TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRAUSS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AS HE NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE HEADLIGHTS AND BLINKERS FAILED YET THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE SMOKE VANISHED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN OVERHEATED AND BURNED. THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WOULD NEED REPLACING YET THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. A REPRESENTATIVE WAS SENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY TYPE OF REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.