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 Important! Let NHTSA know about your hood shock problems! (Page 1)
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| Author | Topic: Important! Let NHTSA know about your hood shock problems! |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-27-2004 03:21 PM
   
I think hoods crashing down is a very serious problem. Luckily, I have not been hurt by the hood yet, but from my understanding, several owners have been hurt. This is a dangerous situation. Imagine showing the engine compartment to a friend or at a show and having someone else get injured by your car... I contacted NHTSA and filed a complaint. I encourage you to do the same. If you have been hurt, make sure you let them know that. Also, it is important for the owners who had their shocks replaced several times to let them know that replacement does not solve the problem. By the way, if you have a 2001 Chrysler Prowler, you would need to select Plymouth as the drop down menu does not include the Prowler as part of the 2001 Chrysler line. Following is my message to NHTSA. Feel free to copy and paste the same if you are the same same catagory as me (unhurt but concerned). Please add more than this if you have specific circumstances:
quote: You can file a complaint here: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Please take a few minutes and fill out the online form. It is important that as many as possible owners let them know there is an issue and hopefully something will be done about this problem. Thanks to DavidN for originally posting the link to the NHTSA website. |
burglarman   POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Hollister, Calif |
posted 12-27-2004 03:34 PM
It only takes about 10 minutes. my complaint is registered. |
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davidn unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-27-2004 03:44 PM
Orange,
pretty cool site..you can also do a search and read all the complaints on any car or truck.... |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-27-2004 03:59 PM
This message has been edited by Orange on 12-27-2004 at 04:19 PM |
MDProwler       POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Fallston,MD USA |
posted 12-27-2004 10:22 PM
Fixed mine. Cost $20. Good Luck. I'm sure DC has some extra prop rods around to solve the problem. |
Gene  POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:St.Petersburg,Fl USA |
posted 12-27-2004 10:26 PM
Thanks,I file my complaint |
CJ           POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Rochester Hills, MI USA |
posted 12-27-2004 11:25 PM
Are you saying that hood shocks should never wear out and that this doesn't happen on other vehicles that has hood shocks?  |
idive POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Texas USA |
posted 12-28-2004 12:41 AM
Are you saying that (for example, in "Bucket's" case) that hood shocks should wear out within 2 weeks of their replacement? Or, are you saying that when I was looking at the unsold 2002 Prowler at a local dealer, that I should have expected it when the hood came crashing down in the showroom when I was checking out the car? The salesman certainly wasn't expecting it. I'll guarantee you that if it had hit me in the head, I would have a 2nd Prowler for FREE right now! Or, are you saying that my (Plymouth) van shouldn't have been recalled because the liftgate (held up by shocks) came crashing down on people, injuring many of them? That something like that is to be expected? Or could these have been made stronger, to last longer, or have a warning, or time frame/shelf life placed on them? I'm not saying they don't go out. But I think there's something not right with these, based on what I hear about them from so many people. Of course, I don't have them on mine to speak to them first hand... other than the aforementioned experience at the dealer. |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-28-2004 01:29 AM
quote: I am saying that new or newly replaced hood shocks should be able to support the weight of the hood. If other vehicles have similar problems, then those vehicles should have a fix as well. Let me ask you a question: do you consider a hood randomly closing because of bad (not worn out) shocks (a) safe (or even acceptable) If you agree with me that a randomly closing hood is dangerous, then I think that you would also agree that there should be a solution to such a danger. This message has been edited by Orange on 12-28-2004 at 01:33 AM |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-28-2004 01:35 AM
And CJ, let's face it, the prowler hood is very light compared to other vehicles. My understanding is that it is aluminum. It shouldn't take a lot to hold up such a light hood. It is heavy enough to cause a lot of pain if it crashes down on someone's head or other body parts. |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-28-2004 01:39 AM
quote: Honestly, issuing a prop rod in my opinion would be the easy way out. Although retrofitting a rod (as part of a recall) would be "acceptable", DC should really look into supplying heavier duty shocks. |
toys POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:kensington Conn, USA |
posted 12-28-2004 05:27 AM
OK OK OK!!! there are very very very few High mileage and daily driver prowler's out there so we can expect that there hood props might have been opened and closed a few time's allowing for reasonable wear & tear. but how do U explain away the new Prowler or literally new Garage Queen that has been stored away in the archives of a climate controlled environment. When i first got my prowler approximately two and a half years ago with 120 miles on it one of the first things the old owner told me was DO NOT PUT THE HOOD UP AND WALK AWAY FROM IT. Because the hood props were bad, and he just had them CHANGED and these were bad also. Well for a while i would not check my oil unless i held the hood up with my head, and was almost embarrassed when trying to show off the engine compartment. Has anybody ever had to ask (Hey could you hold up my hood for me?). Until i finally starting using a collapsible hood prop. Now if we were talking about an EXTREME use or ABUSED part but we are not, the hood props failed miserably from day one as did the replacements. i understand there have been some minor injuries and some damage at least from what i've read. But i could see some one getting Hurt. And then maybe hearing this statement ( HOW DID HE DIE!!!!) LOL LOL These Hood props should not be like a Quart of milk that has a shelf life and then goes bad a week later let alone starting out as bad milk. Toys |
Marty Usher POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:San Antonio, Texas, United States |
posted 12-28-2004 07:03 AM
Maybe because of all the things I have been through with my car due to my own error in running the nitrous system (programmed incorrectly) I don't get all bent of shape over the small things. I've had the hood struts replaced several times - all under warranty at NO CHARGE. Maybe they wear out quicker than they should. We have replaced the struts on the rear hatch of an Ford SUV in the past also. Now that my extended warranty is worn out I will look for struts that last longer next time I need them. This obviously bothers some of you a lot, so good luck on getting a remedy from DC. |
ALLEY CAT POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 12-28-2004 08:02 AM
As I stated on another thread: It's widely known that there are some poor parts ideas incorporated into the Prowler: I consider these a small part of being able to own a Prowler. I see tens of thousands of cars going through the wholesale auction ring each year, and believe me, all makes and models have their own problems to deal with. I congratulate the old Chrysler Corp. for designing and building our cats |
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Tom Santella Prowler Junkie From:Sandy Hook Ct. USA |
posted 12-28-2004 08:27 AM
You are right AC, it is a swmall part of being a Prowler owner and I commend DC for building this car, with all it's faults. That does not mean that we shouldn't be getting DC to take care of what could be a serious and dangerous problem. No one thought that it was to much to ask DC to take care of the ball joint situation. The ? is not that they should never wear out, but mine were bad from day 1. There should be no debate on this, and I love debates , DC should take care of the situation. But I sure wouldn't sell my Kat if they didn't! I am going to file a complaint also. ------------------ |
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Orange unregistered Admin Use |
posted 12-28-2004 09:22 AM
quote: Alley Cat, I agree with you that every car has minor issues. I understand that the prowler is a limited production vehicle and would have some problems. However, if you look back at your list of knows issues, you will notice that the only item that is a safety issue as well is the hood support system. Bad chrome and cheap center caps are annoying, but I live with them. It won't physcially hurt me if some chrome is peeling. Even the transmission sensor failure is not a big safety issue, as the car goes into limp-home mode. Likewise, a window that won't go up or shocks leaking fluid are not really safety issues. I can deal with "problems", they are present on every production car. I don't think I should have to deal with a safety issue. |
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idive POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Texas USA |
posted 12-28-2004 01:54 PM
AC - you forgot to mention the Kevlar body straps that Tami is having a problem with. Bob stated that THAT was a safety issue. Well, bullet proof vests that law enforcement, or military personnel wear, made from Kevlar, have a similar problem. The Kevlar is known to deteriorate over time, rendering them useless. Does that mean that since Tami's Kevlar straps are now deteriorating, that it should be expected and is not really a safety issue to be dealt with accordingly? |
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Marty Usher POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:San Antonio, Texas, United States |
posted 12-28-2004 02:09 PM
I think before you go adding the Kevlar straps to the recall issue, the cause of the straps failure should be determined. As far I know Tami's is the only car with a strap Problem. I don't remember reading about any others. If it turns out to be a case of the Kevlar just deteriorating, then certainly it should be looked into further. |
Black Tie 161 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:MD, USA |
posted 12-28-2004 02:15 PM
My Camaros were famous for hood struts failing after a year or two....seems the nature of the beast if the lift points for the hood are so far back that a lot of the hood weight has to be supported by the struts. That doesn't bother me that much.... The only thing that makes me nervous is the $#@! ball joints. Try to lube them and they spurt grease on the first warm day. Plus I'm on my third front lower ball joint on the pass. side. Seeing the Durangos in the news with ball joint problems makes me wonder if we share the same ball joints with them...(and wondering if the recalled ball joints are just as susceptible for failure....?) |
TFischer POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Texas, USA |
posted 12-28-2004 02:19 PM
Only one of my straps is having a problem and only on one side. Not completely sure of the cause and hopefully something can be determined with regard to that. Who knows I possibly could have gotten the only bad piece of Kevlar - I've known it to have happened in the past with regard to a problem with only one. I would assume that if someone else were having problems they would have come forward with my post. And, since they are on the underside of the car - who knows what possibly could have happened. T |
GRROWL POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Herndon, VA |
posted 12-28-2004 04:21 PM
What do you think this is, Ford?
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SirReal POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Burtonsville,Md Good ole U.S.A |
posted 12-28-2004 04:44 PM
The first time mine failed was at a local car show. I was standing behind the car answering questions from a spectator and there was a guy standing in the front looking at the engine from about a foot away. The hood slammed shut like an alligator on a chicken, we all jumped and the guy up front started defending his innocence. After that I stayed with the car eyeing the hood knowing it would happen again. But I got distracted for a moment and there was a guy with his head under the front of the hood looking at the shock setup. I pulled him out of the way quickly. (I thought there was going to be a fight) As I was explaining my action the hood came down like a guillotine. He thanked me and walked away.(I'm pretty sure I lost that vote) Yes these can replaced but the problem is that you never know when it will first fail and who will pay the price. Sadly it will probably take a fatal injury to become a recall. This would be a great poll question. I wonder how many have failed. Mine is a 2002 and failed in 2004. Jeff Good valid cause Orange! |
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GRROWL POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Herndon, VA |
posted 12-28-2004 05:06 PM
Mine have been replaced twice under warranty(s). Stupid question time: Will NHTSA consider a recall, whether it presents a danger or not, if the engine is not running? I suspect that they only consider "safety" issues involving DRIVING the car. Note how the Ford recall above was twisted to make it a safety issue when it occurred "if unlocked during a crash". I suspect that NHTSA ain't gonna help out on this one (unless someone can come up with a scenario where it presents a danger WHILE DRIVING). -GRROWL |
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MDProwler POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Fallston,MD USA |
posted 12-28-2004 08:03 PM
AC, you couldn't have said it better. I guess to some it's a car. To me it's a Hot Rod and I expect issues such as this. Personally I think product liability has gone too far. Someone makes a million of something, two dozen hurt someone and the whole million get recalled. No wonder cars are so expensive. They have to be absolutly perfect forever. Ok I'll get off my soapbox now. Not trying to get anyone worked up.
PS: Help Wanted; Technician with lifetime warranty on their work. |
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CJ POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Rochester Hills, MI USA |
posted 12-28-2004 08:09 PM
I'm not saying that this hasn't happened and I'm not saying it isn't a dangerous thing. All I'm saying is that car parts (which generally are manufactured by an outside vendor) are not infallible, which is obvious by all the recalls that occur with all the manufacturers. I own two (a 1999 and a 2002) Prowlers and have not had this issue with either one of them. The struts (which are not all that large compared to the design/length of the hood) on the Prowler are far back on the hood and have to carry a relatively heavy load..... just because the hood is aluminum doesn't make it "light" or easy to hold up. I'm not an engineer and I have no explanation as to why some of the struts fail "early" and some haven't at all. |
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