This just in from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - following multiple complaints from frustrated owners, the agency started investigating the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck over a mechanical defect that might end up in a scary spin if the unfortunate event happens at highway speeds.
According to the NHTSA, 15 complaints allege that the rear differential locked up or the driveshaft separated at the rear connection to the differential on their trucks. Owners indicated in their reports that there was minimal to no noise or other audible warning at all prior to the lockup and/or separation.
Out of the 15 consumer complaints, 7 owners declared that the incident occurred at speeds of 50 miles per hour or greater, while 2 owners told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the rear axle lockup made their 2005 model year Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickup trucks go into an uncontrollable spin.
Fortunately, both the regulatory agency charged with writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Standards among other automotive related stuff and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles aren't aware of any injuries or crashes related to this slightly terrifying mechanical fault. According to an official NHTSA statement, a Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and consequences of the defect.
We remind you that back in May 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched another probe involving 110,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the 2004 model year. In this case, pickups that are fitted with manual transmissions are prone to have problems with the clutch interlock switch, allowing the vehicles to start while in gear. Regrettably, a child has died after being run over by an affected heavy-duty truck.
Out of the 15 consumer complaints, 7 owners declared that the incident occurred at speeds of 50 miles per hour or greater, while 2 owners told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the rear axle lockup made their 2005 model year Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickup trucks go into an uncontrollable spin.
Fortunately, both the regulatory agency charged with writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Standards among other automotive related stuff and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles aren't aware of any injuries or crashes related to this slightly terrifying mechanical fault. According to an official NHTSA statement, a Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and consequences of the defect.
We remind you that back in May 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched another probe involving 110,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the 2004 model year. In this case, pickups that are fitted with manual transmissions are prone to have problems with the clutch interlock switch, allowing the vehicles to start while in gear. Regrettably, a child has died after being run over by an affected heavy-duty truck.