Our Dodge Ram 1500 was working fine one day the next day the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights were not functioning. We checked fuses and anything else obvious. The next day we took it to a mechanic, after half a day of checking he found that the fuse and relay center (integrated power module) which is located under the hood was corroded. This box is not air tight and allows water to get inside and corrode the insides. Dodge dealer advised they replace the fuse and relay center and FCM (front control module) together. The FCM is connected to the ipm (integrated power module). Come to find out the ipm is not sealed from the elements. The circuit board is exposed from the bottom which allows water to splash into the module thereby shorting the FCM. I believed Dodge knows this is a poor design and is unsafe because the new parts have been redesigned which is sealed from the elements. This is dangerous because of obvious reasons. I believe this is a design defect and should be recalled because the wiring system problems result in loss of lighting. For it is very dangerous to drive this way. Per NHTSA info: When is a recall necessary? when a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment (including tires) does not comply with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. When there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment. What is a safety-related defect? the United States code for motor vehicle safety (title 49, chapter 301). Examples of defects considered safety-related--wiring system problems that result in a fire or loss of lighting.

- Lapeer, MI, USA

Truck was taken into the autowest Dodge dealership to fix taillights that didn't work. At the time the truck was in their possession there were 2 open recalls and they did not notify me of either. Nine months later the brakes, clutch, and power steering went out while I was driving it. Once I got it to the side of the road the engine was engulfed in flames. Truck is a total loss. Truck had 31,000 miles on it. DaimlerChrysler has denied responsibility for the problem.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

1) there were no incidents leading up to the vehicles failures. 2) the headlights will not shut off when engine is on / the windshield wipers and pump are inoperable. They both occurred at the same time. Family was stuck on rainy highway for several hours. 3) Dodge service "thinks" the power distribution center may have shorted out the electronic control module and recommend replace both -$750 there is a back order for both parts - apparently there are many requests. Part #'s 56045433af and 56051036ad.

- Jensen Beach, FL, USA

5 minutes after parking vehicle caught on fire.

- Combine, TX, USA

Since December of 2001 verizon has had (6) Dodge full size vans involving 1998-2001 B vans. All (6) fires appear to have started under the hood. All (6) vans are equipped with the kelsey hayes ebc 325 anti-lock brake systems. Three of the fires occurred in the ABS controller area of the engine compartment without the entire truck going up in flames because the drivers were able to have the fires extinguished before the fires got a real good start. Three of the fires happened while the vehicles were unattended and the vehicles were totally destroyed. On Sept. 4th, 2003 a 2002 Dodge van was reported by the driver to have the ABS pump running continualy for over 2 hours. The ABS pump was extremely hot. Had to disconnect the battery to shut the pump off. When this van was brought into the verizon garage the ABS light and the brake warning lights were illuminated in the instrument cluster and the ABS pump was running continually. The van was towed to rothrock Dodge in allentown, pa.,on 9-5-03 and left with danny david for diagnosis. When the scan tool was connected to the ABS system they found (2) codes, main relay open and pump motor circuit open. At this time no repairs have been completed on this vehicle until Chrysler and a verizon fleet tech. Support specialist can look into this case. Contact persons at verizon are as follows; tom spezio 732-493-9902 bob prince 410-760-8836 fred pletscher 610-264-0685.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

Consumer states vehicle caught on fire. Dealer notified.

- Belle Chasse, LA, USA