Ram is facing a National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) probe into more than a million trucks due to a defect that could increase the risk of a rollaway accident. The investigation is looking at a post-recall remedy on some 2013-2018 Ram trucks that were previously recalled to fix a brake transmission shift interlock problem.
While Ram already recalled and issued a fix for the trucks, the NHTSA’s documentation says the automaker’s remedy may have failed. As The Drive pointed out, these trucks, which include almost 1.2 million Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models, do not have the controversial rotary shifter used in some recent vehicles.
The investigation is looking at reports that the BTSI locking pin could stick, letting the transmission shift into a forward or reverse gear without pressing the brake pedal. Worse, the trucks could be “bumped” out of park without an active key in the vehicle or ignition.
Since the first recall, the NHTSA received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire reports, and there have been six death and injury reports from trucks fixed under the original action. Seven injuries and six accidents have been reported, but no fatalities.
While the NHTSA is only at the investigation stage at this point, a recall is likely. The truck population in question has not been a stranger to recalls, unfortunately. The 2014 Ram 2500 alone has 16, but this is a pretty serious problem, so owners are advised to not ignore any notifications, even if they’re tired of receiving them at this point.
[Images: Ram]
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