Consumer Alert: More Than a Million Ram Pickup Trucks Recalled

Consumer Alert: More Than a Million Ram Pickup Trucks Recalled

Fiat Chrysler Recalls More than a Million Ram Pickup Trucks Which Can Shift Out of Park

Ram Pickup Trucks Affected by the Recall

Fiat Chrysler reported the following vehicles affected by the Ram pickup truck recall:

-Certain 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickups.

-2011-2017 Ram 3500, Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 chassis cabs.

-2016-2017 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs.

-Certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500 pickups.

-The majority of the affected vehicles are heavy-duty trucks.

-Excluded from the recall, according to Fiat Chrysler, are all 2017 model-year trucks built after Dec. 31, 2016.

Fiat Chrysler’s Ram pickup truck recall advisory stated:

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1.48 million trucks in the U.S. to help prevent occupants from inadvertently moving the vehicles’ gear-shifters out of the “park” position. [Emphasis added]

The recall is limited to vehicles equipped with shifters mounted on their steering columns. Those with rotary-dial shifters or floor-mounted shifters are unaffected. [Emphasis in original]

An FCA US review of field data led to the discovery that Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) may not function properly if subject to specific high-temperature conditions for prolonged periods. The conditions are consistent with those that occur when there is protracted brake-pedal application while a vehicle is idling in park.

If BTSI becomes disabled, a vehicle’s shifter may be moved out of park without brake-pedal application, or the presence of a key in the ignition. In such circumstances, a vehicle may exhibit inadvertent movement – if its parking brake has not been set, as recommended in FCA US owners’ manuals.

The Company is aware of seven potentially related injuries and a small number of potentially related accidents. [Emphasis added]

“FCA US will restore BTSI function in the vehicles subject to this recall,” advises 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.” [Emphasis in original]

Fiat Chrysler’s Ram pickup truck advisory also stated that vehicles are being recalled in Canada, Mexico, and certain markets outside of the NAFTA region.  Customers affected by the recall will be advised when they may schedule service, and customers can call FCA US at (866) 220-6747.

See also FC North America Statement_Column Shifter Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) and USA Today’s Fiat Chrysler Ram pickup truck recall story.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.