Lemon Law News – FCA Recalls Ram Trucks with Rollaway Concerns
Lemon Laws Protect American Truck Consumers
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling almost 200,000 pickup trucks that can shift unexpectedly.
The manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Feb. 8, 2018 that they will recall 180,462 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 2017-2018 Ram 3500, 2017-2018 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 2017-2018 Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and 2017-2018 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis pickup trucks built between Jan. 1, 2017 and Jan. 13, 2018.
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The affected vehicles contain column shifters that, if the brake pedal is pushed for prolonged periods while the vehicle engine is running in park, can cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick in the open position. When the pin sticks in this position, the transmission can shift out of park into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition. This can increase rollaway crash risk.
The manufacturer began testing the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock solenoid in January 2018 to determine its behavior in higher operating temperatures, following three confirmed interlock failures reported by customers. Engineers received two additional field reports of interlock failure on Jan. 26, 2018 in which customers could shift out of Park without the brake pedal applied. FCA initiated a safety recall on Feb. 1, 2018.
FCA will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test interlock operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is U11. Owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to assist you.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.
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