NHTSA Complaint #737284 — 1996 DODGE INTREPID

WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED (USED) IN 3/99, THE REAR DEFROSTER DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR WAS SENT TO CHARLIE THOMAS CHRYSLER FOR REPAIR AND THE FUSEABLE LINK WAS REPAIRED (6/99). ON 10/25/00 THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ON AND SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING OUT OF THE INTERIOR VENTS. I STOPPED THE CAR AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO CLEARLAKE DODGE FOR REPAIR. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED WIRE HARNESS DAMAGE LEADING UP TO THE FUSEABLE LINK AND REPLACED THE ENTIRE MAIN WIRE HARNESS DUE TO MELTING AND SHORTING IN THE MAIN HARNESS. THE REAR DEFROSTER CIRCUIT WAS DISCOVERED TO BE SHORTED INTO A METAL CLIP AND IT IS PRESUMED THAT THIS CAUSED THE OVERLOAD. THE OVERLOAD CAUSED MELTING AND SCORCHING IN THE REAR DEFROST CIRCUIT AND THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS. THE FUSEABLE LINK FAILED TO PROTECT THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS. THE FAILURE OF THE FUSEABLE LINK CAUSED A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT COULD HAVE LED TO A FIRE OR AN ACCIDENT (IF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WAS LOST).