skip to content
blog home Product Liability FCA Recalls Gear Shifter Used in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Vehicles

FCA Recalls Gear Shifter Used in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Vehicles

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on June 23, 2016

On April 27th, 2016, the FCA issued a recall that affected around 1.1 million vehicles sold by Fiat Chrysler under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands. The recall targeted certain models that used what is known as a “Monostable shifter.” This shifter, developed by a German company called ZF, was chosen by Fiat Chrysler for models in their extensive lineup of cars even though it contained what is widely considered to be a non-intuitive form of shifting. Specifically, the shifter, which is often described as being “mushroom shaped,” always returns to the center position after being used, which confuses many people who are used to a shifter remaining in a certain place to indicate the specific mode (park, reverse, neutral, or drive).

The greatest danger associated with this component is that a person may not have their car in park when they have stopped driving. Instead, they may accidentally shift the car into neutral, drive, or reverse, potentially causing damage to the vehicle, surrounding structures, or nearby individuals. This makes the recall unusual in that it addresses a part that is not exactly defective or suffering from malfunctions, but a component that confuses drivers.

Unfortunately, this confusion has led to a number of serious situations. Most recently, the actor Anton Yelchin (mostly known for his role as Chekov in the recent Star Trek reboots) was killed in his driveway when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee pinned him against a mailbox. Although it has not been stated for certain that the faultily designed shifter lies behind the actor’s death, there have already been over 120 accidents and over 40 injuries reported as a result of the confusing shifter.

This recall affects a huge number of cars, with an estimated 811,586 located in the U.S. alone, and the rest located within Canada, Mexico, and other locations. The specific cars affected include by the recall are the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans dated 2012-2014 and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s (such as the one Yelchin was driving) dated from 2014 to 2015.

More contemporary versions of these models have changed the design of the shifter so that it indicates more clearly what position your car is in, and whether or not you are actually parked when you want to be.

If you or a loved one have been affected by this recall, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).

Sources:

James O. Cunningham

James O. CunninghamSince 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

Related Articles:

Do I Have A Case?

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential

Martindale Hubbell | Highest Ethical standing
  • Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified
  • NBLSC Board Certified Lawyers
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
  • The Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Personal Injury
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Personal Injury
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent High Ethical Standing
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers
  • Florida Legal Elite

Client Testimonials

5 StarsMr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.
I would and have recommended Mr. Cunningham as an attorney. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided for me and my family. I will definately use Mr. Cunningham in the future if I ever need an attorney again. John, a Personal Injury client

Read Reviews

Request a free 30-minute case evaluation with attorney James O. Cunningham. Request Free Evaluation

Close Form

Receive a free case evaluation.

All submissions are personally reviewed by attorney James O. Cunningham within hours.

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential