NHTSA Complaint #10142532 — 2000 DODGE DAKOTA

ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA MY STEERING KNUCKLE SNAPPED PAST THE TIE ROD ON THE WHEEL PART OF THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE IF THE VEHICLE (FRONT) THIS PART IS APPROXIMATELY A 1 INCH BY ONE INCH OF SOLID STEEL. THIS RESULTED IN A CRASH WITH A PARKED MANATEE COUNTY PATROL CAR. I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE SNAPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE INVESTIGATING POLICE OFFIER AGREED. I WAS NOT ISSUED ANY TRAFFIC VIOLATION AFTER THE OFFICER SAW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED . I PLAN TO BE FOLLOWING UP ON THIS WITH A PHONE CALL TO YOUR AGENY. I WONDER HOW MANY TICKING TIME BOMBS ARE OUT THERE? I AM AWARE OF THE RECALL OF UPPER BALL JOINTS FALLING OFF AND I AM WONDERING IF MAYBE DEFECTIVE STEEL IS THE CAUSE. *NM