NHTSA Complaint #11613482 — 2017 DODGE CHALLENGER

My 2017 Dodge Challenger has an 8.4 UConnect touch screen that is experiencing the common delamination defect. There are no warning lights or codes, and my car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It is currently available for inspection, but as it has escalated to a safety concern I do not know how long I can keep it in the car. The screen started delaminating 4 years ago, conveniently months after the car was no longer under the 3 year warranty. In 2020 the dealer charged me the $150 diagnostic fee, and then told me the only thing to do was spend another $1500 to replace the unit. The delamination is happening due to known manufacturer errors in the glue used, and is not exacerbated by owner misuse. After 4 years, the delaminating has spread to over half of the screen and "ghost touches" have increased in frequency so much that they have passed inconvenient/cosmetic and have become dangerous. The touch screen holds more than entertainment and comfort settings, it is also how performance features, and safety features are accessed. These ghost touches started as just changing the radio station, but now opens the performance app, which can not be used while in drive. It will also commonly call the SOS number. If this is activated, it will attempt an SOS call every 60 seconds and there is no way to shut it off. This is distracting to the point of danger at 75 MPH on the interstate. I would be less distracted using a cell phone than trying to ignore a screen flitting to something different every 2 seconds. The NHTSA defines distracted driving as "any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving." I am not distracted by my own poor choices, a recall needs to be made to protect the drivers of these vehicles.