TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED, CAUSING MINIMAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING FUNCTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE DITCH AND TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE OUTER TIE ROD END. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BROUGHT TO THEIR FACILITY FOR ADEQUATE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REPAIR PERFORMED BY THE CONTACT WAS RULED AS SUBSTANTIAL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V350000 (STEERING: LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY) AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT WHO REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000.