Date: 2019-12-12
NHTSA Action Number: PE19017
Components: POWER TRAIN
Subject:
Front Driveshaft Failure
Opened From: 2019-12-12 - 2023-10-22
Summary
On December 12, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-017 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging failures of the front driveshaft and/or transfer case, resulting in conditions of 1) a loss of engine power, 2) loss of steering assist, 3) loss of foundation brakes, 4) unintended air bag deployment and 5) engine/cab fires from combustible fluids striking hot exhaust components.The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 RAM
4500 and 5500 vehicles. ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)] via information request letters dated February 28, 2020, and April 21,2020.Supplemental information was received on March 17, 2021. A review of the responsive manufacturer information, and related meetings and presentations, showed that the transfer case failures in 97.5% of the claims did not disable the vehicle. Since analysis showed that a failed driveshaft could result in catastrophic damage to the transfer case as well as other safety risks (i.e. steering/brake failures etc.), ODI shifted the investigation to focus only on the front driveshaft failures.The double cardan universal joint design requires maintenance lubrication within every 8000 miles.Despite an under-hood maintenance reminder label and professional servicing at both dealers and independent repair facilities, the driveshafts were often found to be unlubricated due to lack of awareness, difficulty of the operation or the lack of the special tools needed to perform the work.To increase the maintenance lubrication rates, in the summer of 2021, FCA launched a communications campaign, circulating awareness bulletins, training information, special tool options and instructional videos through more than a dozen channels covering both dealer and independent repair facilities.Additionally, in the fall of 2021, FCA mailed a VIN-specific letter to each registered owner reminding them of the maintenance needs, and also sent a special grease gun adapter to every FCA US dealer and fleet operator with an FCA US dealer code. Since January 2022,NHTSA has not received a complaint of front driveshaft failure due to lack of lubrication that can lead to failure conditions such as loss of engine power, loss of steering assist, loss of foundation brakes, unintended air bag deployment and engine/cab fires. This drop in complaints, the communications campaign launched by the manufacturer, and the absence of reports from the manufacturer, support the closing of this Preliminary Evaluation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- Practical Function: The airbag simulator tester provides a...
- Wide Application: Airbag diagnostic connector fits common...
- Easy to Use: The airbag fault light reset tool enables quick...
- Premium Quality: SRS bypass resistor is made of solid...
- What You Get: You will receive 5pcs airbag simulator tester...
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- WHY CHOOSE THE 2025 CR MAX -Upgrade the latest diagnostic capabilities for all vehicles after 1996: upgrade to 49+maintenance services; 46 extra specific functions; real all systems/all control modules diagnose; over 40K+ bidirectional actuation tests for diagnosing all control moduels of cars; Powerful full OBD2 Functions; built-in ECU Coding for BMW
/ Audi/ VW/ RollsRoyce; Fr ee V.A.G Guide Function; Battery retistration for new battery adaptation and more. It covers all vehicle diagnostic services and some special professional vehicle maintenance servces, assists you to do home DIY vehicle maintenance or car repair as a pro technician. - NEWEST IN INNOVATION FULL OBD2 SERVICES- iCarsoft auto car diagnostic scanner compatible with CAN-FD, CR MAX can do it all-reads and clears trouble codes, ALL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS such as engine, transmission, ABS and airbag etc. CR MAX code reader for all cars can perform I/M Readiness, Live Data, Freeze Frame, Vehicle Information, Monitor Test, On-Board Monitor, E vap System Test,O2 Sensor Test,DTC Library Lookup,etc. (Warm Tips: If you car is after 2023,please contact us for compatibility; 3. It comes with 16PIN OBD2 diagnostic adapter, please check your car diagnostic socket if it is 16pin socket, if your car is 14pin diagnostic socket please contact us for the solution.)
- 49 RESET+ 46 SERVICES- Performs: Oil Reset, EPB,SAS,Throttle, D-P - F, Battery, ABS, Injector, TPMS, Suspension, AC, Head Lamp, Body Stablity, Engine, Tramsmission, Airbag, Seat, Door-Win-Roof, Fuel Pump, Door, E-G- R.+21 NEWEST SERVICES( Need update scanner)-AdBlue, Clutch, Crankshaft, High Voltage Battery, Cruise Control, NO xSensor, Rain Sensor, Stop And Start, Turbocharger, Head Up Display, Radar Camera, Vehicle Setup, Cyliner Misfire Check,Speedlimitassist, ControlUnitReset,OxygenSensor, Seatbelt. Extra 46+ extra services based on car brand.(Tips: Quantity of reset/ calibration fucitons are based on car system that your vehicle model has)
- REVOLUTIONARY 40000+BIDIRECTIONAL ACTIVE TESTS: Upgraded CR Max scanner equip with numberous of actuational test items for covering all available vehicle control modules, no longer only do simple light test or window test like other scanners, performs hardware modules test and software control modules test for checking car units or new updated control moduels work well or not after maintenance/ repair/ re-installation/ control system updated (Example for Benz- Roller Sun Blind test; Backup Camera test ;Self-test; EPB test; Transport Mode test;Boost Pressure Positioner test; Fuel Pump test; AND MORE!!).(Warm tip: The available test items are based on control modules your car has)
- ECU CODING+ BATTERY REGISTRATION- Powerful ECU Coding service for BMW/MINI/RollsRoyce / Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda/Bentley/Bugatti/Lamborghini, Improves Engine Power Performance and Optimizes Fuel Efficiency and Match New Hardware Unit to car and Customized a comfortable Driving Modes and Fixes & Updates Original Software Bug. The battery test function for checking car battery health, perform battery reset (BMS ) for replacing a damaged or aging car battery with a new one and register new battery to car ECU
- 【Looking for More Professional Vehicle Scan Tool?】iCarsoft E660 2026 Upgrade Version OBD2 scan tool can do it all-reads and clears trouble codes on Engine system, ABS system, Transmission system and Airbag system, And with 6 reset function. It covers more than 59 vehicle makes from 1996-2023 models ( included most USA/ Asia / EU vehicle brand) with full OBDII. (As every car model has its-owned specific car system and ECUs, not all car models have full car ECUs which may prevent the scanner from performing all listed system diagnostics or reset services. Therefore, please email to us with car VIN and services required to do scanner's services for a compatibility check before purchasing.)
- 【OE-Level 4 Systems OBD2 Scanner】iCarsoft E660 2026 Upgrade Version diagnostic scanner offers comprehensive OBDII services, allowing you to quickly scan Engine system. It supports functions such as reading and erasing codes, checking I/M readiness, viewing freeze frame data, performing O2 sensor tests, conducting on-board monitoring, testing the evap system, auto VIN retrieval, and reading both generic and specific codes, as well as DTCs and battery tests.
- 【4 Systems Diagnosis for 10000+ Vehicles】 iCarsoft E660 2026 Upgrade Version adopts unique diagnostic software, works well for most Porsche, Benz, BMW, US Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, VW, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, Daewoo, Mazda, Sprinter, Mini, Seat, Skoda, SAAB, EU Ford, Holden, AUS Ford, Acura, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Dacia, Renault, Fiat, GM, Chrysler, Citroen, Peugeot, Opel, Smart,Suzuki, Vauxhall, Alfa-Romeo, Lancia and etc.
- 【6 Reset Services】iCarsoft E660 2026 Upgrade Version is a diagnostic tool that offers professional maintenance services, including Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, ETC, SAS, TPMS Reset. It can help you easily reset oil change indicators, recalibrate steering angle sensors, relearn replaced electric parking brake and so on. For optimal vehicle performance and maintenance convenience. (Tips: Please update the softwareafter receiving the product to obtain new service functions)
- 【118+ Real Time Record & Live Graph View】iCarsoft E660 2026 Upgrade Version can automatically record vehicle text history and identify vehicle information. Preserve real-time data information. View & Graph Live Data. Support Data Review and Print. 15 languages: English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French and so on. We promise to offer Lifetime updates (Lifetime free Update via PC), and confidence in products. We also provide 1 year warranty + extra lifetime hardware free repair if you need it in the future. We prioritize user experience & strive to meet your expectations. Please do feel free to reach out to us if you have any question or problem about the usage.
- 【All-in-One Diagnostic Tool for Porsche + 2 Extra Vehicle Brands】New POR V4.0 is a professional car scanner specifically engineered with dedicated software pre-installed for Porsche. You can also download 2 additional software packages FOR FREE from 26 supported brands (e.g., for Benz, for BMW, for Audi, for Land Rover).Upgraded to adopt quad-core 1.3GHz processor and HD touchscreen and professional diagnsotic OS for faster& smooth diagnsotic.LIFETIME FREE UPDATES, NO SUBSCRIPTION COST! PLEASE TELL US YOUR CAR INFORMATION TO OBTAIN A LIST OF ALL COMPATIBLE SERVICES FOR YOUR CAR FIRST (FOR EXAMPLE: BATTERY REGISTRATION FUNCTION IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PORSCHE 997.2)
- 【29 MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR PORSCHE SERIES CARS】 It can perform the 29 reset service for Porsche series cars-Oil Reset; SAS; EPB; BMS; ETC; DP ; ABS Bleeding; Injector Coding; TPMS; Air Suspension; Air Conditioner; Head Lamp; Body Stablity Control; Engine Control; Transmission; AirBag; Seat; DWR; MIS; EG; ODO; Clutch; High Voltage Battery; Cruise Control; Radar/Camera; Vehicle Setup,etc. Up to 49 vehicle-maintenance-services for the extra 2 vehicle brands you installed (Tip: Not all services will be worked on every car mode. Some vehicle models may be lack of certain ECU-control modules to make some services may not work).
- UPGRADE SERVICES: Breaks down 29 services to 234 sub-service for car owners/machinist to perform maintenance based on corresponding sub-modules! The detailed sub-service for sub-modules assist to perform precise vehicle maintenance.Improving the accuracy of car maintenance and reducing potential failure risks caused by whole-module maintenance to main modules.such as Oil Reset is refined into Reset maintenance interval/Reset service interval/Service Reset; Engine Control Reset is refined into Delete adaptation data/Short tests/System tests/Swirl-flap actuator/Bleeding high temperature coolant circuit and more.（sub-services vary based on vehicle model/year）
- 【EXTRA VEHICLE MAINTENANC SERVICES FOR SPECIFIC SYSTEMS】Have no ability to perferm calibration to special/specific systems/modules? This OBD2 scanner solve your troubles- for common systems/modules & for specific sytems/modules, assist you to perform diagnsing/calibration/reset/relearn services for non-common modules to finish your car maintenance/ diagnostic (eg: Central Computer system/module :Function activation/Multimedia interface test/AM Field Strength/Current FM Field Strength/FM Field Strength/MOST system reserve/Self-test/Deactivate Production Mode/Reset to factory settings/MOST System Test). (Tip: The services vary based on the vehicle brands)
- 【 MORE PROFESSIONAL BI-DIRECTIONAL ACTUATION TESET 】Exclusive POR V4.0 comes with powerful bidirectional testing capability,do actuaction test for deeper unit-checking after replacement or overhaul (1333 test items for Porsche, like:Fuel high-pressure fuel injector 1-4, Empty tank, Radiator fan, OTA-FC Connectivity, backrest, Backup battery, and more; 2136 test items for Audi; 1670 test items for Benz; 1599 test items for Volvo; 1360 test items for VW; 2705 test items for GM etc.). Help to check your car units work well or not after vehicle maintenance or daily car-body check, keep drives always in safety.(Warm tip:The quantity of test item is based on the units your car has)
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.