Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles has announced a relatively small-scale recall of its recently sold Jeep Gladiator pickups. The issue may potentially be affecting up to 3,427 vehicles, but only 5% of that number are really affected.
That said, the reason for the recall is about as serious as they get. Apparently, in the period from December 2018 until June 2019, the company has shipped some of the pickups without adequate amounts of lubrication in the driveshaft joints, which could cause the rear driveshaft to get stuck or even break altogether. It was not until studying the documents detailing the transactions with a third-party components supplier that FCA discovered the fault.
The company reacted with all due seriousness, immediately putting the sales on hold until the situation can be fully resolved. This decision might have been influenced by the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) threatening to fine the corporation $21,000 for each pickup truck found to be defective.
FCA first learned about the problem in June when it had to repair four driveshafts within warranty.