NHTSA Complaint #11580608 — 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER

I experienced a catastrophic timing chain failure despite prior recall work being performed by Dodge that supposedly resolved their known timing chain issues with the 5.7L hemi with automatic transmission. This failure occurred without any prior warning at a cruising speed of about 65 MPH rendering the car undrivable. There were no warning lights, drivability issues, or signs of the impending failure. This is a well-maintained car with only 80,000 miles, never missing a required oil change and other maintenance tasks. Timing chains should not fail at such low milage - indeed, timing belts will last longer before they fail. This failure occurred on a major highway placing me and other motorists in danger from the car being unmovable and potentially causing a high-speed collision on a 70 MPH highway. If this had occurred less than 0.5 miles down the road, both shoulders of the roadway were closed due to road widening construction. A certified letter with pictures of the timing chain and timing chain guide failures with a receipt for associated repairs was sent the to the manufacturer in December 2023 but they have not given me the courtesy of a reply. The engine was replaced by an independent mechanic at an out-of-pocket cost of $13,217.38 and the pictures were taken at that time by the repair shop.