More than a million Ram trucks are being investigated following concerns raised by injuries. | Carscoops

      Following seven injuries, the NHTSA is investigating the effectiveness of two previous recalls.

      

      17 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      The NHTSA has initiated an investigation into nearly 1.2 million Ram trucks due to safety issues.

      These models were previously recalled due to a problem with the brake transmission shift interlock system.

      Officials have associated seven reported injuries with various incidents occurring after the recalls.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation is looking into 1,187,232 Ram trucks. This action follows the receipt of 14 reports detailing “post-recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock system.” Additionally, there were six more reports concerning “death & injury,” which resulted in seven injuries.

      The government did not provide many specifics, but mentioned that it is reviewing a range of Ram trucks from the 2013-2018 model years, including the 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models equipped with a column-mounted shifter.

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      The trucks mentioned in the reports had been previously repaired under recalls 17V-821 and 18V-100. The 17V-821 recall involved 1,482,874 Ram trucks, as prolonged energization of the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) could lead to an increase in temperature, causing the plastic housing to swell and the grease to break down.

      This could ultimately cause the BTSI locking pin to stick in the open position, allowing the transmission to shift without pressing the brake or even having the key in the ignition, which raises the risk of a rollaway accident.

      The 18V-100 recall affected 180,462 trucks and addressed essentially the same issue, but included newer vehicles from the 2017 and 2018 model years.

      Both recalls are now under examination as the Office of Defects Investigation seeks to assess the effectiveness of the original recalls and “understand the root cause of further vehicle rollaway incidents.” The government is also aiming to “identify any other potential root causes that may influence the performance of the BTSI system.”