Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for rollaway risk

Jeep might be looking at a recall of its Grand Cherokee SUV in the wake of 14 complaints of vehicles rolling away after being parked. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting the investigation.

The issue is notable as the Grand Cherokee is one of a few vehicles in the marketplace to use an electronic shift mechanism that eliminates any mechanical connection between the shifter and transmission. In this case, ‘park’ is engaged by pressing a button on the shifter, rather than sliding the lever along a shift gate.

According to the NHTSA, “rollaways” have occurred in vehicles both with the engine running and turned off. Investigations like this are part of the recall process; if the NHTSA deems the issue a potentially widespread safety risk, it will prompt a recall for U.S. market vehicles that would likely be copied by Transport Canada. If and when that happens, we’ll keep you updated.