For the second time in as many months the Dodge Ram is at the center of a probe by U.S. regulators. This time an issue with the truck’s fastener can cause the rear axle to lock or detach, and in some cases cause the vehicle to enter an uncontrolled spin.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation into more than 260,000 model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 after receiving 15 consumer complaints on the issue.

According to NHTSA’s notice [PDF] the rear differential locked up or the driveshaft separated at the rear connection.

Consumers reported there was little or no noise or other warnings prior to the lock-up and/or separation.

Of the 15 reports, seven occurred at speeds of 50 miles per hour or greater, and two allege that the rear axle lockup caused the truck to go into a spin.

“While driving on interstate 195, I entered exit lane 28A and without warning at 60MPH my rear tires locked up, the driveshaft disconnected from rear and my truck went into an uncontrolled spin.”

The preliminary evaluation seeks to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

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