Dodge Ram Recall Issued Over Fatal Software Glitch That Disables Seatbelts, Airbags

Russell Maas

Add Your Comments

More than a million Dodge Ram trucks have been recalled, after at least one death may have been caused by a software glitch that could prevent the side curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from working properly in the event of a roll-over crash. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Dodge Ram truck recall on May 12, after Fiat Chrysler Automotive acknowledged the software problem, which mat be linked to accidents involving at least one death and two injuries.

According to the recall notice, the vehicles may experience a software malfunction prior to a vehicle roll-over, which can prevent the seatbelt pretensioners from locking passengers in place, and disrupt the sensor that deploys the airbags.

Do You Know about…

Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who suffered unnecessary shocks, burns or other problems, often resulting in the need for additional surgery to remove the SCS.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit

Do You Know About…

Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who suffered unnecessary shocks, burns or other problems, often resulting in the need for additional surgery to remove the SCS.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

Chrysler indicates the issue is related to a software error that may indirectly determine a sensor has failed when it receives an underbody impact, ultimately disabling the side air bags and seatbelt pretensioners.

The recall includes certain model year 2013 through 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 trucks and certain model year 2014 through 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 trucks.

According to Chrysler, an estimated 1 million vehicles were distributed for sale to licensed dealers within the United States as well as another 216,007 to Canada and an additional 21,668 to Mexico. Chrysler reported 21,530 impacted vehicles were distributed for sale in other territories.

Customers are being asked to watch for a warning light illuminating on the dashboard. If the warning light illuminates, customers should safely stop and turn the vehicle off and then back on. If the light disappears from the dashboard, the vehicle sensors will work correctly, according to Chrysler.

Affected owners will be mailed notifications by Chrysler with details of the issue and instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer. Dealers will be instructed to reprogram the software that controls the safety systems in the recalled vehicles.

Russell Maas
Written by: Russell Maas

Managing Editor & Senior Legal Journalist

Russell Maas is a paralegal and the Managing Editor of AboutLawsuits.com, where he has reported on mass tort litigation, medical recalls, and consumer safety issues since 2010. He brings legal experience from one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms and oversees the site’s editorial strategy, including SEO and content development.

Tags: Airbag, Auto Accident, Chrysler, Dodge, Dodge Ram, Seatbelt
Image Credit: Image via <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-285811p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Darren Brode</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/editorial?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>

More Lawsuit Stories

0 Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Share Your Comments

This field is hidden when viewing the form
I authorize the above comments be posted on this page
Post Comment
Weekly Digest Opt-In

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

MORE TOP STORIES

Vortex Port Lawsuit Filed After Port Catheter Removed Due to Infection, Blood Clots
AngioDynamics faces a Vortex port lawsuit from a woman who says the device only lasted a month before causing an infection and dangerous blood clots in her neck.
Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Lawsuit Claims Implanted SCS Devices Exacerbated Chronic Pain Symptoms
A new claim against Boston Scientific joins a growing number of spinal cord stimulator lawsuits alleging the systems have failed to relieve pain and instead worsened symptoms for many individuals.
10 Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Select By Court For Early Trial Dates
A federal judge has selected 10 hair relaxer lawsuits to serve as potential bellwether trials after altering the selection process to eliminate non-representative cases.