Category: FCA

FCA US has issued a recall on Ram 1500 pickup trucks manufactured in 2021 due to a powertrain software issue. Owners of the recalled vehicles have reportedly claimed that the software control for some systems may be malfunctioning due to a coding error. Specifically, dealerships will replace the power steering pump control module and ducted fan motor control module. This could result in reduced steering effectiveness or loss of electrical power. It is unknown at this time if the RAM 2022 and 2023 models with 5.7 engines will be recalled, and unclear if parts will be available this year.

Overview of the Recall

The recall was called after (FCA) received reports of trucks stalling while idling at slow speeds. Chrysler claimed that no crashes or injuries were found to be linked to this problem, but they are investigating the root cause. The company said it would repair vehicles equipped with certain powertrain control systems starting in June 2023. The software upgrade will be free; in this regard, owners will be notified soon. Furthermore, the recall affects certain 2021 Ram pickups with a 5.7L eTorque engine.

In response to the powertrain software issue, FCA is actively notifying affected vehicle owners of the recall via mail, informing them of the software issue and the necessary steps to address it. Much like past FCA, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep recalls, it’s safe to assume there may be a shortage of parts and subsequent recalls forthcoming.

Uncovering the Software Issue

The affected trucks reportedly have a Transmission Control Module (TCM) that controls how quickly the transmission shifts gears. The TCM is connected to a software system that can potentially cause it to lose communication with other components. The software was not installed correctly during the assembly of the vehicle. As a result, it lost communication with other components like the engine control module and vehicle electronics. Eventually, the TCM slows or stops shifting gears completely.

Affected Models and Safety Implications

FCA US has issued a recall affecting 131,700 Ram 1500 pickup trucks produced in 2021. The recall stems from a powertrain software issue that could potentially impact the safety and performance of these vehicles. The software flaw causes the engine to shut down abruptly, endangering the driver’s safety. If you own a 2021 Ram 1500 pickup truck, it’s vital to stay informed about this recall to take the necessary action to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

This recall indicates Fiat’s inability to protect the security and satisfaction of its customers. This recall serves as yet another warning to RAM owners to stay informed and watchful of any potential safety risks.

Serious car, truck, and SUV problems require serious representation, contact us at (833) LEMON FIRM to speak with a Lemon law expert today!

By Sepehr Daghighian

FCA US LLC (“FCA”), the United States distributor of Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Maserati, and other automobiles, is facing increased scrutiny and multiple class-action lawsuits arising from is dangerous and defective “monostable” gear shifter installed in over 800,000 vehicles.  According to CCA’s investigations, the monostable gear shifters, designed and manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen AG (“ZF”), departed from the long-established “PRNDL” gear selector in favor a system that always moves back to a central location after being engaged (the “FCA Shifter”). 

The FCA Shifter differs from traditional shifters in a number of ways: 

1. First, the shifter is “monostable,” which means that whether it is pushed up or down the shifter always goes back to the same position.  
2. While FCA gives a visual indication of the gear, the lever itself lacks tactile feedback making it hard to feel which gear you’re in.  This is a big departure from traditional shifters, which provide tactile feedback to the driver so that they know what gear they are in.  
3. Unlike traditional shifters, drivers have to push up to get into reverse and down for drive.  This system is unintuitive and confusion. Also, the “clicks” between gears are difficult to detect, so oftentimes, drivers end up in a different gear than the gear that they thought they were in.  

Much more than a mere annoyance or inconvenience, the FCA Shifter creates a serious safety risk and danger for FCA vehicle owners.  Already, well over 300 accidents and vehicle rollaways have been reported, including many that resulted in serious injuries. Potentially, the famous actor Anton Yelchin was crushed to death by his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee when it rolled down his driveway and pinned him against his mailbox. Many other 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners have complained of similar unexpected vehicle rollaways.  

In August 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened an investigation into the FCA shifters. NHTSA states that, to date, there are over 300 incidents of Jeep Grand Cherokees rolling away after owners believed the SUVs were shifted into “Park.” The 300+ rollaway incidents resulted in 117 alleged crashes and 28 injuries. Those injuries include pelvic fractures, broken kneecaps, a ruptured bladder, busted ribs, sprained knees, trauma to the legs, lacerations to the face and various other injuries. Later the NHTSA investigation and subsequent recall by FCA was expanded to include several other vehicles.  

According to CCA’ investigations, vehicles affected by the dangerous and defective FCA Shifter include:

• 2012-2014 Dodge Chargers;
• 2012-2014 Chrysler 300’s, and 
• 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees.

In April of 2016, FCA belatedly issued a recall of Chargers, 300’s, and Grand Cherokees with respect to the defective FCA Shifter.  In recall documents filed with NHTSA, FCA admits in that the drivers of their vehicles were prone to believe that the vehicles were in park when, in fact, they were not.  However, the “band-aid” approach taken by FCA in the recall limited the scope of its recall to address only rollaway incidents that occur when a driver exits a vehicle believing that it is in park. FCA failed to (and continues to fail to) address the generally defective and confusing nature of the FCA Shifter. Thus, FCA drivers continue to suffer through erroneous shifts, confusion about which gear they are in, distractions, missed shifts, and other transmission problems arising from the defective FCA Shifter.  

If you own a Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler or other vehicle and have suffered through problems with your transmission shifting mechanism, we invite you to call a Lemon Law expert at CCA for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.