Auto manufacturer Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are recalling 20,283 Dodge Charger and Magnum police cars. The 2006 to 2009 models come with a police package that includes a column shifter. The recall affects vehicles made before and after the recall package refresh.
The concern is that the wrong gearshift position might be displayed if the gearshift cable gets disengaged from the steering column mounting bracket. If this occurs, the police car might move without the driver intending it to and lead to a motor vehicle crash.
So far, there have been no injuries or accidents related to this particular gear defect. However, the recall comes after 55 field reports of problems and 9 customer complaints involving the 2007 Magnum and Dodge Charger police cars. For example, in Maryland, the Montgomery County Police Department filed a report that a Chrysler vehicle might look like it was in "park" gear when it was actually in "drive" mode."
To remedy this latest defect, Chrysler auto dealers will install a redundant locking mechanism to ensure proper retention and shift linkage function.
Gear Defects
When a driver thinks that the gear of a motor vehicle is in "park" mode and the car suddenly drives forward or reverses itself, other motorists or pedestrians can get hurt. Over the years, there have been a number of motor vehicle accidents that have led to personal injury or wrongful death cases because of park transmission defects in other Chrysler vehicles. School kids and young children are especially susceptible to serious injury if the car that they are walking in front or behind of that they think is parked suddenly accelerates unintentionally or kicks into reverse.
While motor vehicle crashes do occur because of negligent driving, many auto accidents happen because of manufacturing defects. It is important to hold an auto manufacturer liable if an auto defect is the cause of someone's injury or death.
Chrysler Recalls 20,000 Dodge Police Cars,The Boston Channel, November 11, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Our auto products liability lawyers at Gilbert & Ollanik, PC would like to offer you a free consultation to discuss your case.
