Letter from congressman dent on behalf of constituent re heater box failure in Dodge trucks the consumer stated the initial problem with the fresh air/recirculation door started 2-3 years ago. Shortly, after replacing the fresh air/recirculation door, the heat and defroster stopped working. The consumer tried to replace the control switch in the dash, thinking it was bad and not working the internal doors properly, but after the replacement, the problem remained the same. He then replaced the mode door actuators, and the motor control that controlled the doors. However, that did not resolve the problem either. The consumer went to the dealer where he was informed the entire dash would have to be removed, because the doors failed and a new heater box was needed...updated 04/19/12 updated 04/23/12

- Pottstown, PA, USA

In January of this year the blend and mode control doors failed on my 2006 Dodge Ram. When these components fail, the driver is either unable to adjust the temperature of the heating/cooling system, they are unable to control the air flow (ie: Floor, dash, windshield), or in my case- both. Living in a northern climate, it is an absolute necessity to have a functioning defrost system. This is a huge safety concern as driver visibility can be greatly limited. After the failure, I did some research and found many cases of the same failure being experienced by other Ram owners. The failure is so common that you can easily find several write ups on the issue and details about how someone can fix the problem when it happens if they cannot afford the obscene price that Dodge dealerships want to charge to fix the problem. The failure is so common that there even are improved 3rd party parts that are upgraded in design and quality so the problem is not as likely to repeat itself. This is not only a failure that is annoying, but it also a failure that is very much a safety issue.

- Grandville, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the defroster and heater did not operate properly due to a defect in the recirculation of the heating and air conditioning unit. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who repaired the failure under warranty but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified who stated there were no recalls and offered no other assistance. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000.

- Bayside, TX, USA

The turn signal switch the opposite of what has been selected on the steering column. If the left turn is selected the right turn lights come on and indicate you are making a right turn. The high beam switch does not always work. The wipers are not reliable either.

- West Valley City , UT, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that when the left directional signal was engaged, the right turn signal activated instead. In addition, the windshield wipers also failed. The contact stated that the failure was contributed to the multi-function switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 112,000.

- Pawnee, OH, USA

The multi function switch was defective in my vehicle. This caused the following safety concerns with the vehicle: 1) the windshield wipers did not work, 2) the turn signals did not work, and 3) the hazzard lights did not work. I have two problems with the situation: 1) while driving the vehicle during a rain storm on 9/26/2011, the windshield wipers did not work. This caused a safety concern and could have caused a potential accident and 2) while driving the vehicle, the turn signals did not work. This caused a safety concern and could have caused an accident. After taking the vehicle to the local Dodge dealership, I was informed that the multi function switch was on back order. To be exact, four thousand multi function switches were on back order per the local dealership and Chrysler group customer assistance. Neither the local dealership or the Chrysler group customer assistance had any idea when the part would be available. I asked both parties why the part is on back order since this is a matter of safety. No answer was given. After further research via the internet, it was determine that other Dodge Ram truck owners had the same type issue with their multi function switch being defective. It would be great if Dodge would notify all owners of the problem with the multi function switch and have them reviewed and/or replaced if needed. This could potentially save someone from serious injury or death from the the multi function switch being defective while driving. My hope and prayer is to have other Dodge Ram truck owners understand the importance of this problem. It could potentially save their life.

- Trussville, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the turn signals, windshield wipers, and the headlights were all inoperable. The dealer replaced the stalk in August 2010 to remedy the failure; however, the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current mileage was 76,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Woodstock, NY, USA

I was half way to my destination driving on a busy highway at 75mph pulling both my horses and my three horse trailer in a rain storm when the wipers sporadically stopped working. On the high setting they went to low, then stopped, then started again going fast, then completely quit posing a serious hazard to myself, my animals, and all around me on the highway. I was able to move over onto the shoulder and wait it out a while until I could attempt to complete my trip. With so many complaints I don't understand why this hasn't been recalled. I have replaced the wiper motor which only made the wipers move very slowly. There is still a problem, likely quite expensive, which will need to be fixed. My truck is driven very sparingly and had only 75000 miles at the time of wiper failure.

- Brooksville, FL, USA

Wipers fail to turn on or get stuck on intermediate, turn signals work on the opposite side that you place them, when you put the right turn signal on the left works. Sometime you can't switch the headlight from bright to dim or vice versa.

- Kaplan, LA, USA

Turn signal will either not work or show the wrong side flashing (have almost been rear-ended), wipers wouldn't work properly or at all (go very slow or not move at all when on, causing me not being able to see when it's raining hard). Flashers won't turn on at all. Happens every time I need my flashers, wipers, and blinkers. Replaced the multi-function switch and all of the problems above are fixed. I still have the old switch and I have heard it's a common problem.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

2006 Dodge Ram turn signal/wiper multifunction switch malfunctioning. If left turn signals are activated, the right turn lights flash. If rights are activated, no lights flash at all. Have found many other owners of same truck with same problem and no recall by Chrysler.

- Roseville, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the blend door for the defroster and heater was fractured. The contact stated the windows would not clear when the defroster was activated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for repairs or diagnostics. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

- Woodstown, NJ, USA

2006 Ram 2500 the blend door has broken and I can no longer control where the air is directed. This is definitely a safety issue when it comes to not being able to defrost the windows and should be a recall.

- Woodstown, NJ, USA

Right side windshieled wiper motor arm stopped working at 73,000 miles.

- Epping, NH, USA

2006 Dodge Ram 2500 heater will not switch to the defrost or the floor. Air only comes out the dash. Truck only has 40800 miles on it but Dodge refuses to fix it unless I pay for it. I consider it a safety issue. After reviewing this problem on-line I see that this is a problem for the Dodge line. They are not proud of their product. It has cost them a customer.

- Crawfordville, FL, USA

Failure of windshield wiper linkage caused loss of vision during heavy rain storm. This is obvious not an isolated incident. The dealers are selling the replacements as fast as they get them in. My Dodge truck is only 4 years old and the linkage failed where the linkage arm is connect to the windshield wiper arm mount. The problem stems from a ball and socket design that requires an nylon bushing to hold the two parts together. The nylon bushing is failing prematurely (only 4 years.) since the replacement is the exact duplicate, we can expect it to also wear out (another 4 years) and create and instant driving hazard. This needs to be redesigned by Dodge and replaced on all vehicles immediately before a serious accident happens. To keep replacing it with the same flawed design is absurd.

- Port Orford, OR, USA

Cold weather causes ice to form on the inside and outside of the windshield and the heater control would not go to defrost. Had to stop in heavy traffic to scrape the inside and outside of windshield to remove ice. The air flow, blend door plastic actuator that is connected to the electric motor broke. The dealer told me it is very common and charged me $578.93 to fix the problem. I had no choice but to have them fix it because it was to dangerous to drive in the winter.

- Columbia City, IN, USA

A went in the defroster system that activates the fresh air or in cab circulation system failed at the pivot point. The door then fell over the fan at the bottom of the system which doesn't allow any air to flow out of any vent. I live near minneapolis, mn and this happened in August so there were no issues but if this had happened during the winter the defrost function would not have worked which is something that drivers in Minnesota rely on every day in the winter to be able to see out the windshield.

- Prior Lake, MN, USA

Turn signals do not blink properly, often times both come on at once. Windshield wipers suddenly go off during the middle of driving, which is not experienced very often due to it not raining very often, but it happens enough to scare me.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

My wiper motor quit during a heavy rainstorm. I had cars honking behind me, I pulled over to the right lane and with my head out an open window, I used the lane lines to guide me. My mechanic told me that there were service bulletins for water intrusion into the windshield wiper motor assembly. Took it to the dealer, where he said there were no recalls on my 06 2500 Ram pu truck. He said it would cost $234. Now they say it will cost $1200 as it involves the trucks computer system. Why is the recall (09V084000) only for 2008 and 2009 when the same part is in 2002-2009?

- Lafayette, CA, USA