1.2 Million US Trucks Under Scrutiny for Potentially Deadly Safety Lock Defect Tied to Fatal Crashes
NHTSA Investigates 1.2 Million Ram Trucks Over Rollaway Risk
[Image: Ram trucks from 2013-2018 models | Caption: Over 1.2 million Ram trucks are under investigation due to faulty brake systems.]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is probing 1.2 million Ram trucks (2013–2018 models: 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500) after reports of a defective Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. The issue, linked to 14 complaints and six deaths/injuries, could allow trucks to roll away unexpectedly.
What’s Wrong with the BTSI?
The BTSI is a safety feature preventing drivers from shifting out of "Park" without pressing the brake. A faulty locking pin in the system—addressed in prior 2017 and 2018 recalls—may stick, letting drivers shift gears unintentionally. NHTSA’s new investigation will assess whether those recalls worked and identify additional risks.
[Image: Diagram of a vehicle’s gear shift | Caption: A jammed BTSI pin can cause unintended gear shifts, leading to rollaways.]
Previous Recalls Fell Short
Despite fixes under recalls 17V-821 and 18V-100, reports of rollaways persist. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will study root causes and effectiveness of past repairs. If NHTSA finds remedies inadequate, a new recall could follow.
Stellantis’ Rocky Road
Ram, now under Stellantis after its 2021 merger, faced backlash last year for discontinuing its iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine in favor of a turbocharged V-6. Sales plummeted 18% in 2024, contributing to Stellantis’ 70% profit drop.
HEMI’s Surprise Comeback
In June, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis reversed course, announcing the HEMI’s return in 2026. “We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it,” he said in an ad, promising the engine would account for 25–40% of Ram 1500 sales. The decision followed outcry from fans who called the V-6 a betrayal of Ram’s rugged identity.
[Image: Ram 1500 with HEMI engine | Caption: Stellantis reintroduced its HEMI V-8 after slumping sales.]
What’s Next?
Owners of affected Ram trucks should monitor NHTSA updates. Meanwhile, Stellantis aims to balance safety concerns with efforts to revive its signature powerplant—and its reputation.
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