Chrysler to Retrofit Older Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee Vehicles with'Brake-Park' Shift Interlock
30 April 1997
Chrysler Corporation to Offer Free 'Brake-Park' Shift Interlock Retrofit On Older Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee VehiclesAUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 29 -- To reduce the possibility of pedal misapplication errors by drivers unfamiliar with the vehicles, Chrysler Corporation will offer the installation of a "brake-park" shift interlock retrofit package to owners of 1984-1995 Jeep(R) Cherokee and 1993-1995 Grand Cherokee vehicles. The retrofit is in response to reports of "unintended or sudden acceleration" when the vehicle transmission is shifted out of "Park" into "Reverse" or "Drive." Chrysler has concluded that "pedal misapplication" -- the driver mistakenly stepping on the accelerator pedal rather than the brake pedal -- is the cause of these incidents. "Safety and customer satisfaction are extremely important at Chrysler," said Susan M. Cischke, Executive Director-Vehicle Certification, Compliance and Safety Affairs. "We have carefully examined 'unintended acceleration' reports and our investigations have never revealed any evidence of throttle, electronic engine management system or brake system malfunction. In fact, all evidence we have uncovered points precisely to pedal misapplication. "In many of the reported incidents," Cischke said, "these drivers sincerely believe that their foot was pressing the brake pedal despite the fact that there is often physical evidence to the contrary and eyewitness accounts of no visible brake lights. "Nevertheless," she said, "we have a device called a 'brake-park' shift interlock on 1996 and 1997 model Cherokees and Grand Cherokees that in some instances can help prevent people from making this error and we will be offering it at no charge to all owners of older model Cherokees and Grand Cherokees." The interlock requires the driver to depress the brake pedal before the transmission can be shifted out of Park. Chrysler has concluded that the device is helpful in avoiding "Park-to-Drive" or "Park-to-Reverse" pedal misapplication as experienced in a relatively small number of incidents involving Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. Cischke added that the pedal misapplication error is usually made by someone who is not familiar with a vehicle and who does not take the time to properly familiarize himself or herself with the vehicle's controls. "It may be a valet or parking attendant, a friend or another member of the owner's family," she said. "That is why Chrysler will encourage owners to have the interlock installed to help prevent potential errors even if they are familiar with their vehicle and are not concerned that they may make this mistake." Almost all vehicles have "unintended acceleration" claims filed with the manufacturers or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) every year. In fact, other vehicles have had similar or higher numbers of complaints than the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Manufacturers of those other vehicles and a NHTSA study have consistently concluded that pedal misapplication is the cause, not any mechanical defect. Chrysler agrees with that conclusion. Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners will be alerted in late summer of the retrofit offer after all engineering tests of the various systems are complete and sufficient parts are available for dealers nationwide. Owners should not bring in their vehicle for the retrofit until they receive an Owner Notification Form. "In the meantime," said Cischke, "owners and other drivers can avoid these pedal misapplication errors, no matter how rare, by always being sure to place their foot on the brake when shifting into 'Drive' or 'Reverse.'" SOURCE Chrysler Corporation