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Huntsville Dodge

Huntsville, AL

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Roger of Huntsville AL (11/8/00):
I own a 1998 Dodge Durango that needs an engine replacement. It currently has approximately 62,000 miles. I purchased the 100,000 mile "bumper to bumper" warranty in addition to the 7/70 waranty that came with the vehicle. I purchased the vehicle new from Huntsville Dodge in November 1998.

The vehicle has had numerous problems identified that were eventually fixed by Huntsville Dodge. The one previous exception was my complaint of an engine knock which the dealer said they could not find. My most recent problem came while driving on the interstate. I experienced a sudden loss of oil pressure from 40 to 0 instantly. This condition persisted intermittently in the short drive home (oil pressure would jump from 40 to 0 and back frequently - no other symptoms such as increased engine temperature existed).

The next morning I drove the vehicle approximately 2 miles to the dealership with no problems noticed. The dealer (Huntville Dodge) confirmed my thoughts by replacing the oil pressure sending unit under warranty. Before I could pick the vehicle up, they called and indicated that they had reproduced the problem and diagnosed it as a "spun main bearing" requiring engine replacement.

They claimed the engine failure was due to improper maintenance. I was not inclined to agree; however, I don't believe I can document oil changes every 5000 to 7500 miles. I asked about appealing their decision. They declined to give me the 1-800 telephone number saying that it would just be referred back to them for a decision. I tried to set up a meeting with the general manager (Greg Pollen) to see if I could discuss this and find a middle ground. After several days I succeeded in reaching him on the phone. He refused to meet with me or discuss any potential compromise.

When I asked him if they had an attorney I could contact to pursue this further, he would not name one and then demanded that I remove my vehicle from their property by the end of the day. (This required me to pay for the work they had done to the vehicle and have it towed.) I have done that and have contracted with an independent mechanic for an engine replacement. I still don't have the 1-800 number to call Chrysler and appeal the warantee decision.

I have been without the use of this vehicle for over 2 weeks. I am renting a replacement vehicle for my wife to use at considerable expense. I have lost approximately 2 days of work pursuing this matter. This has been very frustrating for my wife, my children and me. I am also paying an independent mechanic approximately $4,000 to perform repairs on the vehicle.

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