Hood Latch problems of the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500

1998 Dodge ram hood flew open while driving. Consumer states that he was driving 65 mph. He also states that the grill, hood hinges, and insulation are destroyed. He stated there is a recall for this problem.

On 1 Dec 2001 I left watertown, NY to drive to syracuse, NY via I-81 south. Just after the central square entrance ramp my hood blew open at 65mph. This nearly caused me to crash but I managed to finally get the truck pulled over without a crash. I am a handicapped member of the us army so I called my wife to help me get the hood down and strap it down with a ratchet strap and bungie cords. The hood, grill, hinges and hood liner are all damaged beyond repair. Upon returning home I searched the internet and found a "safety recall" #973 for the secondary hood latch failure. I purchased the vehicle used in 2006 and never received a warning. Today I went to dealmaker Dodges service dept and it was verified that the repair service had never been completed. After speaking with the service technician mark (315)-779-5725 I was informed that the district manager mr. David littlejohn disapproved the repair of the damage, however would authorize the recall to be performed. I was told that Chrysler Dodge was not liable for inherit damaged caused by the hood out of nowhere popping open. I contacted the Chrysler customer relations (800) 992-1997 and was told the same thing. I asked for the proof in writing and was refused the document stating that they were not responsible for inhered damaged caused by a defective part that can cause severe injury or death to many people if they do not know how to handle such problems. My chryler corporation reference number is 16995780.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4 wd short bed standard cab hood latch failed. While driving (after a couple miles) the hood began to shake up and down. I pulled over and slammed the hood closed. Completed my trip (30 miles round trip). 2 weeks later I was driving to work. After 1/2 mile the hood began to shake up and down. I began to slow but it was too late (40 mph), the hood flew open and slammed against the windshield. Since I was only 1 mile from my house I stood on top of the engine compartment and pulled the hood back down with my 200 pound frame and inched back to home where it sits. This is definitely a failure of the secondary latch. There was minor yard damage when I drove off the road. Damage to the hood (creased) and the hinges, and front fenders.

Primary and secondary hood latch failed. Hood opened during travel causing severe damage to hood and hinge assemblies.

Hood latch failed.

While driving, the hood latch broke and caused the hood to fly up.

While driving hood flew open resulting in loss of visibility. The dealer replaced the latch but the problem reoccurred.

Received recall letter from Dodge regarding secondary hood latch, and they were refusing to honor recall letter. Dodge stated that repairs would have to be performed on a weekday. Consumer stated it would have to be a weekend, and Dodge will not honor that. Please provide any further information.