Last Updated on November 2, 2023
Owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles have been given the green light to proceed with their class action lawsuit against Stellantis (FCA US, LLC). The suit alleges the monostable shifter found on the 8-speed automatic transmissions contain a manufacturing defect that has lead to some 266 rollaway crashes and 68 injuries.
A Federal District Judge on Monday rendered a decision that says owners can proceed with their class-action lawsuit against FCA US, LLC.
If you own a Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep® vehicle equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission, it’s important to know your rights and what this lawsuit could mean for affected owners.
Monostable Shifter Problems
The controversial monostable shifter was fitted in more than one million vehicles, and has been a cause for concern among owners. Some say it’s confusing to use, while others find the design difficult at best. Operator confusion is due in large part to the overall design of the electronic gearshift, since there is no physical position for drive, neutral or park. Instead, the only indication of the shifter position is a light that changes from D to P.
However, the focus of the suit is over the 266 rollaway crashes and 68 injuries caused by the shifter, and if Stellantis was aware of a design defect but continued to sell the vehicles.
The most public of injuries from the monostable shifter was the 2016 death of “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin. According to reports, Yelchin got out of his vehicle to check his mailbox, when the vehicle rolled back down the steep incline of his driveway pinning him against a brick pillar and a metal security gate suffocating him.
FCA Recalled Affected Vehicles in 2016 Over Shifter Problems
FCA is issued a recall on 1.1 million vehicles equipped with the monostable shifter. The recall instructed dealerships to install new software that included an “auto park” feature to eliminate potential rollaway incidents.
Which FCA Models Are Affected?
Vehicles included in the lawsuit are the following:
- 2012 to 2014 Chrysler 300 Series
- 2012 to 2014 Dodge Charger
- 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Status of the FCA Monostable Shifter Class Action Lawsuit
This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee owners.
Case No. 2:16-md-02744-DML-DRG was filed in the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division.
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action investigation. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the current lawsuit.
This post will be updated as more information is officially announced. Please consider subscribing to this post for critical updates.
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Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
