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Fiat Chrysler recall over gear shifters

April 22, 2016

Fiat Chrysler has announced it is recalling over a million cars and SUVs globally over an issue that has seen vehicles rolling away after drivers left their cars. A number of injuries are linked to the problem.

https://p.dw.com/p/1IbCm
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Image: Getty Images/J. Raedle

Fiat Chrysler said Friday it was recalling more than 1.1 million cars and midsize SUVs worldwide, because their gear shifters "might confuse drivers" and allow them to exit their vehicles without placing them in "park" position.

The carmaker said the issue affected the 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans as well as the 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.

The company explained it was recalling 811,586 vehicles in the US alone.

Fiat at the wheel

Confused drivers

An investigation by Fiat Chrysler and the US government found that the electronic gear shifters in the vehicles were confusing and might lead people to believe that they were parked even if they weren't.

The carmaker said it was aware of 41 injuries potentially related to the problem. It added that owners of the affected vehicles would be notified.

Dealers are to update the transmissions so they won't move once the driver has exited. They will also add enhanced warning signals.

hg/hch (AP, Reuters)