NHTSA Launches Recall Query on 1.2 Million Ram Trucks — What You Need to Know

The U.S. government just opened a formal recall investigation into roughly 1.2 million Ram pickups (model years 2013–2018) after reports that previous “fixes” may have failed, reintroducing rollaway risk.

What’s Triggering This Massive RAM Trucks Recall?

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has officially launched a Recall Query concerning the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system on column‑shifter-equipped Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from 2013 to 2018.

This is a very technical description of what’s happening. Even after previous recalls (campaigns in both 2017 and 2018), these RAM trucks are still at risk of rolling away because the BTSI locking pin can fail. This allows shifting out of Park without pressing the brake or even without the key in the ignition. 

How Many Issues Have Been Reported?

Let’s do a review of all the stats involved in this massive recall:

• ~1,187,232 affected trucks under investigation
• 14 new Vehicle Owner Questionnaire complaints post-repair
• 6 early‑warning injury reports — totaling 7 injuries, though—with no fatalities reported so far 

Here’s more on it. 

The situation has gotten so critical that people are taking to social media to complain. Here’s how one Reddit user summed it up bluntly: 

“Shocking…NHTSA reports 14 more incidents and 7 injuries post‑‘fix’. A 9,000 lb truck rolling without power brakes is terrifying.”

Why are authorities reopening the investigation on RAM trucks?

The main reason is obvious: the problem is still happening. However, the situation could be more complex, and that’s what sparked the NHTSA to reopen the investigation. 

Most recalls in the automotive industry focus on one problem and provide one solution. Back in 2017 and 2018, when the first recalls happened, the remedies included replacing the solenoid and related bracket in the BTSI assembly—designed to prevent shifting without the brake pressed. But in some cases, that fix didn’t hold. 

Now, the NHTSA is probing the issue with a more in-depth focus. The authority is checking the following: 

• Whether replacement parts were effective
• If deeper mechanical or electrical failures persist
• Whether new or expanded remedies are needed 

It’s important to note that while the NHTSA hasn’t issued another recall, this investigation will likely unravel a larger recall. After all, 1.2 million vehicles is not a small number. 

However, as we’ve covered before, massive investigations might not lead to recalls. The same thing happened with Honda recently.

This problem also highlights how Stellantis, the company that owns RAM, has been under fire for its quality issues. 

Stellantis Under Growing Scrutiny

This probe is the second NHTSA recall query targeting Stellantis vehicles in just one week. Earlier, safety regulators revisited the Dodge Dart recall (2013–2016) over shifter cable bushing failures that could lead to rollaway—raising questions about the long‑term effectiveness of recall fixes.

The same problem happening in two separate companies under Stellantis definitely raises concerns. So, what can you do as an owner?

Here’s what RAM owners should know about this recall

A massive investigation such as this one can raise concerns with owners. Fortunately, there are many ways to check whether your vehicle is affected. 

The first indicator that you should address the issue is whether you own a 2013–2018 Ram with a column shifter. If you do, these are the steps to take:

1. Check for open recalls on NHTSA.gov by entering your VIN.

1. If you already had Recall 17V‑821 or 18V‑100 completed and notice the shifter moving from Park without pressing the brake pedal or without the key in the ignition, report it to NHTSA immediately.
2. Contact your local Stellantis-certified dealership to schedule another inspection. Better safe than sorry—with a heavy-duty truck, a rollaway can be devastating.

NHTSA Investigating RAM: Why It Matters

This issue isn’t just a technicality—it’s a real safety hazard. Imagine a 9,000 lb dually rolling down a driveway without brakes working (since the engine may be off). As one commenter said: “it’s terrifying.”

This investigation raises a larger question: when recall repairs fail, how quickly and effectively do automakers respond? For Ram owners, the best path forward is vigilance—and early response if something seems off.

While there’s no fresh recall yet, NHTSA’s investigation could lead to expanded remedies or another recall campaign. For now, any uncontrolled shifter movement is a red flag. Report it, get checked, and stay informed.