Fiat Chrysler has sent its dealers new software allowing them to install a software-based “Auto Park” feature in 2014-15 Jeep Grand Cherokees meant to prevent the vehicles from moving when the driver’s side door is open and the shifter is not in park.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) – The SUV that rolled down a driveway and killed “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin was being recalled because the gear shifters have confused drivers, causing the vehicles to roll away unexpectedly, government records show.
Actor Anton Yelchin, best known for playing the young Russian starship navigator Chekov in the rebooted series of “Star Trek” movies, was killed on Sunday when accidentally crushed by his own vehicle against a driveway wall, police said.
According to Fiat Chrysler, software updates to fix the issue are not expected until July or August, although the company was hoping that the fix would be permanent. Authorities say they believe the vehicle rolled backward after the 27-year-old actor got out.
While the cause of the accident, and its connection to the recall, if any, are still under investigation, those working in the area of consumer safety say there needs to be a new recall system.
The death of Star Trek actor, Anton Yelchin via a vehicle accident surprised everyone over the weekend. The NHTSA released the following statement concerning Yelchin’s death which said in part, “Until all of these recalled vehicles are fixed, owners should take extra care to make sure their auto is in park and turned completely off before exiting”. The company further said that it is planning to include certain enhancements in the vehicle. It’s confusing, and many drivers began exiting their cars without switching the vehicle securely to park.
The vehicles involved in the gear selector recall are model-year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, and model-year 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.
The NHTSA’s complaint database lists 211 complaints from 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners.
“Despite a clear defect affecting hundreds of owners with injury and potential death, Chrysler issued a Part 577 interim notification letter to owners promising to develop a fix by the 4th quarter of 2016”, CAS stated in regards to the Monostable shifter, highlighting the significant gap in time between the investigation and an eventual hardware solution. The details of the incident were only revealed after an autopsy which declared his death as an accident.
It’s important to note, however, that Yelchin’s death is still under investigation and has yet to be linked to the Jeep’s shifter.
The recalled vehicles sound a chime and issue a dashboard warning if the driver’s door is opened while they are not in park.
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“Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton”, Justin Lin, who directed Yelchin in his third “Star Trek” movie, wrote on Twitter.
