2002 Dodge RAM 1500: jerking or lurching

Filed May 7, 2015 · Electrical, Transmission · 99,502 miles · MA

On july 8, 2012, the mother carried her 2 year-old daughter to her husband's parked 2002 dodge ram 1500 pickup equipped with a manual transmission. The mother opened the passenger door, inserted the ignition key into the ignition switch, turned the key as the mother was trying to activate the air conditioner and cool the vehicle down before her husband came out to drive them home from church.the vehicle was in 1st gear and lurched forward when the key was turned.the speed of 2 MPH at time of incident is an approximation only. The mother was struck by the moving vehicle which knocked her child from her arms to the pavement. The child suffered severe head trauma and was removed to the hospital by ambulance. The child later died in the emergency room. The accidental death was caused by failure of the clutch ignition interlock safety switch, compression spring, and attendant parts. This is the same defect involved in recall no.14v795000 and is at least the second death caused by this same defect. The only difference is that recall no. 14v795000 covers vehicles back to only 2004, and this vehicle is a 2002 model year.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Brakes, Tires · 32,000 miles · TX

While driving vehicle jerked forward when consumer tried to down shift the transmission gears. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak in addition, consumer is having trouble with tires and its sidewall and requesting manufacturer to design tires for off road conditions. Front brake rotors are warped and the pads have 80 percent left at 34,000 miles.

Filed Nov 5, 2003 · Brakes · 22,000 miles · ND

When applying the brakes steering wheel would jerk either right or left after driving approximately 50 MPH. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic indicated that brake rotors were severely warped.*ak *jb

Filed Oct 30, 2003 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · OK

When driving over bumps front suspension shook and jerked. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for alignment inspection. Mechanic stated that left upper ball joint failed.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Brakes · VA

When the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, it jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the consumer was informed the rotors were warped.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Suspension · CA

Rear end makes vehicle bounce when it hits a bump in the road, making it difficult to control vehicle.*ak consumer states that the bounce is so bad, that the tires seem to leave the pavement, when changing lanes, the vehicle literally jerks consumer into the next lane, the dealer can not find a remedy for the problem.

Filed Apr 12, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · GA

While driving and upon pressing brakes, vehicle will lurch about eight or nine feet.this has happened at least five times. Took vehicle to dealer, and problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.