Jeep recall: SUV can shift into neutral when started

Jeep recall involves 469,000 Grand Cherokees (model years 2005-10) and Commanders (2006-10) worldwide. Chrysler is instituting Jeep recall after 26 crashes and two injuries.

|
Jerry S. Mendoza/AP/File
The 2006 Jeep Commander sits on display at Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Mich., in 2005. Chrysler has instituted a Jeep recall because they can shift into neutral without warning, the company announced Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Chrysler is recalling 469,000 Jeep SUVs worldwide because they can shift into neutral without warning on startup.

The recall affects 2005 to 2010 Grand Cherokees and 2006 to 2010 Commanders.

U.S. safety regulators say cracks in a circuit board can cause a faulty signal as the SUVs are being started. If the vehicles shift into neutral they can roll away.

Chrysler says the problem has caused 26 crashes and two injuries.

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update software to take care of the problem. Chrysler found cracks in a circuit board that turns the four-wheel-drive system on and off.

Repairs will be made at no cost to owners.

The recall covers 295,000 vehicles in the U.S., 28,500 in Canada, and 4,200 in Mexico. The remaining 141,000 are outside North America.

The company says in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Administration that it began looking into the problem after a customer complained that an SUV rolled away in January of 2012 after being started remotely.

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
What is the Monitor difference? Tackling the tough headlines – with humanity. Listening to sources – with respect. Seeing the story that others are missing by reporting what so often gets overlooked: the values that connect us. That’s Monitor reporting – news that changes how you see the world.
QR Code to Jeep recall: SUV can shift into neutral when started
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2013/0511/Jeep-recall-SUV-can-shift-into-neutral-when-started
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe