Do you drive a Ram pickup truck that was built between 2009 and 2017? If so, you need to pay attention to a new recall that might affect your vehicle and be careful when you get in and take a drive. Right now, the team at FCA is working to figure out what needs to be done to address the trucks that are equipped with the shifters that are mounted in the steering column of the truck. This recall affects approximately 1.49 million models in the US and another 249,520 models in Canada.
While we expect our trucks to be some of the most reliable and rugged models that we drive on a daily basis, these are machines and sometimes have recalls that need to be addressed in order to make sure the trucks can be rendered safe once again. Even a comprehensive number of tests leave some items untested and will make it difficult on the road until these items are put to the daily grind and the testing that takes place out in the real world. These Ram trucks will need a repair done if found to have the defective item installed.

Specifics About the Recall

The Ram pickup trucks that are built during the model years mentioned, but that are not built after December 31, 2016, have a shifter that could be moved inadvertently from Park and into another position which will release the truck and allow it to roll. This can occur without the brake pedal being applied or the key in the ignition, which is an alarming issue that could be a serious problem when a truck is on a jobsite, on a hill, or even just parked in a parking lot waiting for you to return.

As mentioned, this recall is only for the trucks that have the shifter mounted on the steering column. The problem for these shifters is the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) which may not function the way it should when subjected to specific high-temperature conditions for prolonged periods of time. If this item becomes disabled the vehicle shifter could move out of part without the brakes applied or the key in the ignition, which makes this a recall you absolutely need to pay attention to if you happen to have one of these pickup trucks and want to have the ability to continue to drive on a daily basis.

As of right now, there have been seven injuries reported that have been related to this faulty item and a small number of accidents that also are potentially related to it as well. Until your vehicle is inspected to see if it’s part of the recall or needs to have this item replaced, it’s important to use the parking brakes whenever you stop and park your vehicle to prevent it from rolling. This is a recall that needs to be addressed and corrected right away.