The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the recall of approximately 1.2 million RAM pickup trucks manufactured between 2013 and 2018. The inquiry follows multiple incidents where the trucks unexpectedly rolled away despite being in Park and having no key in the ignition or foot on the brake pedal.
The issue affects various RAM models, including the 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 Pickup trucks, with 1,187,232 vehicles potentially impacted. The NHTSA reported that the incidents resulted in 7 injuries and 12 cases involving fire or crash, raising concerns about whether Stellantis NV, the manufacturer, adequately addressed the problem.
This development comes as Stellantis recently issued a separate recall for over 299,000 vehicles related to an issue with shifter cable bushings in the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. Other automakers, such as Ford Motor Co., have also faced multiple recalls due to various vehicle issues.
In a separate initiative, Stellantis conducted trials of a new 5-minute battery-swapping technology in Madrid, Spain, using a fleet of over 40 Fiat 500e vehicles in collaboration with Ample, a battery-swapping company.
The NHTSA’s investigation highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle safety and the need for effective recalls to address potential hazards.
