NHTSA Complaint #11256265 — 2005 DODGE DURANGO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN UNKNOWN OBJECT IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT REMAIN INFLATED AND POPPED. THE AIR BAGS RELEASED A CHEMICAL UPON DEPLOYMENT, WHICH ENTERED THE CONTACT'S EYES AND LANDED ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHEMICAL BURNED HIS EYES AND SCALP. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSED HIM TO EXPERIENCE A CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. CONSUMER STATES THAT ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY DEBRIS LEFT IN THE ROAD FROM A FLATBED. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE AIR BAG EXPLODED ON CONTACT AND METAL AND CHEMICALS WERE RELEASED. CONSUMER RECEIVED BURNS, BLOWS TO HEAD, FACE, EYES, IRRITATED LUNGS. IN ADDITION CONSUMER HAD A SHOULDER INJURY, HIP INJURY, AND LOSS OF HAIR. *DL