Skip advert
Advertisement

Huge Fiat Chrysler recall after runaway injuries

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models require gear selector modifications

A massive global recall of 1.1m cars has been announced by the Fiat Chrysler group, following a spate of runaways that have caused injuries in at least 41 separate incidents.

The runaways occur because the gear selector mechanism on certain 2012-2015 Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models allows drivers to exit their vehicles after mistakenly believing they have selected Park mode. On the affected vehicles Park mode is confirmed only by indicator lights, and not by the position of the gear selector.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Car recalls: everything you need to know

Most of the affected vehicles were sold in North America, but up to a quarter of a million cars are affected in other markets around the world, and the models under scrutiny have been sold in the UK too - some as personal imports, others through official channels.

The global recall has been instigated following investigation into more than 300 complaints by the US National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). The organization says "investigation of the shifter in these vehicles showed it is clearly a safety issue that has led to hundreds of crashes and dozens of injuries.” 

It is reported by news agency Reuters that 121 crashes have already been reported after cars rolled away while parked. Some hit buildings, other cars, or even their own drivers, and reports of injuries include three fractured pelvises and four other cases requiring hospitalisation.

The NHTSA tested the gear selector mechanism, and found it to be "not intuitive and provides poor tactile and visual feedback to the driver, increasing the potential for unintended gear selection."

We're not yet aware of any similar reported incidents in the UK. Fiat Chrysler says it began fitting improved selectors in the Charger and 300 from 2015, and the Grand Cherokee SUV from 2016. 

Do you have one of the affected cars? Tell us in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2024 review: a big but unremarkable SUV
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe - front
Road tests

New Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2024 review: a big but unremarkable SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee struggles to compete with a host of talented SUV rivals at this price point
6 May 2024
All-new Dodge Charger launches the muscle car into the electric age
Dodge Charger 2024
News

All-new Dodge Charger launches the muscle car into the electric age

The electric Dodge Charger Daytona with up to 670bhp arrives in the US later this year and a twin-turbo six-cylinder will follow in 2025.
5 Mar 2024
Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024
Fastest accelerating cars – header image
Best cars & vans

Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024

Combustion-engined supercars are making a last stand against electrified machines
2 Jan 2024
Cars we can't buy in the UK, but wish we could
Best cars we can't buy in the UK – header image
Best cars & vans

Cars we can't buy in the UK, but wish we could

We choose our favourite cars from overseas
24 Oct 2023

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024