FCA to recall 1.8 million trucks in North America over issue in gear-shifters

3 January, 2018

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1.48 million trucks in the U.S. to help prevent occupants from inadvertently moving the vehicles’ gear-shifters out of the “park” position.

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.

An FCA US review of field data led to the discovery that 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.

If BTSI becomes disabled, a vehicle’s shifter may be moved out of park without brake-pedal application, or the presence of a key in the ignition. In such circumstances, a vehicle may exhibit inadvertent movement – if its parking brake has not been set, as recommended in FCA US owners’ manuals.

The company is aware of seven potentially related injuries and a small number of potentially related accidents.

“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 units are certain 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups; 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs; 2016-2017 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. Certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500 pickups are also included in the campaign. Certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500 pickups are also included in the campaign, but heavy-duty trucks represent the majority of the affected vehicles. All model-year 2017 trucks built after Dec. 31, 2016, are excluded.

Additional populations of these vehicles are also being recalled in Canada (est. 249,520); Mexico (est. 42,747) and certain markets outside the NAFTA region (est. 14,950). Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service.

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