1.2m US Trucks Risk Safety Due to Fatal Accident-Linked Lock Issue

Major Recall Investigation into Stellantis’ Ram Trucks

A significant number of trucks are currently under investigation in the United States due to a potential safety issue involving the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry into Stellantis’ Ram trucks, specifically models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 from model years 2013 to 2018.

The NHTSA has received 14 consumer complaints and six reports of deaths or injuries linked to failures of the BTSI system. This system is designed to prevent the driver from shifting the transmission out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pressed. If the BTSI fails, the vehicle could roll away unexpectedly, posing a serious risk to drivers and others on the road.

This issue is connected to previous recalls that addressed a problem with the BTSI locking pin. Both recalls aimed to resolve a condition where the locking pin might become stuck, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition. Shifting the transmission out of Park without pressing the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway.

The recall investigation was announced for trucks equipped with a column-mounted shift lever. According to the agency, the failures of the BTSI described in the Voluntary Recall Inquiry (VOQs) occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has now opened an investigation to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system.

Understanding the BTSI System

The BTSI is a critical safety feature in many vehicles. It prevents the driver from accidentally shifting the transmission out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system helps avoid unintended vehicle movement or rollaway accidents. The BTSI uses a locking pin to hold the gear shift in the Park position. If this pin becomes stuck or jammed, it may either prevent shifting out of Park or allow shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.

When the locking pin fails, the transmission can be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake pedal or even without the ignition key inserted. This increases the risk that the vehicle could roll away unexpectedly.

So far, there have been 20 total incidents reported due to issues with the Stellantis trucks, including 12 crashes/fires and 7 injuries.

Ram Trucks: A Brand Reclaiming Its Identity

Ram trucks were previously part of Dodge but became a standalone brand in 2009. In 2021, they were integrated into Stellantis when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with Groupe PSA.

Recently, the company announced its decision to bring back a powerful V-8 engine after phasing out the iconic HEMI V-8 from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup. The big-bodied motor will return in 2026, marking a significant shift for the brand.

The CEO of the Ram brand, Tim Kuniskis, apologized for removing the grunting 5.7-liter powerhouse. “We own it. We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it,” he said in an advertisement showing him driving the truck around a racetrack. He emphasized the return of the HEMI, stating, “You hear that? That’s our HEMI. And it’s saying, ‘We’re back.'”

For years, Ram enjoyed substantial profits with the HEMI-powered full-size pickup trucks. However, the company recently decided to replace the V-8 with a more efficient and powerful V-6, which led to some backlash from fans who felt the move stripped away the brand’s signature character.

One customer expressed disappointment on Reddit, writing, “Ram will lose me as a customer.” Sales for the brand dropped by more than 18 percent in 2024, contributing to a sales slump for its parent brand, Stellantis, which reported a 70 percent drop in profits last year.

Despite these challenges, the revival of the HEMI engine has sparked hope for a turnaround. Kuniskis recently stated that he expects the HEMI to represent 25 to 40 percent of Ram 1500 sales in 2026.