Chrysler settles truck issue - It's to be repaired but not replaced

BY KATIE MERX

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Bill Bailey of Blountsville, Ala., sits on his 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. He drove from Alabama to Auburn Hills to complain about repairs. (ERIC SEALS/Detroit Free Press)

Bill Bailey has owned 10 Dodge vehicles in his 43 years, but his latest might be his last.

His 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 is a lemon, he said, and, while Chrysler Group provided $6,000 in repairs, it won't replace it.

The Blountsville, Ala., resident drove to Chrysler headquarters late last month in an attempt to get it to replace his truck or refund his money.

When he couldn't get a response at first, he circled the Auburn Hills campus with a sign in his window that said "Dodge Lemon Made."

Because of its size, Bailey's vehicle isn't covered by Alabama's lemon laws.

Then he heard from someone in the corporate offices: One of its best dealers would examine his pickup to determine and fix the problem.

On Tuesday, Chrysler said it would cover the repairs and give Bailey some pocket money to get home. The company also paid for his hotel.

Bailey said he'd take it, but he's still not happy.

"They made me a deal last week that they would buy my truck back and replace it," Bailey said. "Friday I went down to sign my papers, and they told me the financing didn't go through and the deal was off."

Bailey said he had postponed truck payments to make repairs.

Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said he didn't know about an offer to replace Bailey's truck.

"Our top priority is to fix the root problem and keep him as a satisfied customer."