Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled for transmission design flaw

FCA Australia has issued a recall notice for Chrysler 300 models built between 2012 and 2014, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee built between 2014 and 2015.

The recall notice pertains to the automatic transmission, which uses a spring-loaded two-stage shifter to select Park. FCA has issued a global recall notice for vehicles affected, after Hollywood actor Anton Yelchin was struck and killed by his Grand Cherokee when it rolled away unexpectedly. The incident is under investigation, but the early signs point to Yelchin failing to select Park before exiting the vehicle.

FCA Australia will contact owners for the subject vehicles to be returned to an authorised dealer for a software upgrade expected to rectify the shift-lever operation.

FCA's official statement follows:

FCA Australia is voluntarily recalling 47,451 vehicles to enhance transmission warnings and transmission-shift strategy.

This recall affects 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with electronic shift levers that return to a centre position after selecting DRIVE, NEUTRAL, REVERSE or PARK. The selected gear is conveyed to the driver by multiple sets of indicator lights. As a safety precaution, the vehicles deliver warning chimes and alert messages if a driver attempts to switch off the engine when in any gear other than PARK, or if the driver-side doors are opened while their engines are still running and PARK is not engaged. As a further safety precaution, it is also recommended that drivers engage the parking brake whenever they leave the vehicle.

However, an investigation found these measures may be insufficient to deter some drivers from exiting their vehicles without first selecting PARK. FCA Australia will enhance the warnings and transmission-shift strategy on these vehicles via a software update. The enhancements will combine warnings with a transmission-shift strategy to automatically prevent a vehicle from moving, under certain circumstances, even if the driver fails to select PARK.

Affected customers will be notified when service becomes available. In the interim, FCA Australia urges all customers to refer to their owner’s manual that outlines correct operation of the Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 transmission, including selecting Park, ensuring the engine is switched off and engaging the parking brake before exiting the vehicle. Alternatively, customers can contact their dealer for detailed instructions.