Chrysler Group is calling back approximately 256,956 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks over rear axle issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that rear axle may seize or the driveshaft could detach.
"In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear," said NHTSA in its summary of the issue on Monday. "If the pinion nut loosens, the rear axle may seize and/or the driveshaft may detach, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash."
Affected vehicles were manufactured from January 28, 2004 through August 3, 2005, according to the safety administration.
Back in June, NHTSA opened an investigation into around 260,000 Rams pickups after receiving a number of consumer complaints of rear axle lock-up or driveshaft detachment caused by pinion nuts.
Consumers complained that there was little or no noise or other warnings before the lock-up and/or separation, according to The Detroit News. Of 15 reports that regulators received, scene took place at speeds of 50 mph or more, and two claimed that the rear axle lockup caused the truck to go in a spin.
"While driving on interstate 195, I entered exit lane 28A and without warning at 60MPH my rear tires locked up, the driveshaft disconnected from rear and my truck went into an uncontrolled spin," one of the complaints reads.
NHTSA opened a similar investigation back in 2012 over model year 2009 to 2010 Dodge Rams. The automaker recalled 48,000 Rams and Dodge Dakota trucks as a result of the investigation.
Dodge dealers are being instructed to install a retention feature to the pinion nut. The recall will most likely begin on February 13.
All owners are encouraged to contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 with more questions.
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