The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation into Fiat Chrysler following complaints by drivers that their vehicles “rolled away” even after the vehicle was shifted into the “park” position. Fiat Chrysler has recalled over 800,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles from the 2014 – 2015 model year and Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 vehicles from the 2012 – 2014 model years. Safety officials have reported 68 injuries and 266 crashes among these vehicles stemming from the gear shifter issue. All of these vehicles are equipped with a gear shifter commonly referred to as a “monostable shifter.” The existence of this safety issue received national attention over the past several months as movie star Anton Yelchin (of Star Trek fame) was killed when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backward and crushed him.
If you were the driver or passenger in a car accident that may have been a result of a safety issue or defect, please call us at 251-471-6191 for legal advice. Our Mobile, Alabama personal injury attorneys will evaluate your potential case free of charge.