NHTSA Complaint #11378532 — 2013 RAM 1500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RE-ALIGN TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE, LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE, INNER TIE ROD END, SHOCK ASSEMBLY AND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE STEERING RESUMED TO NORMAL BUT DUE TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DAMAGE, IT NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HIM. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HIT HIS FACE AND WRIST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD GLASS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED HE WOULD BE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.