(July 23, 2012) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 106,803 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs for power steering hoses that may fail, causing fluid to leak and possibly ignite when in contact with hot surfaces and another 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups for rear-wheel locking problems, according to documents posted on its web site.

On the 2012 Grand Cherokee, NHTSA said it has received one complaint of a hose failure and has identified others in field reports submitted by Chrysler.

It also has received two reports of engine fires within the past month, although the causes are unknown, NHTSA said. In both cases, the fires resulted in total losses of the vehicles. One complaint reported fluid dripping under the SUV. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Regulators also have received 12 complaints of rear differential failures at various speeds on the 2009-10 Ram 1500, including eight incidents occurring at 35 mph or more. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Four of the complaints were at high speeds and resulted in loss of control. One resulted in a crash into a concrete barrier.

Most complaints allege a drive shaft failure, including one that reported a detached shaft end that punctured the fuel tank.

Source: Automotive News