Fiat Chrysler Expands Recall of Pickup Trucks for Gearbox Defects
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced that is issuing an auto defect recall for more than 228,000 pickup trucks for faulty gearboxes that may allow vehicles to unintentionally shift out of “park” mode. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the same type of glitch prompted the automaker to recall 1.8 million other vehicles in December. The latest recall affects certain 2017-2018 model year vehicles, predominantly heavy-duty and chassis cab trucks. But, it also includes some light-duty pickup trucks.
Vehicles Could Shift Out of Park
These vehicles, all of which have steering-column gearshifts, could be shifted out of park mode when the parking brake is not engaged even without a key in the ignition or a foot on the pedals if overheating occurs, the automaker said. FCA has said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this recall. The last recall involving these vehicles in December came after seven injuries and what the automaker described as a “small number of car accidents” that were potentially related to the vehicle defect.
This problem reportedly stems from the overheating of the trucks’ brake transmission shift interlock, which has been linked to the protracted brake-pedal application while the vehicles idle. The recalled vehicles include certain Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 model pickup trucks and Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 model chassis cabs. Of the 228,508 trucks that are included in the recall, 180,975 were sold in the United States.
This recall is the seventh one by FCA in the past six months, most of which were unrelated to the others and affected different vehicle models. Last month, Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 162,000 Pacifica minivans to repair a software issue that could cause vehicles to stall while in motion.
Damages in Auto Defect Cases
There are a number of injuries that could occur as a result of defective autos and defective parts in vehicles. When a vehicle slips out of “park” position suddenly and unexpectedly, the injuries that could occur can be devastating. These types of incidents could also become fatal. The parents of “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler, the manufacture of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that killed the 27-year-old actor as it rolled down the driveway and crushed him. Yelchin’s SUV was part of a recall when the incident occurred.
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one as the result of a defective auto, an experienced auto product liability lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages and losses.
Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fiat-chrysler-expands-truck-recall-for-gearshift-2018-02-16