Fiat Chrysler Recalls Cars after Confusing Gear Shifters Cause Accidents
Fiat Chrysler, the multinational automaker, has issued a massive recall of cars after auto safety experts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that drivers were exiting their cars without realizing that the gear had not been shifted to “Park.”
In total, Fiat Chrysler is issuing a recall of 812,000 vehicles being driven on US roadways. The recall affects a number of vehicle models, including 2012-2014 Dodge Charger, 2012-2014 Chrysler 300, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition to the more than 800,000 US cars that are being recalled, Fiat Chrysler is also recalling 300,000 cars from outside the United States.
The problem is that a lot of drivers are not able to recognize when the gear is in “Park,” resulting in serious car accidents.
After announcing the voluntary recall, Fiat Chrysler issued a statement that seemed to pass responsibility for gear shifter-related accidents from the auto manufacturer to negligent drivers. The company said that drivers need to take “due care” in order to avoid reaching “erroneous conclusions about the status of their vehicles.” In the statement, Fiat Chrysler also pointed out that the affected vehicles alert drivers to gear selection through “multiple sets of indicator lights.”
Additionally, Fiat Chrysler instructed owners of the affected vehicles to take the time needed to read their owners’ manuals so that they better understand how the gear selectors operate and can avoid potentially catastrophic motor vehicle accidents.
Interestingly, the product recall is officially based on “driver error,” not equipment failure, as the NHTSA did not conclusively determine that any of the 41 reported accidents involving potentially defective gear shifters were actually caused by a manufacturing or design defect.
For more information about this product recall, read the CNET.com article, “Fiat Chrysler Recalls 812,000 Cars because Owners Don’t Understand the Shifter.”
If you were injured in a car accident, whether it was caused by a defective auto part or the negligence of another driver, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified personal injury and product liability lawyer. The experienced personal injury and product liability attorneys at LaDuca Law Firm will fight for you and help you get the financial compensation you need, want and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
