Chrysler Investigated For Complaints Of Unexpected Rollaway
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500 pickups and 2014-2016 Dodge Durango SUVs, for a safety defect that could result in an unexpected rollaway. The investigation was started after the NHTSA received 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while the transmission is in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. If the investigation results in a recall, it is estimated that about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected.
Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.1 million Jeep Grand Cherokees earlier this year due to a similar issue with a different transmission shifter design. The Jeep problem is being blamed for the death of “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin, who was crushed in his driveway by one of the affected vehicles.