Stellantis Faces Investigation Over Faulty Brake System in Ram Trucks
A significant number of Ram trucks produced by Stellantis are under scrutiny due to a critical issue with their braking system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 1.2 million vehicles, including models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 from the 2013 to 2018 model years. This comes after reports of incidents linked to a faulty Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system.
The NHTSA received 14 consumer complaints and six reports of deaths or injuries related to failures of the BTSI system. If this system malfunctions, it could lead to unexpected vehicle rollaways, posing serious safety risks. The issue is connected to prior recalls that addressed problems with the BTSI locking pin. These previous recalls aimed to resolve a condition where the locking pin might become stuck, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Shifting the transmission out of Park without pressing the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rolling away. The recall query was announced for trucks equipped with a column-mounted shift lever. According to the agency, the failures described in the Voluntary Recall Query (VOQs) occurred on vehicles that had already been repaired under previous recalls 17V-821 or 18V-100.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has now initiated an investigation to assess the effectiveness of these recalls, understand the root cause of additional rollaway incidents, and identify any other potential issues affecting the BTSI system. The BTSI is a crucial safety feature designed to prevent drivers from accidentally shifting out of ‘Park’ unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system helps avoid unintended movement or rollaway accidents by using a locking pin to secure the gear shift in the Park position.
If the locking pin becomes stuck or jammed, it may either prevent shifting out of Park or allow shifting without pressing the brake pedal. In such cases, the transmission can be shifted out of Park even without the ignition key inserted, increasing the risk of unexpected vehicle rollaways. To date, there have been 20 reported incidents involving Stellantis trucks, including 12 crashes or fires and 7 injuries.
Ram trucks were once part of the Dodge brand but became a standalone entity in 2009. They were later integrated into Stellantis in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with Groupe PSA. Recently, the company announced plans to reintroduce a powerful V-8 engine, specifically the HEMI V-8, after phasing it out from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup. The big-bodied motor will make a return in 2026, marking a significant shift for the brand.
The CEO of the Ram brand, Tim Kuniskis, apologized for removing the iconic HEMI V-8 engine. He acknowledged the mistake and emphasized the company’s commitment to fixing the issue. “We own it. We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it,” Kuniskis stated in an advertisement, showcasing the executive driving the truck around a racetrack. The sound of the HEMI engine’s cylinders roaring was a clear indicator of its return.
For years, Ram enjoyed substantial profits thanks to the HEMI-powered full-size pickup trucks. However, the decision to replace the V-8 with a more efficient V-6 caused backlash among fans, who felt the move stripped away the brand’s signature character. One customer expressed disappointment on Reddit, stating, “Ram will lose me as a customer.” Sales for the brand dropped over 18 percent in 2024, contributing to a sales slump for Stellantis, which reported a 70 percent drop in profits last year.
Despite these challenges, the revival of the HEMI engine has sparked hope for a turnaround. Kuniskis expects the HEMI to account for 25 to 40 percent of Ram 1500 sales in 2026, signaling a potential comeback for the iconic engine.
