The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·17V821000·Announced 2017-12-20

FCA Recalls Ram Trucks Due to Transmission Shift Interlock Defect

FCA is recalling specific Ram trucks because the brake transmission shift interlock pin may stick, allowing the vehicle to shift out of park without the brake pedal or key, increasing rollaway risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transmission shift interlock) that creates a risk of unintended rollaway, which the source text states may result in personal injury or a crash. This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (potential for severe harm).

Plain-English summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles equipped with a column shifter. The recall covers specific model years and configurations, including Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 10,000 lbs and 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

The defect involves the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin, which may stick in the open position if the brake pedal is pushed for prolonged periods while the vehicle is running and in PARK. When the pin is stuck open, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition. This condition increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway, which may result in personal injury or a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
RAM, DODGE 2500, 4500, 3500, RAM 5500
Brand
RAM
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Category
Vehicle — Pickup Trucks
Hazard
Affected units
1,482,874

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (10)

  • 2500
  • 4500
  • 3500
  • RAM 5500
  • RAM 4500
  • RAM 3500
  • 5500
  • 1500
  • RAM 1500
  • RAM 2500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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