NHTSA Complaint #10467805 — 2010 RAM 1500

I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT 55 MPH ALONG UNDIVIDED 2 LANE HIGHWAY. DIFFERENTIAL BEGAN TO MAKE WHINING NOISE AND THEN WITHIN 1-2 MINUTES THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED UP AND THE DRIVE SHAFT YOKE BROKE CAUSING THE DRIVE SHAFT TO DROP TO THE GROUND. DUE TO THE SPEED, VEHICLE CONTROL WAS DIFFICULT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. ONCE STOPPED, DRIVE SHAFT YOKE WAS OBVIOUSLY SNAPPED OFF AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD MELTED RUBBER FROM BEING DRAGGED FOR A FEW HUNDRED FEET WHEN DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEAL AND AFTER 2 WEEKS DETERMINATION WAS MADE THAT SOMETHING SEIZED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL AND CAUSED INTERNALS TO BE DESTROYED. DEALER HAS NOT MENTIONED CURRENT RECALLS OR INVESTIGATIONS. AS OF NOW, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT DODGE IS NOT MAKING THE PARTS NEEDED AND THAT A MINIMUM OF 1 MONTH LEAD TIME IS EXPECTED BEFORE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. I AM TOLD NO LOANER VEHICLE OR RENTAL CAR WILL BE PROVIDED. *TR