FCA Recalls 180,000 Ram Trucks Over Transmission Risk

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall for about 181,000 trucks in the U.S. on Friday because the vehicles can inadvertently shift out of park and begin to move.

The recall affects certain 2017-18 models of the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, 2017-18 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab trucks and 2017-18 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. It also affects certain 2017-18 Ram 1500 models, however the majority of the vehicles involved are heavy duty trucks, according to FCA.

The Ram 1500-3500 family of pickup trucks accounted for the third most sales of any vehicle in the automotive industry in 2017. FCA sold more than 500,000 units in 2017, an increase of 2.3 percent compared with 2016, according to industry research firm Autodata Corp.

Only vehicles with gear-shifters mounted to the steering column are affected. Models with the rotary dial transmission shifter are not included.

FCA advises owners to set the parking brake as the vehicle idles to prevent the problem. The company will schedule service to fix affected trucks. Those with questions may reach the FCA U.S. Recall Information Center at (866) 220-6747.

The problem lies with the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, or BTSI. If the vehicle is idling in park and the brake pedal is pressed for a certain duration of time, the BTSI in these trucks is capable of overheating. This could allow the shifter to move out of position without applying the brake pedal, even if there is no key in the ignition. The vehicle can then begin to move inadvertently.

FCA is not aware of accidents or injuries that have been caused by the problem in 2017-18 trucks.

The recall also affects about 42,000 vehicles in Canada, 4,000 vehicles in Mexico and 1,422 vehicles in other markets.

FCA has recalled vehicles over the BTSI before. In December 2017, the automaker recalled an estimated 1.46 million trucks in the U.S. spanning the 2009-17 model years due to BTSI overheating. Seven injuries were highlighted by the company as potentially related to the issue at the time of the recall.

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