NHTSA investigating Ram 1500 models for rear differential failure

Mon, 30 Jun 2014

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and its Ram brand following a number of reports regarding the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. According to 15 consumer complaints, the trucks' rear differential locked up while in other cases, the driveshaft separated at its connection to the diff.

Nearly half of the reports claim the truck was traveling at or above 50 miles per hour, while two consumers reported that the diff lockup/driveshaft separation sent their pickups into a spin. Most troubling, though, is that consumers reported little to no sound indicating there was a problem with their truck.

We reached out to Ram for additional information, such as how many vehicles may be affected or what equipment might be fitted that could cause the issue. Unfortunately, the company wasn't willing to elaborate on specifics.

"Chrysler Group is cooperating fully with NHTSA and would like to remind customers that this is an investigation, not a recall," Ram spokesman Nick Cappa told Autoblog via email.

As more information on this incident becomes available, we'll be sure to update you. Scroll down for the official blast from NTHSA.

Date Investigation Opened: JUN 24, 2014
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE14019
Component(s): POWER TRAIN
All Products Associated with this Investigation expand
Details close
1 Associated Document expand
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 15 complaints alleging that the rear differential locked up or the driveshaft separated at the rear connection to the differential in model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups. The reports indicate that there was little or no noise or other warning prior to the lock-up and/or separation. Seven incidents occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater and 2 allege that the rear axle lockup caused the truck to go into a spin (VOQs 10502707 and 10499587). A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10595057, 10563747, 10551216, 10533970, 10512746, 10508477, 10507139, 10503157, 10502707, 10502402, 10499587, 10487800, 10479516, 10446068, 10446048.

By Brandon Turkus