Feds Probe Jeep, Ram Models for Safety Problems

Federal safety regulators are investigating complaints that rear wheels can lock up on Ram pickup trucks and the engines can catch fire on Jeep Grand Cherokees.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it’s gotten a dozen complaints from owners of 2009 and 2010 Ram pickups. The agency says gears that turn the rear wheels can fail, causing them to lock up.

The government has received a dozen complaints including one that caused a crash into a concrete barrier. The investigation affects up to 230,000 Ram 1500 pickups.

On the 2012 Grand Cherokee, the agency says a hose can leak power steering fluid and cause engine fires. The probe affects nearly 107,000 vehicles. The investigations could lead to recalls. No one was hurt in either case.