It's definitely a safety issue which is why the NHTSA and Transport Canada have opened investigations. This is a necessary first step, then an engineering study, then they can force a recall. Often the manufacturer will initiate the recall when it becomes clear there is a seriousl problem. So reporting the issue is essential. On the NHTSA website you can download a copy of the letter they sent to Chrysler regarding locking rear differentials, and all the information they have asked Chrysler to provide...warranty claims for this problem....previous reports...design or supplier changes, etc. The problem is that for every person who reports an incident to the NHTSA (or Transport Canada) many don't...they just figure they got a bad rear end and if it's replaced under warranty "who cares?". I've got just over 100,000 km (62,000 miles) on my 2009 Hemi without an issue. Changed the fluid once already, but I'm taking it into my local differential shop to get the fluid changed again and the pinion nut loctited as a precaution.

 

Do other owners the favor and report it to the NHTSA.

 

what exactly is the problem, locking up the diffs?

 

Pinion nut falls off, pinion sucks into the ring gear and it locks up

 

and this is happening in the transfer case as well? i saw one picture with the t case cracked?

 

That would be a side effect of the nut falling off. The pinion yoke falls off and the driveshaft comes loose and starts hitting stuff which could easily cause the tcase to get broken when the driveshaft hits something solid.

 

Hmmm, I think I am having a rear end problem because I am getting a vibration in the gas pedal at 50-60mph with a whining noise. I have a 2009 1500 with 30k.

 

Out of curiosity, is it a 4-wheel drive or a 2-wheel drive? Do you know which differential you have?

 

4WD. Nope just know 3.92.