Toyota issues a recall, but what about Dodge?
Posted on | February 5, 2010 | No Comments
In light of the Toyota gas pedal recall, I am encouraged that Toyota at least stands behind their vehicles. Can’t say the same for Dodge. Countless Dodge Ram owners, myself included, have been dealing with cracked dashboards that are defective. When I say “cracked” I mean severely cracking all over the dash to the point of collapse. There are reports of dashes completely caving in and causing other problems with wiring beneath the dash. This is not an issue of wear-and-tear of high mileage vehicles or sun damage. In fact, my truck has a little more than 45,000 miles on it. The dash began cracking at about 30,000 miles. Dodge trucks are popular in Kentucky and I’m sure there are hundreds- if not thousands- of other Dodge owners facing the same predicament.
Dodge dealerships reportedly offer a typical response that they’ve never seen the problem or that it’s a very limited problem. But, ask a used-car salesman or someone working at a salvage yard and it’s a good bet they know how pervasive this problem is. In fact, when I stopped in a local auto salvage yard and asked if I could look at dashboards, his reply was, “Is if for a Dodge truck? Don’t have any… can’t keep them.” Surprising, particularly considering I was driving my Chevy that day, not the Dodge.
A couple of years ago, as a result of a television report from Florida, Dodge stated they were addressing the problem. Apparently, they haven’t. As a result, truck owners either live with a defective and potentially hazardous product or pay ~$800-1,200 to fix the problem by installing the same dash that has already cracked.
This is a safety concern. Would you feel safe driving a truck with sharp shards of plastic waiting to dislodge? Or would you prefer the dash caving in on your airbag and electrical systems? Ask me if I would buy another Dodge Ram.
Want to really see how much of a problem this is? Mine is not an isolated incident.
Read more about it at:
CBS affiliate WKMG in Orlando ran a story that can be seen at: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/13227601/detail.html
A follow-up story is at http://www.clickorlando.com/news/13254698/detail.html
Although Toyota is facing some serious scrutiny right now, and rightly so, I expect they will rebound nicely. The fact is: (unless there is a lot more to this story) Toyota makes a fine product and they are willing to stand behind their products. Dodge could take a lesson here and learn how a respectable company fixes what’s defective. If you ask me, Dodge is not all they’re cracked up to be … well, except their dashboards.
Back in the saddle
Posted on | February 4, 2010 | No Comments
Nine days following knee surgery, I glad to report that I’m back at work.
The surgery went better than expected, but I have many weeks of rehab before me. This bodes well for my future basketball aspirations… after all … I still have four years of eligibility remaining.
So, let me thank Dr. Darren Johnson at UK Sports Medicine for his sense of humor and his skill as a surgeon. Both are quite cutting. As parting gifts I got a nifty tee shirt and a Cryo Cuff and a now half-used bottle of percocet. Drug abusers beware: I have three dogs and a 38 within reach.
Apparently my injury was the result of too much butt kicking at work. It just wore my knee out.
As we Bereans say … “onward and upward.”
Back in my cockpit
Tags: Dr. Darren Johnson > surgery > UK Sports Medicine > Work
Monday Music Mashup
Posted on | February 1, 2010 | No Comments
So I’ve decided that each week I will highlight a musical video that is superb for one reason or another: this just means I like it. Irregardless (I just like to say that) of the style of music, the musician’s popularity or its relevance to many of today’s musically illiterate youth who think Taylor Swift is good… I give you … Ruthie Henshall.
http://jayebuckner.com/wp-login.php?action=logout&_wpnonce=4a47ce80e7
My new motorcycle rocks… and rolls… and rumbles
Posted on | January 28, 2010 | No Comments
I just bought a 2003 Honda Shadow A.C.E (American Classic Edition). It has just 7,500 miles on it. It’s been way too long since I have had the daily joy of riding with the wind. Close to Berea? Let’s ride.
Justin Timberlake covers Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”
Posted on | January 25, 2010 | No Comments
If you didn’t see this live performance on the “Hope for Haiti Now” telecast then you missed the best version I’ve ever heard of this remarkable song. WARNING: Watch this only if you feel like being moved.
Buying a Dodge Ram 1500? Something you need to know…
Posted on | January 18, 2010 | 1 Comment
I bought my 2000 model “ram tough” truck from my father a couple of years ago. It’s in wonderful shape with only 45,000 miles. Since then the dashboard has cracked, and cracked and cracked. It looks like a jigsaw puzzle now.
There are literally thousands of complaints about this, but Dodge has refused to issue a recall and fix an obviously defective (and a potentially dangerous) product. The affected models seem to be from 1998-2006. It’s no wonder American car makers continue to fight an image of inferiority. Perhaps it’s not an image but a reality, at least in Dodge’s case.
Dodge trucks are not all they’re cracked up to be, except for their dashboards.
If you own a Dodge with a cracked dashboard there are a couple of things you need to do; however, at this point, it’s unlikely you’ll get a new dash, until Dodge issues a recall. First, go to Safercar.gov and file a complaint. Secondly, call Dodge at 800-992-1997 to report your issue.
If you’re looking at buying a Ram, do your research and at least know what you’re getting: likely, a very good truck with a defective dashboard.
This is the best wine for the $, imo.
Posted on | January 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon… Taste it, but don’t spit it out. It’s a California wine that earns it’s accolades. If you try it and don’t like it… I’ll finish it off.
Mitchell “signs” Shout to the Lord
Posted on | January 10, 2010 | No Comments
This is one of my most favorite videos on my son, Mitchell. He’s on the far left.
Wordpress on iPhone worx great
Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 2 Comments
In fact, this post is straight from my iPhone. Now that’s connecticity.
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