1.2 million Ram trucks under safety review over shift-lock issue linked to injuries and deaths
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Have you ever stopped to question whether your Ram truck is truly secure when parked? That sense of security may be misplaced, as federal regulators are now investigating a serious defect that could cause parked vehicles to roll away unexpectedly.
The issue involves a potential failure in the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system, affecting more than 1.2 million Ram trucks currently on the road across the United States.
Alarming reports have already linked this malfunction to several crashes, injuries, and even multiple fatalities, prompting urgent calls for action and increased scrutiny.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially launched a defect investigation into Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from model years 2013 through 2018.
At the center of the probe is the BTSI system—a safety mechanism that’s supposed to prevent drivers from shifting out of Park without first pressing the brake pedal.
According to NHTSA, they’ve received 14 consumer complaints along with six reports of injuries or deaths tied to this very issue.
In total, there are 20 incident reports, including 12 crashes or fires and seven known injuries.
The core of the defect involves the locking pin inside the BTSI system, which can jam or stick due to wear or mechanical failure.
When this happens, the truck’s transmission may be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake—or even without the key in the ignition.
In such cases, the vehicle could roll away entirely on its own, leading to significant safety hazards. That’s especially concerning for full-size pickups that can weigh well over 6,000 pounds.
You might be wondering why this is happening again when Ram already issued two recalls for this exact problem. Those recalls—numbered 17V-821 and 18V-100—were meant to correct the BTSI flaw by updating or replacing affected components.
Also read: Urgent vehicle recall: Check if yours is on the list!
However, NHTSA now confirms, “The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.”
Because of this, the Office of Defects Investigation is now reviewing whether the repairs were effective and whether another root cause may exist.
The BTSI system is supposed to act as a safeguard against rollaway by keeping the gear selector locked unless the brake is engaged.
It uses a locking pin to hold the gear shifter in Park until specific conditions are met. If the pin sticks, drivers could find themselves unable to shift out of park—or worse, able to shift without the brake or key.
This creates a serious danger, especially in parking lots, driveways, or inclines where a vehicle could roll with no warning.
Ram, once a division of Dodge, became a standalone brand in 2009 and joined the Stellantis portfolio following the Fiat Chrysler–PSA Group merger in 2021.
The brand is well known for its powerful trucks, often favored for their utility and performance, especially among V-8 enthusiasts.
In recent years, the company replaced the well-known 5.7-liter HEMI engine with a more efficient V-6, but that move led to backlash from long-time customers.
Also read: Over 200,000 cars recalled—see which brands and models are affected
Ram’s CEO Tim Kuniskis later acknowledged the misstep, saying in a company ad, “We own it. We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it.”
Following customer outrage and an 18 percent drop in 2024 sales, Ram announced it will reintroduce the iconic V-8 HEMI in 2026.
Kuniskis addressed fans directly in the campaign, stating, “You hear that? That’s our HEMI. And it’s saying, ‘We’re back.’”
The company now expects the returning HEMI to make up 25 to 40 percent of Ram 1500 sales. Still, while the engine may return, concerns over safety systems like the BTSI are now taking priority.
If you own a Ram truck built between 2013 and 2018, check your vehicle’s recall status immediately using your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
If your truck was previously serviced under either of the two BTSI-related recalls, do not assume the problem has been resolved.
Always use the parking brake, especially when parking on an incline or near pedestrians. If your gear shifter moves out of Park without the brake applied, contact your dealer immediately.
Vehicle recalls are only effective if owners stay informed and follow through with necessary repairs. Millions of US vehicles are still on the road with unrepaired safety issues, many of them due to missed notices or ignored warnings.
According to the NHTSA, this ongoing investigation could result in a new round of recall campaigns for affected Ram trucks. Staying proactive now could prevent serious injuries—or worse—later.
Read next: Is your car part of the problem? Over 660,000 vehicles recalled including Tesla, Ram, Honda
Have you or someone you know experienced a rollaway incident or other safety failure in a Ram truck or any other vehicle? How do you stay on top of recalls and service notices for your vehicle? Share your story or advice in the comments—your experience might help someone else avoid a dangerous situation.
The issue involves a potential failure in the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system, affecting more than 1.2 million Ram trucks currently on the road across the United States.
Alarming reports have already linked this malfunction to several crashes, injuries, and even multiple fatalities, prompting urgent calls for action and increased scrutiny.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially launched a defect investigation into Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from model years 2013 through 2018.
At the center of the probe is the BTSI system—a safety mechanism that’s supposed to prevent drivers from shifting out of Park without first pressing the brake pedal.
According to NHTSA, they’ve received 14 consumer complaints along with six reports of injuries or deaths tied to this very issue.
In total, there are 20 incident reports, including 12 crashes or fires and seven known injuries.
The issue involves a potential failure in the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. Image source: Brock Wegner / Unsplash
The core of the defect involves the locking pin inside the BTSI system, which can jam or stick due to wear or mechanical failure.
When this happens, the truck’s transmission may be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake—or even without the key in the ignition.
In such cases, the vehicle could roll away entirely on its own, leading to significant safety hazards. That’s especially concerning for full-size pickups that can weigh well over 6,000 pounds.
You might be wondering why this is happening again when Ram already issued two recalls for this exact problem. Those recalls—numbered 17V-821 and 18V-100—were meant to correct the BTSI flaw by updating or replacing affected components.
Also read: Urgent vehicle recall: Check if yours is on the list!
However, NHTSA now confirms, “The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.”
Because of this, the Office of Defects Investigation is now reviewing whether the repairs were effective and whether another root cause may exist.
The BTSI system is supposed to act as a safeguard against rollaway by keeping the gear selector locked unless the brake is engaged.
It uses a locking pin to hold the gear shifter in Park until specific conditions are met. If the pin sticks, drivers could find themselves unable to shift out of park—or worse, able to shift without the brake or key.
This creates a serious danger, especially in parking lots, driveways, or inclines where a vehicle could roll with no warning.
Ram, once a division of Dodge, became a standalone brand in 2009 and joined the Stellantis portfolio following the Fiat Chrysler–PSA Group merger in 2021.
The brand is well known for its powerful trucks, often favored for their utility and performance, especially among V-8 enthusiasts.
In recent years, the company replaced the well-known 5.7-liter HEMI engine with a more efficient V-6, but that move led to backlash from long-time customers.
Also read: Over 200,000 cars recalled—see which brands and models are affected
Ram’s CEO Tim Kuniskis later acknowledged the misstep, saying in a company ad, “We own it. We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it.”
Following customer outrage and an 18 percent drop in 2024 sales, Ram announced it will reintroduce the iconic V-8 HEMI in 2026.
Kuniskis addressed fans directly in the campaign, stating, “You hear that? That’s our HEMI. And it’s saying, ‘We’re back.’”
The company now expects the returning HEMI to make up 25 to 40 percent of Ram 1500 sales. Still, while the engine may return, concerns over safety systems like the BTSI are now taking priority.
If you own a Ram truck built between 2013 and 2018, check your vehicle’s recall status immediately using your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
If your truck was previously serviced under either of the two BTSI-related recalls, do not assume the problem has been resolved.
Always use the parking brake, especially when parking on an incline or near pedestrians. If your gear shifter moves out of Park without the brake applied, contact your dealer immediately.
Vehicle recalls are only effective if owners stay informed and follow through with necessary repairs. Millions of US vehicles are still on the road with unrepaired safety issues, many of them due to missed notices or ignored warnings.
According to the NHTSA, this ongoing investigation could result in a new round of recall campaigns for affected Ram trucks. Staying proactive now could prevent serious injuries—or worse—later.
Read next: Is your car part of the problem? Over 660,000 vehicles recalled including Tesla, Ram, Honda
