(December 23, 2017) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will recall about 1.8 million Ram trucks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some other markets to fix a function that prevents occupants from inadvertently moving the shifter out of the "park" position.

The recall applies to several Ram models from the 2009 to 2017 model years with shifters mounted in the steering column. It does not apply to vehicles with rotary dial or floor-mounted shifters. And it does not apply to 2017 trucks built after Dec. 31, 2016.

FCA said it is aware of "seven potentially related injuries and a small number of potentially related accidents."

"An FCA US review of field data led to the discovery that Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) may not function properly if subject to specific high-temperature conditions for prolonged periods," FCA said in a statement. "The conditions are consistent with those that occur when there is protracted brake-pedal application while a vehicle is idling in park.

"If BTSI becomes disabled, a vehicle’s shifter may be moved out of park without brake-pedal application, or the presence of a key in the ignition. In such circumstances, a vehicle may exhibit inadvertent movement -- if its parking brake has not been set." 

About 1.48 million vehicles are being recalled in the U.S. along with another 249,520 units in Canada.

Sources: Automotive News, press reports