NHTSA Complaint #10586867 — 2005 DODGE MAGNUM

I HAVE A 2005 DODGE MAGNUM (45000) ACTUAL MILES WITH THE 3.5 HIGH OUTPUT ENGINE. WHEN THE CARE IS STARTED IT MAKES A HIGH END VALVE COVER ROCKER ARE NOISE. I TOOK IT TO DODGE TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT, THEIR RESPONSE WAS YEP TYPICAL 3.5 L MOTOR. THEY SAID THAT IS I PURCHASE THE PARTS THEY WILL INSTALL AT DISCOUNTED RATE. THE PARTS ARE $345.00 PER SIDE. SO NEARLY $1500.00 TO GET THIS FIXED THAT SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER A RECALL STATUS. DOING INTERNET RESEARCH, TALKING TO OTHER OWNERS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WE ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT. THE CONSUMER IS GETTING THE SHAFT ON THIS ONE. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THE BRACKET THAT MOUNTS TO THE CYLINDER AND IS LINED UP INTO PLACE VIA A STEEL DOWEL PIN, THE PIN IS SHEARING OFF FORCING THE ROCKER ARM SHAFT TO ROTATE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE OIL GALLEYS THAT ARE SUPPOSE TO LUBRICATE THE TOP END OF THE ENGINE IS NOT GETTING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. THIS CAUSES THE ROCKERS TO GET OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE SHAFT HOLDING THE ARMS, AND THEN JUST WIPES OUT THE TOP END. PLEASE HELP THOSE OF US THAT CANNOT SEEM TO CATCH A BREAK ON THIS PROBLEM. IMAGINE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 75 MPH AND THE ENGINE LETS GO. IT WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR MANY THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NO HELP, THEY SIMPLY DO NOT REPLY TO EMAILS. *TR