NHTSA Reopens Ram Truck Investigation Over Post-Recall Rollaway Failures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal Recall Query (RQ) into over 1.18 million Ram pickup trucks after receiving multiple reports of rollaway incidents that occurred after vehicles were supposedly repaired under previous safety recalls.

The trucks under investigation span the 2013 to 2018 model years and include the Ram 1500 (DS), 2500 (DJ), 3500 (D2), 4500 (DP), and 5500 (DP)—all equipped with column-mounted shift levers. These vehicles were previously recalled under NHTSA Campaigns 17V-821 and 18V-100 for a potential defect in the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system.

What the BTSI Is — And Why It Matters – 

The BTSI is a safety mechanism designed to prevent a vehicle from being shifted out of “Park” unless certain conditions are met—typically, the brake pedal must be pressed and, in most cases, the ignition key must be present. The issue at the heart of both earlier recalls was that the locking pin in the BTSI assembly could become stuck, which would allow the vehicle to shift out of Park without pressing the brake and/or without a key in the ignition. This defect significantly increases the risk of a vehicle rollaway, which can lead to property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.

The original remedy involved replacing the BTSI switch and related components. However, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has now received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints and 6 Early Warning Reporting (EWR) injury reports describing failures of the BTSI after the recall fixes were performed.

Failure Report Summary:

The Recall Query is being opened to:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the previous recall remedies (17V-821 and 18V-100)

• Determine the root cause of the continuing rollaway incidents

• Identify any other mechanical or electrical factors that may be affecting the BTSI system post-repair

This new action by NHTSA does not yet mean a new recall is imminent, but it could lead to further corrective action if a broader or different root cause is identified.

This Isn’t the First Stellantis Recall Under Scrutiny This Week – 

This Ram truck probe marks the second time in a week that NHTSA has reopened a prior recall involving a former FCA US (now Stellantis) vehicle.

Earlier in the week, NHTSA launched a separate Recall Query into the 2013–2016 Dodge Dart (PF) regarding possible failures of the shifter cable bushing recall. That issue, originally addressed under campaign 18V-322, could also result in a vehicle rollaway if the cable becomes disconnected from the transmission—even when the gear selector appears to be in “Park.”

Together, these two investigations have put Stellantis under increased regulatory scrutiny. They highlight growing concerns not only about initial vehicle defects, but whether recall repairs themselves are actually solving the problems.

What Owners Should Do – 

If you own one of the Ram trucks in question (model years 2013–2018, with a column-mounted shifter), visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for open recalls.

If your truck was already repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100 but you’ve noticed abnormal shifting behavior—such as being able to move the shifter out of Park without pressing the brake pedal—you should report it immediately to NHTSA and schedule an inspection at a certified dealership.