FCA US is recalling an estimated 1.48 million Ram trucks in the U.S. to help prevent drivers from inadvertently moving the gear-shifter out of the “park” position because of a faulty brake transmission shift interlock.
The recall covers 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups; 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs; and 2016-2017 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 lbs. Certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500 pickups are also included in the recall campaign, but heavy-duty trucks represent the majority of the vehicles involved, FCA US said.
The recall is limited to trucks equipped with a shifter mounted on the steering column. Those with rotary-dial shifters or floor-mounted shifters are unaffected. In these trucks, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may malfunction, allowing the shifter to be moved out of park without applying the brake pedal or having a key in the ignition. In such circumstances, the truck may move unexpectedly if its parking brake isn’t set.
FCA said it’s aware of seven injuries and a small number of accidents that are potentially related.
“FCA US will restore BTSI function in the vehicles subject to this recall,” said Tom McCarthy, head of safety compliance and product analysis. “Nevertheless, as always, we urge customers to use their parking brakes, as recommended, and to ensure that child occupants are not left unattended.”
All model-year 2017 trucks built after Dec. 31, 2016, are excluded from the recall, FCA noted.
In addition to the trucks in the U.S., FCA is recalling about 249,520 trucks in Canada, 42,747 trucks in Mexico, and 14,950 trucks outside of North America for the same problem. Truck owners will be contacted when the recall remedy is available at dealers and service appointments can be scheduled for the repair.
