FCA’s recent shifter problems have caused 68 injuries according to an investigation detailed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to Reuters, a total of 266 accidents were reported to federal regulators, who have also received 686 consumer complaints.
Back in April, FCA announced a recall on 1.1 million vehicles around the world to address the issue. It is possible that the crash that killed actor Anton Yelchin last week was a direct result.
Affected models include the 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine. An issue with the shift lever design could cause drivers to mistakenly think they left the vehicle in “Park.”
Per NHTSA: “Although the Monostable gearshift has the familiar appearance of a conventional console mechanical gearshift assembly, it has an unfamiliar movement that does not provide the tactile or visual feedback that drivers are accustomed to receiving from conventional shifters. Consequently, the driver must take additional time to verify that the desired gear position was achieved by checking the PRNDL display on the shift knob or the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display.”