The vehicles are built with a clutch interlock switch that should prevent the engine from turning over if the clutch is not depressed, however the agency has received several complaints claiming the safety system failed.
The reports cite similar problems in one 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 and two Ram 3500 pickups from the 2006 model year.
In one complaint, an owner alleges that a child entered the vehicle and started the ignition without depressing the clutch. The vehicle is said to have rolled forward, striking another child and causing fatal injuries.
In another incident, someone working under the hood was knocked over when the engine was cranked without the clutch pedal depressed. The incident did not lead to any reported injuries.
The agency is currently evaluating the frequency and scope of the potential problem to determine if a recall is warranted.
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