The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. When the ignition was turned off, smoke engulfed the front-end of the vehicle. He noticed a small engine compartment fire occurred the second time. He was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was towed to a local facility, and he was advised that the repair cost approximately $1,000. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 230,000. Updated 12/18/09 the hydraulic clutch line failed twice. The consumer learned of a recall. The clutch line failed a second time because a plastic pressure line was used. Updated 12/22/09 updated 02/1710 the hydraulic line from the clutch master cylinder to the clutch slave developed a hole. The vehicle caught on fire due to flammable liquid leaking onto the firewall and exhaust. The consumer learned that a steel line was now being used with a heated shield. Updated 02/19/10

- Victoria, TX, USA

While driving at any speed and without warning, applied on brakes and vehicle would pull to the left or right. Dealer has been notified. Dealer has serviced vehicle before for same problem; however has not found remedy for malfunction. Consumer adds after front pads were replaced front/rear brakes continue to lock up. While opposite end wheels roll free. Many attempts made to correct problem, but lock up still happens frequently. Steering seems very loose and is hard to keep vehicle straight. Power steering gear and steering gear box was replaced however truck continues to wander. Driver side seat cushion saggs. Seat bottom cushion replaced. Cab sqwaks on uneven ground. Black smoke from exhaust when cold or warm. Clutch slips. Dealer could not duplicate. Dimmer on dash lights burns fingers. When turning on turn signals, wipers will activate and rapid flash is heard. Difficulty getting into first gear. ABS jams when under a hard stop and during cold start. Lumbar is inoperative. Tranmsission leaking oil. Replaced output shaft seal. Master cylinder replaced. Most gears difficult to engage. Reverse is very stiff. Shifting 2-3rd will cause shifter to lock up and won't move at all. No problem found. Overhead console inoperative and replaced.

- Myrtle Creek, OR, USA

Transmission malfunctioned in 5 gear. Consumer has to stay at 55 mph, this was 3rd time this happened. When transmission went out for 4th time causing clutch to go out also.

- Russellville, AR, USA

Upon depression of clutch at various speeds, tachometer will show RPM dropping below idle speed, usually leading to stall-out. If vehicle is in motion, such as when upshifting or downshifting, and vehicle stalls, there is also loss of power steering, dimming of lights, loss of ABS. This has happened multiple times while in the middle of curves, at night, and turning into sharp turns. The dealership has attemted to locate the problem on several occasions, and couldn't duplicate it. They did "flash" the computer once, but this did not solve a thing. I feel that eventually this problem could lead to a serious or even fatal accident if not resolved immediately.

- Stonington, CT, USA