2001 Dodge RAM Van Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Difficult to get the gearshift out of park. A recall has been done on the ignition/parkshift interlock for an issue the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. . The dealership service technician said that the part that has failed is not the same as the part that was replaced under the recall and wants over $2,000 for a new steering column or over $1,000 for a junkyard steering column. Chrysler customer assistance center agrees with the dealership but nobody can explain how the ignition/park shift interlock is not related to the ignition/park shift interlock.”

“The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram Van. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park until after several abrupt attempts. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or a local mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 105,000.”

“The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram Van. While driving approximately 15 MPH in rainy weather, the contact turned the steering wheel quickly to the left and the steering column locked. He was unable to steer to the right and crashed into a railroad gate. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. Months later, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v555000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). He filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 87,000. Updated 01/29/08. Updated 01/29/08”

“Interlock shift is not designed properly and that consumer's 15 month old child was able to put vehicle into gear without stepping on gas pedal. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.”