Table 1 shows one common wheel related problems of the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel problems |
During travel on interstate 40 at exit 56, drivers side front tire separated causing damage to inner fender, windshield washer electrical components, and fender and nearly causing catastrophic loss of vehicle control and loss of life of an entire family. All tires were at the proper inflation and temperature range at the time of the incident. With only 20,000 miles on the tire, this seems to be manufactured defect from the general tire company. I no longer consider general tires to be a reliable product and will research and seek replacements from other reputable tire companies. I do recommend product recall of the ameritrac lt235/80r17 tire line as well as product safety compliance inspections of the general tire company.
The right front tire,a general ameritrac 235/80r/17,which is the original spare tire that was put on just a couple of months before,started to shake. I went to local tire store to get a new one installed. They did not have any so I was on my way home. Its about 8 miles each way to this store from my home. On the way home,this tire blew up like it had a bomb in it! the disintegrating tire destroyed my running board,fender flair and dented the trucks fender. I didn't have a spare,so I used the trucks tire tools (another issue)and took one of the rear duals off of the back and put in on the front to get home. After a trip to the tire store,they would replace or adjust this tire,so I had to buy a new one. Well just the other day that tire started to shake too. After running 70 mph on the interstate,and having tire issues with the same general tires,I was quick to get off an exit ramp to see what was making my truck shake. I quickly noticed that the left front tire was coming apart like the other one had done. So I did the same as before,I took a dual wheel off and put in the steer position. This tire was coming apart and I caught it before it blew too. Upon removal I about fell over when I seen a bulge in this tire on the inside where the tread and sidewall meet. This bulge was the size of a large grapefruit!these tires have 16/32 tread when new. The one that was coming apart still has 13/32 tread. Barely worn. The dealer has offered to pro rate the tire. Thats ok. But what about the damage the other had doen to my truck? I guess im out of luck??these general tires obviously have safety issues that need looked into. The tire dealer and general tire (and myself) are lucky there weren't any injuries as when the first tire blew at 50 mph,I had my hands full keeping my truck under control. Had I had my trailer behind me with a load on it going 70 mph,there would have been one hell of a wreck.
Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 35000. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tie rod failed while accelerating from a traffic stop. The contact was able to repair the failure by replacing the tie rod. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger's side wheel was cracked due to defective material. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, the failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 155,000. Kmj.