Chrysler Recalls 278,000 Trucks For Wiggly Part

Chrysler issued a recall of approximately 278,000 vehicles Thursday, citing a problem with a rear axle pinion nut that may become loose, causing the axle to lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash.

The recall affects:

• model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008 through June 30, 2009, and also from December 1, 2009 through October 20, 2011;
• model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007 through June 30, 2009, and also from December 1, 2009 through September 30, 2011;
• model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008 through December 18, 2008; and finally
• model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008 through December 18, 2008.

Chrysler plans to begin contacting owners of the recall in March, and will instruct them to go to a dealer to have a pinion nut retainer installed free of charge.