1.8 Million Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks Recalled

Jan 04,2018

Last week, Fiat Chrysler announced it would be recalling about 1.8 million Dodge Ram pickup trucks worldwide. The recall concerns the vehicles’ gear shifters, which can accidentally switch out of park. Trucks included in the recall include Ram pickups dating back to 2009. Most of the affected trucks are heavy-duty pickups, but the recall also includes some light-duty Ram models.

When the brake pedal is pressed for a long stretch while the vehicle is idling in park mode, the brake-transmission shift interlock becomes disabled. This allows the shifter to move out of park mode. The problem is more likely to occur when vehicles are subjected to high temperatures for long periods of time.

Crashes Related to Gear Shifter Defect

According to Fiat Chrysler, there were a “small number” of crashes and seven injuries potentially related to the defective gear shifters. The recall includes 1.5 trucks in the U.S. and more than 300,000 outside the U.S.

Owners should be on the lookout for a recall notification. In the meantime, owners of affected vehicles should use the parking brake each time they park.

Affected vehicles include:

Certain versions of 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks
2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs
2016-2017 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 10,000 lbs.
Certain 2009-2017 Ram 1500 pickup trucks

“This is a dangerous vehicle defect that can result in accidents and injuries. Please exercise caution when driving your vehicle before it is repaired,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.