The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle rapidly and abnormally accelerated when the accelerator pedal was engaged. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that engine oil was leaking from the vehicle and the tie rod was fractured. In addition, smoke and a small fire erupted from under the hood. The contact was able to contain the fire. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, who advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 109,000.

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The failure occurred whenever the engine was operating at relatively warm temperatures. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions for identical failures, but they were unable to locate the cause of the failures. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the contact was informed that the inner tie rods failed. The entire tie rod system required replacement. The authorized dealer stated that the part for the repair was unavailable due to a massive back order. The repair part has been modified six times. The vehicle is not being driven due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 76,000.

- Perry, IA, USA