Dodge Ram Spinouts Lead to Investigation of Axle Problems

Federal safety officials have launched an investigation into potential axel problems with Dodge Ram trucks, after receiving where the vehicles spun-out.  

The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an investigation involving 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks (PDF) on June 24, following reports of at least 15 incidents where the rear axel locked up or the driveshaft separated at the rear connection to the differential due to loose pinion nuts.

Although no injuries have been reported, this could pose a serious risk for auto accidents. At least two of the reports involved the Dodge Ram spinning out and seven incidents occurred at speeds of 50 mph or more.

The consumer complaints have indicated there was little noise or other warning before the vehicle lock-ups or separation causing an almost unforeseeable event. The investigation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

The pickup trucks in question are all models of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks produced by Chrysler Group LLC.

The NHTSA stated in their investigation letter that Chrysler Group is cooperating fully and would like to remind customers that this is an investigation to decipher whether a safety defect exists and not a recall. If the investigation discovers a defect that causes a risk to safety a repair strategy and recall will be announced.

At this time the NHTSA recommends that drivers should be cautious when traveling at higher rates of speed if they recognize any noises or notifications that may indicate the onset of rear differential failure. Customers with questions about the investigation may contact Chrysler Group LLC or the NHTSA or visit their websites for further updates.

The investigation was announced less than a month after the NHTSA launched another probe into Dodge Rams. In May, the agency said it was reviewing the safety of about 110,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks that may have problems with the clutch interlock switch that allows the vehicles to be started while in gear.

That investigation came following several incident reports, including one involving the death of a child.

Photo courtesy of IFCAR via Wikipedia Public Domain