NHTSA Probes 1.2 Million Stellantis Ram Trucks for Transmission Defect

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a recall query into about 1.2 million Stellantis Ram pickup trucks after receiving reports that a prior safety fix may have failed to prevent Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) malfunctions. NHTSA said it logged 14 owner complaints and six death or injury reports alleging that affected vehicles could roll away because the transmission may shift out of “park” without the brake pedal being depressed. The investigation covers Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from model years 2019 through 2023, which were previously recalled for the same issue. The probe will evaluate whether Stellantis’ remedy, which involved updating software and replacing certain components, adequately addressed the defect and determine if a new recall is required. Stellantis said it is cooperating with the agency.