Expanded Chrysler Recall Brings More Questions About Design Safety
Fiat Chrysler’s expanded recall last week of 856,000 SUVs and cars after learning there might be a systemic gearshift defect underscores a decades-old issue of dangerous manufacturing and design defects at that company and other U.S. automakers. The newest recall is for 2012-2014 Dodge Chargers and Chrysler 300s.
In August, Fiat Chrysler recalled 408,000 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. Customers complained they would move the gearshift to the park position and turn the vehicle off. Believing the vehicle to be turned off they would get out, shut the door and watch the car roll from its place.
Complaints to federal safety officials include 121 vehicles crashing into buildings, drivers and other cars. One Cherokee driver reported watching the vehicle hit a cemetery headstone, according to Reuters. At least 30 injuries have been reported, including three pelvic fractures and four more needing hospitalizations. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started a preliminary evaluation and with the additional recall has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis.
Safety problems stemming from transmission design defects are not new to Chrysler. In 2006, Harris Lowry Manton secured a $4.5 million verdict on behalf of Lori Hamby, whose 2-year-old daughter Madison was run over by the family’s Chrysler minivan. The vehicle had no brake shift interlock and the little girl knocked the gearshift out of park into neutral. The van started rolling, Madison fell out and was crushed.
HLM obtained documents showing that Chrysler knew the brake interlock systems would make minivans safer a decade before Madison’s death. Most American carmakers and Chrysler competitors were installing the systems by 1995, the documents showed. Chrysler did not install the interlock system until 2001, according to the information HLM obtained.
Our firm’s product liability lawyers have handled dozens more automotive defect cases leading to severe or catastrophic injuries and wrongful death at trial or through negotiations on behalf of victims and their families.
Product defect cases aren’t limited to Chrysler. A jury awarded $40 million to HLM client Jessica Mundy, who was paralyzed after her Ford Explorer rolled over her.
Jessica parked the Explorer to mail a package and the gearshift appeared firmly in place. As she headed away, the Explorer rolled backward. When she tried to stop it, it rolled over her and snapped her spine. After hearing evidence that included 751 similar complaints to Ford of the gearshift going into reverse, the jury found the transmission was defectively designed.
The consumer safety group Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. has a detailed account of the Chrysler recall and NHTSA’s response. For a greater understanding of vehicle recalls or to see a list of the latest recalls visit NHTSA recalls information page.
If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident and needs legal consultation, Harris Lowry Manton can help. Call us toll-free at 404-961-7650 or fill out our online contact form.
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