Chrysler recalling 278,222 trucks and SUVs over bad rear axles

Thu, 14 Feb 2013

Chrysler has issued a recall of 278,222 light trucks and sport utility vehicles here in the United States. The reason: bad rear axles. Specifically, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear axle pinion nut may lack a necessary adhesive patch, which could cause the nut to loosen. If this happens, the axle can lock up, which could cause all sorts of havoc on the road.

This is an expansion of the rear axle recall announced in October of last year, where 44,300 Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota models were being called in. At that time, 12 accidents had been reported due to the faulty axle pinion nut.

Affected vehicles include Ram 1500 trucks from the 2009 to 2012 model years, Dodge Dakota models from the 2009 to 2011 model years, and both the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUV twins, both from the 2009 model year only.

The official recall will kick off in March, where owners will be able to take their vehicles to dealerships and have a pinion nut retainer installed, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHTSA bulletin.

Report Receipt Date: FEB 06, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000
Component(s): POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected: 278,222

All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009
DODGE DAKOTA 2009-2011
DODGE DURANGO 2009

DODGE RAM 1500 2009-2012

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a omission of an adhesive patch.

CONSEQUENCE

If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

REMEDY

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

NOTES

This campaign is an expansion of a recall campaign 12V-474. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Steven J. Ewing