Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued a vehicle defect recall for 298,439 Dodge Dart sedans from the model years 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 easily than usual. Also, the instrument cluster and the display next to the shifter will display the gear in which the car is actually in. Drivers will also hear a warning chime on the instrument cluster if the vehicle is not actually in “park.”
Only vehicles that have six-speed automatic transmissions have been affected by this recall. FCA says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to this vehicle defect and says that drivers of the affected vehicles should continue to set their parking brake before they leave 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. Vehicle owners with questions are asked to contact FCA 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 be dangerous not just for vehicle occupants, but also for others on the roadway such as bicyclists and pedestrians who could be struck and seriously injured by a vehicle that rolls away. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other defects, contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can help you seek and obtain 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/
