This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Rear axle recently started making an audible gear whine/moan when going any speed. The truck has 68,000 miles currently. I have accounts of other people that have owned '96 Ram 1500 trucks that have had similar, if not the same problem that I have experienced. I am concerned about my saftey and the saftey of others if this differential decides to fail and lockup. My warranty is up and this will be a costly fix. Your attention and response would be much appreciated.
The tire, rim, brake drum and axle shaft separated from the axle housing. The assembly wedged under vehicle. When it popped out, it flew up and landed directly in front of another vehicle. When the assembly separated, apparently the other (remaining) drive wheel became disconnected from the engine; our exhaust brake could not slow us down. Additionally, the brakes were spongy, and apparently not working. We slid to a stop on what remained of the axle housing. When we exited the vehicle, there was a flame shooting from the end of the axle housing, where the axle shaft would normally be. This flame was approx. 1.5-2 feet from the fuel filler tube. Immediately prior to the accident, there was a very loud screetch sound. Within a minute, the wheel assembly came apart. After repairs were made, the same axle problems reappeared.
- Hutchinson, MN, USA
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The vehicle had just been repaired by sandusky Chrysler dealership, sandusky, oh, for the previous axle failure. Traveling East on the Ohio turnpike, the vehicle suddenly slowed, like someone just jammed-on my brakes. Within a minute, there were two very loud screetches. My wife, traveling in a rental vehicle behind me, even hear the screetches. Given our previous experience, I immediately stopped at the side of the road. While trying to see what happened, we were informed by construction crews that we could not stay, there, on the side of the highway. They directed us a couple miles up the road, to the next exit. Once off the highway, we stopped to find the driver's side rear wheel sticking out from the fender by a couple inches. On closer inspection, there was smoke coming from between the wheel and the backing plate. The wheel assembly was starting to separate from the axle housing, again. We called for a tow truck, to return the vehicle to the repairing dealership. Upon their inspection, the wheel bearings were again burned. And, yes, the wheel assembly and axle shaft were leaving the vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Antioch, CA, USA