NHTSA Links Controversial FCA Gear Shifter to 266 Crashes, 68 Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released more details regarding the controversial gear shifters in a number of vehicles from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, including the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

According to the new NHTSA report, the recalled gear shifters are linked to at least 266 crashes and 68 injuries, up from the initial numbers of 117 crashes and 28 injuries. FCA is recalling 1.1 million vehicles after it and the safety agency received complaints from owners who claim the shift-by-wire gear selectors are confusing to operate. The automaker acknowledged that owners were accidentally exiting their vehicles before shifting the transmission into the “Park” position, causing vehicles to roll away.

The shifter recently came under intense scrutiny following last week’s fatal accident involving “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin, who died after becoming pinned between his mailbox and his 2015 Grand Cherokee, one of the vehicles involved in the recall. Yelchin’s accident is currently under investigation, but was referenced in NHTSA’s new report.

Most vehicles involved in the recall are model year 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Other FCA models including the 2014 Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte, the 2012-2014 Chrysler 300, and the 2012-2014 Dodge Charger.

Back in April, FCA issued a warning and voluntary recall in an attempt to fix the issue with a software update. The automaker has since been working on the update, which would automatically shift the transmission into “Park” if the driver fails to do so before opening the door and the engine is still running. The AP reports FCA recently sent the update to U.S. dealers and that letters were mailed to affected owners last week.

The automaker must also deal with a class action lawsuit filed last week by Jeep Grand Cherokee owners. The suit claims FCA concealed the shifter’s confusing design and a drastic hit to vehicle resale value due to the recent negative publicity.

Source: AP

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