Jeep Grand Cherokee Roll-Away Problems Under Investigation

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the manufacturer of Jeep, is facing a problem with its Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV’s electronic transmission may result in a recall. According to reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has investigated the vehicle’s tendency to roll away when the driver believes the car is in park. This problem could result in injury or even death to innocent victims.

Jeep Rollaway Sparks Investigation

The NHTSA began its investigation last August when the agency received 14 complaints of Jeep Grand Cherokee Roll-away problems. All of the complaints involved a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, with a model year of 2014 and 2015. Ultimately, the investigation revealed 306 reports of accidents involving these vehicles.

The rollaway accidents seem to be occurring with vehicles equipped with an “E-shift” option. This is a transmission option that does not manually lock the lever when shifting. Instead, it uses a push button to shift into park. Investigators called the system “non-intuitive,” stating that it provides poor visual feedback and tactile response for the driver. This could lead to an unintended gear selection which could be dangerous, especially if the driver believes the vehicle to be in park when it is not.

In the course of the investigation, the NHTSA discovered that the company has used a similar type of transmission in Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models between 2012 and 2014. There have been eight similar complaints recorded with these vehicles, some of which resulted in crashes and injuries.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Crashes and Injuries

To date, the NHTSA has documented 117 crashes resulting from rollaway Jeeps, 28 of which resulted in injuries. These injuries include three involving a fractured pelvis and four of which involved other broken bones or serious injuries. Other injuries, while not quite as serous, have resulted in facial lacerations and serious bruising as well as other trauma.

If the NHTSA determines that the transmission poses a threat to drivers and others, it may mandate a recall. This would mean that FCA would be forced to recall thousands of vehicles potentially affected by the transmission problems in order to fix the issue. Under a recall, the manufacturer would repair the vehicles at no cost to the owners.

While a recall would protect future victims, for those who have already been injured by a defective automobile, it is too late to solve the problem. These victims may need to seek compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer with the help of a personal injury attorney who has proven experience in these types of cases. David & Philpot has been representing victims of defective vehicles and other products for over 20 years. Our sole focus is to protect the rights of our clients and help them achieve the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Contact us today for a free no obligation consultation about your case.