Dear sir/mam, I purchased a 2001 Dodge Ram new. After approximately 10,000 miles I heard abnormal squealing as I turned onto other streets at a low speed. I also noticed uneven tire wear. I was advised by the Dodge dealership that the vehicle had no defects and to seek out the tire manufacturer. In February 2007 with approximately 58,400 miles on the truck I was traveling through town and heard a clunking noise coming from my rear end. I located a mechanic that opened up my differential pan and found metal pieces laying in the pan. My truck has a limited slip differential with 4:10 gears. This layout of gears is part of the heavy duty off road package Dodge offered with their trucks at the time of my purchase. My mechanics diagnosis was that the posi- traction spacers had exploded as they had appeared to have stuck together. The pieces of metal then eventually tried to travel through the ring and gear causing chipping. The end result is to having the rear differential completely repaired at a cost with parts and labor exceeding $1300. I recalled back to my original complaint with Dodge of the excessive tire squealing and uneven tire wear at 10,000 miles and based upon my knowledge believe that the tires were squealing while turning onto other streets as the rear end was locked up in the posi traction mode. I contacted Dodge several times and spoke with their chief customer representative by the name of pat. Dodge stated at the end of each conversation that they could not assist me in this issue even after I advised them of this safety issue in their Dodge trucks. I have spoke and located four other Dodge owners in my town that have had to repair their Dodge truck rear ends. After observing the metal pieces in the differential and from some personnel experience from a previous incident in a friends truck years ago I made the following determination, the pieces that explode in the differential will make a clunking noice in the differential.

- Newton, IA, USA

The front wheel assembly, control arms, and wheel hubs had to be replaced by local dealer. I was told by a trained technician that the wheel's could have broken away from the vehicle while driving. The engine heater core and air conditioning main element stopped functioning and had to be replaced by local dealer. The rear differential, pinion bearings and cups stopped working at 77,400 miles and had to be replaced by local dealer. This was just 2,000 miles after the previous stated parts had malfunctioned. Old parts are only available from the rear differential, but invoices are available for all work performed.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

While driving at 55 mph consumer heard a loud noise. It sounded like it was coming through the transmission. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and technician replaced the differential unit, but the problem recurred.

- Harlan, IA, USA

Own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 2wd, XLT, quad cab, 8 ft bed, 5.9 ltr. Have 48,500 miles. Am going in to have the differential repaired for a second time. The gear / clutch system has failed twice. Thanks to my warranty it has been repaired, but my warranty expires in 1000 miles and I know this differential will not last another 25,000 mile. I had owned a 1989 Dodge Ram van and put 200,000 miles on it with no problems, which lead me to buy another Dodge. Now I can not even get 25,000 miles with out problems. Have never towed or carried a load over 500 pounds with this P/U. most the mileage is highway driving. Was looking at buying another Dodge but now I have my doubts. Once this repair is done I might look into getting rid of the truck before it costs me excessive dollars to keep it rolling. Have heard of other complaints as to this same problem but have not seen anything in writing.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Consumer heard a loud noise coming from back tires of pickup while towing a trailer. Dealer stated there was a problem with the pinion gear where the differential is. Consumer states keys would get stuck in recessed screw holes on steering wheel, and while attempting a turn the vehicle would be stuck almost causing consumer to have an accident.

- Bloomington, IL, USA