Recall 19V527 covers 4 2013-2016 Ameritrans 5500 vehicles with a BTSI pin that sticks open. Software update and inspection are free at a Chrysler dealer.
Ameritrans is recalling 4 2013-2016 5500 vehicles because the brake transmission shift interlock pin can stick open after prolonged brake-pedal pressure while the vehicle is running in PARK. That can let the transmission shift out of PARK without the brake pedal or key, raising rollaway risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake transmission shift interlock on 2013-2016 Ameritrans 5500 vehicles is a safety lock in the column shift system. Its job is to keep the shifter locked in PARK until the brake pedal is pressed and the proper key condition is met. When it works normally, the vehicle cannot be shifted into gear by bumping or moving the lever alone.
In affected vehicles under NHTSA campaign 19V527, holding the brake pedal down for a prolonged period while the engine is running and the transmission is in PARK can make the interlock pin stick open. An open pin leaves the shifter unlocked. That means the transmission can be moved out of PARK into gear without pressing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not get a special sound, light, or pedal change from this interlock problem before the shifter unlocks.
Who's affected?
Covers the Ameritrans 5500 across the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the automatic transmission column-shift linkage.
| 2015 Ameritrans 5500 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ameritrans 5500 | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Ameritrans 5500 | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Ameritrans 5500 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 4 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A vehicle that shifts out of park without the brake pedal pressed or without the key in the ignition can roll away unintentionally, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. There is no warning sign before this happens, so confirm the vehicle is fully in park, set the parking brake, and schedule service. Repair will be free at any franchised Ameritrans dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Ameritrans 5500 is included in this recall.
- Keep the vehicle in PARK with the parking brake set until Ameritrans confirms the repair path for your VIN.
- Call Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-218-4786 to ask about the free Chrysler-dealer software update and BTSI inspection that fixes the rollaway risk.
- Reference recall number 19V527 when you call.
- Bring the owner notice dated July 23, 2019 if you have it.
What happens at the repair
The remedy record says owners were notified and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace the BTSI if needed. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. At the dealer, an Ameritrans technician checks whether the interlock pin and related software allow the vehicle to shift out of PARK without the brake pedal, then completes the software update and any needed BTSI replacement.
Timeline
| July 12, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 23, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V527?
Recall 19V527 covers 4 2013-2016 Ameritrans 5500 vehicles with a brake transmission shift interlock defect. The transmission can shift out of PARK without the brake pedal or key, increasing the risk of unintended rollaway, injury, or crash. The software update, inspection, and needed replacement are free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Ameritrans 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V527. If it is, contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-218-4786 or the Chrysler dealer handling the recall. Reference recall number 19V527 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost. For recall 19V527, Chrysler dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the brake transmission shift interlock, and replace it if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle rollaway. If the brake transmission shift interlock pin sticks open, the transmission can move out of PARK without the brake pedal or key. That can increase the risk of personal injury or a crash.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began July 23, 2019. Ameritrans notified owners, and the remedy covers a vehicle software update, brake transmission shift interlock inspection, and replacement when needed. Use your VIN before scheduling because the year and model alone do not confirm inclusion.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V527000 |
|---|---|
| Ameritrans customer service | 1-574-218-4786 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V527 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V527000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →