Ameritrans 5500 Recall: Brake Shift Interlock Defect May Allow Unintended Rollaway
Ameritrans is recalling 2013-2016 Ram 5500 vehicles because a stuck brake shift interlock pin may allow the transmission to shift without the brake pedal, increasing rollaway risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (vehicle rollaway) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.
Plain-English summary
Ameritrans Bus, Inc. is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ameritrans Ram 5500 (R Series) vehicles. The recall addresses a defect in the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods while the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the BTSI pin to stick in the open position.
With the BTSI pin stuck in the open position, 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 can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway, which may result in personal injury or a crash.
Ameritrans has notified owners, and Chrysler dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-218-4786 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- AMERITRANS 5500
- Brand
- AMERITRANS
- Manufacturer
- Ameritrans Bus, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Bus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 4
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 (1)
- 5500
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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