Complaint 2181617

Complaint Summary

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner Narrative

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2016 Dodge Dart GT (VIN: [XXX] ). The selling dealership represented the vehicle as accident‑free and undamaged, but after delivery I discovered significant, undisclosed front‑end and structural issues. The affected components include the front bumper, radiator support area, subframe, suspension, brakes, and cooling system. These components are available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle shows clear evidence of prior impact and improper or incomplete repairs. A mechanic’s inspection documented a salvage‑yard front subframe installed for unknown reasons, a leaking lower radiator hose, rusted struts and shocks, suspension bushings beginning to fail, a bent left‑rear lower control arm, and brakes that “feel like they don’t want to stop the vehicle,” possibly due to rusted rotors and pads. The mechanic also noted alarming rust inside the frame and stated that the rust alone would justify returning the vehicle. All four tires show high/low spots consistent with belt separation, creating a wobble at speed. These conditions create multiple safety hazards: compromised crash protection, potential airbag sensor misalignment from prior front‑end impact, cooling‑system failure risk, loss of braking ability, suspension instability, and possible loss of control due to tire belt separation. The Carfax also shows a radiator replacement shortly before sale, strongly suggesting a front‑end collision that was not disclosed. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The manufacturer, police, and insurance have not yet inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared prior to discovering these issues; the defects were concealed and UNKNOWN to me at purchase. I unknowingly operated a vehicle with compromised structural integrity and multiple safety‑critical defects, placing me and other drivers at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.