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Campaign 17V821 Posted December 20, 2017 1,482,874 units

2009-2017 Ram 1500-5500 Recall 17V821: Stuck BTSI Pin

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 17V821 covers 1,482,874 2009-2017 Ram trucks for a column-shifter interlock defect. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.

Ram recall 17V821 covers 1,482,874 2009-2017 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks with column shifters because the brake transmission shift interlock pin can stick open after prolonged brake-pedal pressure in PARK. That lets the transmission shift out of PARK without the brake pedal or key, which increases rollaway, injury, and crash risk; the Ram dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The brake transmission shift interlock on these 2009-2017 Ram trucks with column shifters is a small solenoid and locking pin in the gearshift bracket. Its job is to keep the shifter locked in PARK until the brake pedal is pressed, so the truck does not move into gear by accident.

When the truck is running and left in PARK with the brake pedal held down for a long time, the interlock stays energized. Heat builds inside the unit, the plastic housing swells, and the grease breaks down. That can leave the locking pin stuck open, so the transmission can shift out of PARK without the brake pedal being pressed and without the key in the ignition. In recall 17V821, that defect increases the risk of an unintended rollaway, crash, or injury.

There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is not detectable to owners before the interlock pin sticks open.

Who's affected?

Spans the 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 truck classes across 2009-2017, all using the same automatic transmission column-shift linkage.

2017 Ram 5500 automatic transmission
2017 Ram 2500 automatic transmission
2016 Ram 2500 automatic transmission
2015 Ram 4500 automatic transmission
2015 Ram 3500 automatic transmission
Units affected1,482,874

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the transmission shifts without the brake pedal or a key in the ignition, the truck can roll away unexpectedly. That raises the risk of personal injury or a crash. There is no warning sign before this issue. Set the parking brake every time you park, especially on a slope. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Ram's repair notice before scheduling the dealer repair; the dealer repair is free once it opens.
  3. Contact a franchised Ram dealer for the software update and BTSI inspection that fixes the column-shifter rollaway risk.
  4. Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions, and reference recall number 17V821 when you call.
  5. Bring the recall notice if you have it, or give the dealer recall number 17V821 when you schedule service.
  6. Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

Once the dealer repair is available, a Ram technician will update the vehicle software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace the BTSI if needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the repair opens. If you already paid for a related repair, Ram's reimbursement process asks owners to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed under the field action reimbursement policy.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 20, 2017 NHTSA published the recall
February 8, 2018 Dealer notification began
February 8, 2018 Dealer notification ended
February 8, 2018 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
February 8, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
February 26, 2018 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 17V821?

Recall 17V821 covers 1,482,874 2009-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles equipped with a column shifter. The brake transmission shift interlock pin can stick open, letting the transmission shift out of PARK without the brake pedal or key.

What should I do if my 2009-2017 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V821. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the software update, BTSI inspection, and replacement if needed. Reference recall 17V821 or Ram recall T79 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and replace it if needed, free of charge.

What is the safety risk in recall 17V821?

The safety risk is unintended rollaway. If the BTSI pin sticks open, the truck can shift out of PARK without the brake pedal or key, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. Until the repair is complete, use the parking brake every time you park.

What if I bought my Ram truck used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the truck was purchased. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ram dealer with recall 17V821 or Ram recall T79 if your truck is included.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V821000
Ram customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #17V821
NHTSA recall # (full)17V821000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →