Fiat Chrysler will recall 1.79 million Ram trucks for a gear-shifter issue.
An estimated 1.48 million trucks in the U.S. alone are being recalled because the gear shifter inadvertently moves out of the “park” position, causing the vehicle to start rolling, even in cases when the key is not in the ignition.
There have been seven potentially related injuries, and "a small number of potentially related accidents."
The recall is limited to vehicles equipped with shifters mounted on their steering columns. Those with rotary-dial shifters or floor-mounted shifters are unaffected, as are all model-year 2017 trucks built after Dec. 31, 2016.
Those affected include:
- 2010-17 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups;
- 2011-17 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs;
- 2016-17 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs.
- Certain 2009-17 Ram 1500 pickups; but heavy-duty trucks represent the majority of the affected vehicles.
An FCA US review of field data showed that the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) may not function properly if subject to specific high-temperature conditions for prolonged periods. The conditions are consistent with those that occur when there is protracted brake-pedal application while a vehicle is idling in park.
“FCA US will restore BTSI function in the vehicles subject to this recall,” advises Tom Mc Carthy, Head of Safety Compliance and Product Analysis. “Nevertheless, as always, we urge customers to use their parking brakes, as recommended, and to ensure that child occupants are not left unattended.”
Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service. FCA US urges all customers to heed the instructions on recall notices.
