The U.S. Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has initiated a preliminary evaluation of a potential issue involving the K1 snap ring in Stellantis’ (NYSE:STLA) 2022 RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

As per the NHTSA, the ODI has received 82 complaints related to the failure of the K1 snap ring, resulting in a loss of motive power. Of these complaints, 16 reported a complete loss of motive power at speeds exceeding 25 miles per hour, with no ability for the vehicle to resume normal operation.

The failure of the snap ring leads to a malfunction in forward gears 1 to 4, rendering them non-functional and potentially leaving the vehicle disabled.

Stellantis’ U.S. unit, FCA, has conducted some testing and indicated that during such an event, a warning message will display to the operator, and gears 5 and reverse will remain available.

The preliminary evaluation by the ODI marks the initial step in assessing the scope and severity of the reported issue. Further investigation will likely be conducted to determine the cause and potential remedies for the problem.