- NHTSA has launched a probe into nearly 1.2 million Ram trucks for safety concerns.
- The models were previously recalled over a brake transmission shift interlock issue.
- Officials have linked seven reported injuries to multiple post-recall incident reports.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation is examining 1,187,232 Ram trucks. The move comes after the government received 14 reports describing “post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock system.” There were also six additional “death & injury” reports, which resulted in seven injuries.
The government didn’t go into many specifics, but noted they’re looking into an assortment of Ram trucks from the 2013-2018 model years. These include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models equipped with a column-mounted shifter.
More: It’s Got A Hemi! 5.7-Liter V8 Returns In 2026 Ram 1500
The trucks in the reports had previously been repaired under the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recalls. The 17V-821 recall involved 1,482,874 Ram trucks because if the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) was energized for prolonged periods of time, the temperature will rise and cause the plastic housing to swell and the grease to degrade.
This can eventually cause the BTSI locking pin to stick in the open position, which means the transmission can be shifted without depressing the brake or even having a key in the ignition. This increases the risk of a rollaway crash.
The 18V-100 recall impacted 180,462 trucks and was essentially for the same issue. However, it included later vehicles from the 2017 and 2018 model years.
Both recalls are now under review as the Office of Defects Investigation wants to examine the effectiveness of the original recalls and “understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents.” The government also wants to “identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system.”
