIDGE IN HIS MOUTH BECAME LOOSE AND ALSO THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED BRUISES ON HIS UPPER CHEST. UPDATED 11/02/05 *JB