I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 16,500 miles on it. The front wheel fell off while driving. The bolts that hold it on snapped.

Dodge/Chrysler says it's not covered by warranty. What can I do? Wheels shouldn't just fall off.

I hate the brake pads replaced at 14,000 miles at a Dodge dealership. They say there's nothing they could have done to cause this, especially 2,500 miles later.

Thanks,

Sam

 

Mileage is no issue, if they over tightened, then stress cracks could have taken that long to develop into a full break, just as they could have taken 16,500 miles to develop if they were just defective studs. Either way it's their problem, and it's a serious one, consult a lawyer if they won't fix it.

 

Exactly the guy with the impact wrench needs to be trained to use a torque wrench. Usually standard shop compressor pressures are way too much without a regulator to use the impact wrench to tighten things. You can find much evidence out there on this subject and if you threaten them with a lawsuit they would be smart to just fix the van instead of losing a battle they are certain to lose.

 

It also endangered your life, as well as anyone in your van at the time. So they should want to avoid a lawsuit situation.

 

Thanks for the advice. Looks like it is going to take a lawsuit.

In the past when I've used a lawyer it was very expensive and the case was quite different. Is it likely a lawyer would take a case like this on contingency? Is it possible to recover anything in addition to my actual out of pocket costs (which are just under $3000)? My wife and three kids were in the car at the time and luckily we were on a local road, but just about to get on a highway.

I've already told them I'm going to sue, but seems like they won't take it seriously until they get either the lawsuit or a letter from a lawyer. I'm debating whether to go through small claims or get a lawyer for this.

Thanks,

Sam

 

Insurance claim?
Check the other wheel that was worked on. Reverse torque on the lug nuts will tell you if it was over tightened. It should be about 90 ft/lbs.
It's possible the studs were faulty. There have been quite a few recalls for poor quality fasteners from Chrysler in the past.

 

Have you called Chrysler customer assistance? They will make the decision. That should should be step 2, after not hearing what you want from the dealer. I work at a dealer.
Call them. They can make the dealer's life hell.

 

Yes, I've called Chrysler and they're sending an inspector to look at the car. I haven't heard back from them yet.