High sales numbers and consumer anticipation cannot protect the Jeep Gladiator from a stop-sale order issued by its parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles after it discovered a manufacturing defect involving the truck’s rear driveshaft.
Models affected by the halt in sales are those built between December 15, 2018 and June 25, 2019 which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “may have a rear
driveshaft joint that was assembled without grease in the monoblock joint portion of the driveshaft.”
Without proper heating or lubrication, there is a possibility for the joint to fail due to excessive friction. This could then cause overheating or a fracture that may lead to a crash.
“A fractured rear driveshaft could separate, which may result in loss of motive power, if the vehicle is in rear-wheel-drive mode, or potential road debris, if the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle,” the NHTSA said in a report. “Either condition can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”
Fortunately for the brand, only 3,427 vehicles are affected by the temporary recall. Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by FCA beginning October 18. They are also advised to bring in their trucks to local dealerships to have their driveshafts replaced with one that has proper greasing.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
