Chrysler recalls 280000 trucks in for axle failures - The Detroit News
Washington — FCA US LLC said Friday it is recalling nearly 257,000 Dodge Ram pickups in the United States because a loose nut may cause the rear axle to seize. The Auburn Hills unit of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said it is recalling 256,956 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups built from January 2004 through August 2005. Chrysler dealers will install a retention feature to the pinion nut. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the pinion nut can loosen, causing the rear axle to seize. In June, NHTSA said it is opening an investigation into 260,000 Dodge Ram pickups over reports of rear axle failures — the agency's second investigation over the issue in recent years. NHTSA said its investigation of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks after 15 reports of rear axle lock-up or driveshaft detachment from the rear differential caused by loose pinion nuts. The most recent complaint was filed May 16. One complaint said the driver and his two children "almost died as a result of the powertrain failure" of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 in July 2013. The driver was on a highway near Elkhart, Ind. , traveling about 70 miles an hour when the driver heard a loud bang — he said the rear pinion nut came loose, locking up the rear end "and throwing the drive shaft completely off my vehicle with no warning" in heavy traffic. I fought to regain control of my truck, just missing being rear ended and broad sided by several vehicles," the driver said in the the complaint. Source: www.detroitnews.com
