NHTSA Complaint #11656464 — 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

Suspension system potentially life threatening. On [XXX] I purchased a 2005 Chevy Silverado truck from used car dealer in Tallassee, AL/$6000. Several days after driving home at Interstate speeds, I discovered extreme rust on the underside of the truck. The spare tire rim was unusable from rust and the tire hoist was rusted beyond use--I had to cut the tire hoist cable tip with a grinder and let the tire fall to the driveway. At that point, I found an extremely unsafe and dangerous defect to the truck. The top of the right rear shock absorber was not attached to the truck frame. The connector bracket had rusted completely away from the truck frame. I texted pictures and called the dealer and was told the sale was “as is”--not his problem. I asked if he inspected, or even looked at the bottom of the truck—his text reply was “I personally did not do anything other than a walk around and test drive” He later said by text he had been a used car dealer for 32 years and had an excellent reputation. Subsequent research found NHTSA-DOT’s 49 CFR Section 570.8 -Suspension Systems-- where it states “Shock absorber mountings, shackles, and U-bolts shall be securely attached.” I believe the licensed used car dealer failed to properly inspect the used truck and clearly did not identify and report to me, the buyer, hidden potential life threatening deficiencies of the suspension system and other defects that would dramatically reduce the value of the vehicle. At that point the dealer refused to answer his phone or texts. My local mechanic advised me not to use the truck and only drive it (below 45 mph) in light traffic for short drives to keep the truck running and the battery charged. I have owned vehicles for over [XXX] and have never had any problems with any of the vehicles. I am [XXX]. I reported this to the Alabama Dept of Revenue ("ALDOR" - [XXX]) 8 Apr 25 and received a confirmation of receipt. No response yet-23 Apr 25. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F