Star Trek Actor’s Death Linked To Jeep Recall
Brian O Sutter
Recalls
On June 19, 2016, Anton Yelchin, most famously known for playing Pavel Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek films, lost his life in an accident involving his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Yelchin was killed at his home, after his Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backwards down his driveway and pinned him against a brick wall and a fence. This freak accident is still under investigation, but may be linked to a April 27, 2016 recall of the vehicle.
The Fiat-Chrysler Gear Shift Recall
On April 27, 2016, Fiat-Chrysler, manufacturers of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee involved in the Yelchin fatality, recalled 1.1 million vehicles for having a confusing gear shift, leading to a rollaway risk. This recall was prompted by a National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration investigation that found the gear shift was “unintuitive.” Unlike typical gear shifters, the recalled shifter is moved back and forth to change gears, always returning to the same upright position regardless of gear. Since there is no difference in physical position, many operators did not understand when the vehicle was in park and subsequently, the gear shift has lead to a rollaway risk injuring 41 people to date. The confusing shifter is also responsible for 212 automobile accidents and 208 property damage claims. The recall impacts the following vehicles:- 2012-2014 Dodge Charger
- 2012-2014 Chrysler 300
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees