NHTSA Complaint #10717160 — 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE SUDDENLY SEIZED AND THE DRIVE SHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED WHEN THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT BECAME LOOSE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.