Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued a vehicle defect recall for 298,439 Dodge Dart sedans from 2013 to 2016 because of rollaway risks. According to Consumer Reports, an issue with the gear selector could lead to the vehicle rolling away even if drivers think they’ve shifted into “park.” A defective part that connects the vehicle’s transmission to the gear selector can fail and if that happens, the driver will still be able to move the selector, but the transmission will not actually change gears.
Problem with Recalled Vehicles
As a result, the vehicle may stay in “drive,” “reverse,,” or “neutral,” even if the driver shifted the selector to “park.” FCA says if the failure occurs, drivers may notice that the gear selector moves more easily than usual. Also, the instrument cluster and the display next to the shifter will display the gear the car is actually in. Drivers will also hear a warning chime on the instrument cluster if the vehicle is not actually in “park.”
This recall has only affected vehicles with six-speed automatic transmissions. FCA says it is unaware of any crashes or injuries connected to this vehicle defect and says that drivers of the affected vehicles should continue to set their parking brakes before leaving their vehicles. When the recall begins, dealers will replace the faulty part free of charge to owners. FCA has said it will begin to notify owners on or about May 31. FCA asks vehicle owners with questions to contact them at 1-800-853-1403.
If you suspect your vehicle may be part of this recall, but aren’t sure, plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number into NHTSA’s website. If your vehicle is part of the recall, it should show up on the site.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Rollaway defects can injure not only vehicle occupants but also pedestrians and cyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured due to these or other defects, contact an experienced Los Angeles auto defect lawyer to help you seek compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/dodge-dart-recalled-for-rollaway-risk/
