U.S. auto safety investigators have started an investigation into claims that some older Ram 1500 pickup trucks may suddenly lose power steering assistance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s probe involves more than 1.1 million pickup trucks from the 2013 through 2016 model years.
The organization reports receiving 380 complaints regarding the issue, including three crashes but no injuries. According to documents released by the investigators on Tuesday, trucks require more effort to navigate without power steering and drivers risk losing control.
In order to repair a power steering issue, Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, recalled 440 pickups in 2016. However, the organization claims that the complaints point to a comparable defect in trucks that fall beyond the purview of the recall.
The government claims the investigation into the recall will show whether there were enough vehicles recalled or whether there might be another safety issue at play.
According to Stellantis, it is helping the NHTSA with its inquiry.