NHTSA Complaint #10412426 — 2006 DODGE RAM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLAP UNDER THE DASH BOARD WHICH OPERATED THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED, CAUSING EXCESS AIR TO RELEASE INTO THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT A HINGE WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE PLASTIC FLAP WAS DISCONTINUED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A METAL FLAP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,200. MALFUNCTION OF PLASTIC SPONGE FLAP THAT ALLOWS COOLED AIR TO ENTER THE PUCALS. THE DODGE MECHANICAL DEPT. SAID THIS DEFECTIVE OR BROKEN PART HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED BY ONE MADE OF METAL. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF DODGE. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS ABOUT. UPDATED 10/12/2011 *LN *TR