NHTSA complaint: 2000 DODGE RAM 1500 — SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR CRASH WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL. THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT BUMPER FELL ON THE ROAD AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED. SHE SUFFERED A DISLOCATED BROKEN STERNUM. THE POLICE RESPONDED BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE OWNER DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELTS HAD ALSO FAILED DURING THE CRASH. THE BELTS DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE OWNER BELIEVED THAT THE REASON FOR THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED WAS BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED BOTH SEAT BELTS AT CHRYSLERS EXPENSE. THE MECHANIC TESTED THE NEW BELTS AND THE NEW DRIVERS SIDE BELT WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT LOCK. THE DEALER ORDERED ANOTHER SEAT BELT AND IT APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,795. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE STRUCK A SAND HILL. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED MINIMAL DAMAGE AND DID NOT HINDER DRIVABILITY. UPDATED 11/17/10
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation