RAM 2500 and 3500 recalled

Two safety recall notices have been issued in the past two days for almost all RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pick-up trucks remanufactured in Australia by American Special Vehicles (ASV) since 2015.

The recall notices issued by Australia’s official RAM importer — a joint-venture between distributor Ateco Automotive and the Walkinshaw’s group, which converts them to right-hand drive in Melbourne — says it’s possible both big utes can overheat and/or roll away.

The first recall — issued yesterday — concerns the water pumps in about 530 examples of the RAM 2500 (DJ) and 3500 (D2) powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel, covering model years 2014 to 2017.

“The water pump may experience a failure which may result in an engine compartment fire,” said the ACCC recall notice.

“This could increase the potential for injury to the motor vehicle occupants or persons outside the vehicle.”

Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) list here to see if your vehicle is affected.

In a second recall announced today, ASV confirms 857 MY14-18 RAM 2500 and 2500 trucks – including many involved in the previous recall – are affected by a potentially faulty Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) locking pin that may become stuck in the open position.

“The A BTSI locking pin stuck in the open position may allow the transmission to be shifted out of PARK into to any gear position without depression of the brake pedal and/or without the key in the ignition, if a key is applicable,” said the recall notice at Product Safety Australia.

“The ability to shift the transmission out of PARK position without a key in the ignition or brake pedal application increases the potential for an unintended vehicle rollaway that may increase the risk of a crash and/or occupant injury.”

The list of RAM 2500/3500s affected by the potential rollaway issue can be found here  and, in both cases, ASV says it will notify owners of affected vehicles by mail.

However, while owners of MY17 and MY18 vehicles affected by the rollaway issue can have their utes rectified via a software six, MY14, MY15 and MY16 owners will only be notified “when the rectification is available in June 2018”.

“Owners of these models please note the vehicle performance is not altered and can be driven as normal,” said ASV. “The rectification is a running change to make the vehicle safer overall.”

Also today, Volkswagen Group Australia reacalled about 840 examples of the MY2011-MY2012 Golf, Passat and CC (attached VIN list here) to repair suspect starter motor relays.

“If a bent or broken spring obstructs the clearance of the spindle in the starter motor relay, it can lead to a blockage over time and result in a permanent current supply to the starter motor relay. This can lead to the overheating of the component,” said VGA.

“If the permanent current supply of the starter motor is not noticed, overheating of the component may occur, resulting in local scorching damage and a possible vehicle fire.”

Affected owners will be notified via mail or they can call 1800 607 822.