Jay Buckner » Random Thoughts

Toyota issues a recall, but what about Dodge?

Jay — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:24:46 +0000

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.

Back in the saddle

Jay — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:20:39 +0000

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

Monday Music Mashup

Jay — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:53:11 +0000

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

Justin Timberlake covers Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”

Jay — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:03:46 +0000

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…

Jay — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:12:11 +0000

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.

Jay — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:44:41 +0000

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.