One million FCA vehicles under investigation for roll-away issue

Around one million Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles sold in the USA are being investigated for roll-away failures, after the US Government received reports from owners alleging 25 crashes and nine injuries.

The vehicles affected include the Ram 1500 pickup truck (2013 to 2016) and the Dodge Durango SUV (2014 to 2016).

The USA's top vehicle safety authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is investigating the vehicles.

Owners in the US are alleging that vehicles are unintentionally rolling away, which could result in personal or property damage.

The vehicles under investigation are understood to be equipped with rotary gear shifters, such as the RAM 1500 pictured below.

FCA has faced issues with vehicles rolling away without the driver's knowledge in the past. The most high-profile case saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee crush 27-year-old Hollywood actor Anton Yelchin in June 2016.

He died from the collision after the SUV pinned him against a gate in his driveway.

FCA Australia's Corporate Communications Director Lucy McLellan said the recent investigation of around one million vehicles by the NHTSA won't affect Australian vehicles imported by the company.

"No FCA vehicles sold in Australia are involved in this investigation," she said, adding that the NHTSA announcement was "not a recall".

Although some Rams are sold in Australia via American Special Vehicles, a joint venture between Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Ateco Automotive that converts US vehicles for Aussie use, they are the RAM 2500 Laramie and 3500 Laramie, which are not under investigation.

FCA is urging all owners of the affected RAM utes and Durango SUVs to use the parking brake when the vehicle is left stationary.