Engineering Analysis · Closed
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
This investigation led to a recall
NHTSA links this probe to recall campaign 96V229000.
Campaign 96V229000 predates our recall archive — check NHTSA.gov for details.
What NHTSA is examining
After an extensive investigation and analysis, chrysler has identified the defect as a fatigue failure, origination in the heat affected region of the projection welds of the steering wheel hub to steering wheel armature attachment.the hub is the portion of the steering wheel assembly that connects it to the steering column shaft and is attached to the underside of the steering wheel assembly by 4 welds.if cracks develop in the heat affected region of the welds and propagate through the steering wheel armature to each of the welds, the steering wheel can separate from the hub.this is a slow progressive failure which normally occurs at high mileage.in some cases complainants have reported a looseness or wobbling of the steering wheel prior to separation.to remedy this defect, chrysler will inspect the steering wheels of the affected vehicles for cracks in the hub area.if any cracks are found, the steering wheel will be replaced.all other vehicles will have reinforcing plates installed which would prevent a steering wheel separation should cracking occur.
Vehicles under investigation
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation records, updated daily. An investigation is not a determination that a defect exists; many probes close without a recall.