Fiat Chrysler has confirmed that it has recalled over 1.1 million cars because their owners were facing issues with the electronic shift level found in older Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 models. Chrysler has said that due to this issue drivers might draw erroneous conclusions about the status of their vehicles which is why it’s necessary to recall affected models.
The electronic shift lever in these cars is a bit different. In between uses the lever resets to a center position. Drivers have to push it forward to put it in Park, regardless of what gear they’re in. They have to pull the lever backward to put it in Drive. Save for the few small LED lights there’s no way for the driver to ascertain if the car is in Park or Drive.
It’s understandable why drivers might be facing issues with this unusual electronic shift lever, which is why Crysler says that “unless due care is taken, drivers may draw erroneous conclusions about the status of their vehicles.” It aware of 41 injuries that have taken place as yet possibly due to this issue.
Once the recalled cars are taken in they will be reprogrammed with an enhancement and additional warnings to prevent the car from moving if the drivers don’t shift it into Park.