FCA Recalls Ram ProMaster Vans Because of Transmission Issue

FCA has recently issued a recall of more than 222,000 model year 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster vans because of the transmission problem, namely shifter cables may detach from the transmission unit. As a result, the vehicle may not change gears as the driver intends, i.e. the lever position won’t match the engaged gears, thereby creating the possibility of unsafe situations on the road. Over the last few years, different FCA models have been subjected to major recalls caused by transmission issues.

It is claimed that the affected Ram vans may have been built with transmission gear shift cables that were twisted during the assembly process. If the shift cable separates, the shifter is no longer attached to the transmission. The driver, then, may be confused with the transmission performance. If the driver thinks the vehicle is parked, but, in fact, it is still in D or N, the vehicle may roll away causing life-threatening situations.

2019 Ram ProMasters and its Interior

No warning signals appear if the shifter cable disconnects from the gearbox. However, after the cable comes off, the driver may notice that the shift lever can be moved with much less efforts. FCA has already informed the responsible authorities (NHTSA) that it has no info on any road traffic accidents or injuries and has no field reports of issues related to the condition. The automaker has received 545 warranty claims.

That’s how transmission gear shifter cable looks like

The recalled vans with faulty transmissions were produced in Saltillo, Mexico, between April 23, 2013, and Sept. 14, 2019. Similar 2014-2019 model year Ram ProMasters with other engines or those built after modernization of a production process in September are not included in the recall. Approximately 3% of the recalled vehicles are assumed to have the cable malfunction.

FCA first found out about a possible problem in May 2019 when the carmaker started investigating the issues. The actual recall is assumed to be launched at the end of next month. Ram dealers will replace the shifter cable absolutely free-of-charge. Customers who paid for the repair related to the shifter issue will be compensated. As a safety precaution until the vans are properly diagnosed and repaired, FCA encourages owners to use the handbrake when parking these vehicles.