1.2 Million Ram Trucks Under Investigation in the U.S. Following Botched Recalls
Ford has attracted attention in recent months for botched recall work, but Ram now finds itself in a similar situation.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation is looking into nearly 1.2 million Ram trucks from the 2013-2018 model years that were previously recalled to fix a problem with the transmission. It seems the fix wasn’t good enough.
- Also: More Ram Heavy Duty Trucks Recalled for ABS, ESC Issues
- Also: 158,000 Ram 1500 Pickups Recalled in Canada, ESC May Not Work
Even worse, six injury reports have been filed since the original recall remedies were performed. The NHTSA has also received 14 vehicle-owner complaints. Luckily, there have been no fatalities yet.
What’s the Problem?
Two recalls were issued in 2017 and 2018, affecting Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 models equipped with a steering column gear shifter. It was found that their brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative, potentially allowing the shifter to be moved out of the PARK (P) position without depressing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, therefore resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
In Canada, over 330,000 units were recalled at the time, covering the 2009 through 2018 model years. That's a whole lot of trucks. Dealers had to inspect and replace the BTSI where necessary, in addition to updating the body control module.
Clearly, these solutions did not always prove effective, as some Ram pickups have continued to experience unintentional movement. Depending on the findings of the NHTSA investigation, a new recall may be announced by the manufacturer. If so, Canadian units will likely be affected, as well.