2005 Dodge Magnum locks complaints

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Locks · 19,491 miles · LA

I was driving along kings highway at about 35 MPH and the hood suddenly flew up. The hood slammed back down as I came to a stop thus trapping the hood struts outside the hood on either side damaging the hood and both fenders. July 3 I called the local dodge dealer landers dodge and reported the problem to them. I also inquired about towing and they said they use smiths towing. I called smiths towing and they told me that the hood was going to fly up no matter if it was on a rollback or not and suggested that I save the wrecker fee and drive it. I drove the car from my home to fern ave which is about 3 miles upon driving on fern ave the hood flew up again causing even more damage. I again secured the hood and drove to the dealership at 10 MPH with my emergency flashers on. I left the vehicle at the dealership for their inspection as their chrysler rep would not be there until wednesday. On wednesday the dealership called me and said it is not a covered defect and that I would have to file with my insurance company. There is a tsb on this issue number 2302004 but yet they say they are not responsible. I need some sort of effective recourse on this as at this point I have none.

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Locks · 25 miles · NV

2005 dodge magnum [xxx], ordered 30 jun 2004, assembled 26-27 august 2004 in brampton, ontario; delivered to purchaser 17 sep 2004. Liftgate fails to open due to a failure of the electronic release. Only alternative method to release the liftgate lock is to crawl into the rear of the vehicle, remove an access panel over the locking mechanism and release the lock manually. I notified dodge via their web site (20 sep 2004) and was told to take the vehicle to my dealer to have the problem fixed. I tried to explain, in 7 subsequent emails, that the problem is not so much with the failure of the electronic locking mechanism, but with the fact that dodge would release for public sale a vehicle with such a poorly engineered backup system for accessing the rear compartment via the liftgate in the event of a liftgate latch failure. According to the dealer service writer, there is a failure of the ground wire to the latch mechanism. This sometimes results in the failure of the right-rear passenger door to open as well, although I have not experienced this part of the problem. Dodgeland, USA apparently has a technician who has diagnosed and repaired the problem on at least three (3) other magnums in las vegas. I am planning to have my magnum repaired within a day or so. I have recently been informed by my dealer (dodgeland, USA) that dodge now recognizes a design problem and will be installing keylock access on the outside liftgates of 2006 and newer dodge magnums. I insist all current owners should receive a retrofit of this keylock capability. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. [xxx] [xxx] *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)