More than 1.6 million 1993-1998 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees were recalled last week by Daimler Chrysler in response to a gear shifting problem.
The sports utility vehicles were recalled after Jeep found 159 injuries and 364 crashes linked to a problem with the gear shifter. Owners complained that after putting their cars in “park,” they continued to move unintentionally.
In response to the problem, DaimlerChrysler plans to install another system in the floor shifter mechanism to ensure the shifter is in “park.”
Angela Spencer Ford, manager of safety communications at DaimlerChrysler, said that an investigation of the problem began in the summer of 2001.
Ford said they are addressing the problem.
“It”s too early for us to see any impact. It hasn”t been a week since the recall was issued,” Ford said.
Some students said the issue concerns their parents, but not them.
“Americans are consumer oriented. College students are less concerned with safety,” SNRE sophomore Emilie Rex said.
Few students see future problems from this recall, saying that Grand Cherokees are a popular make and Jeep is a reputable company.
“It”s a good thing they recalled it but I don”t think anyone will care,” LSA freshman Ruth Rohrer said.
“It doesn”t seem like anyone knows about it,” she added.
Students also said they refuse to see the recall as a setback.
“I don”t think they”ll pay attention,” said LSA sophomore Michelle Legacy, a former 1998 Grand Cherokee owner.
Since issuing the recall, Chrysler has stood behind its cars. The company does not see a reason to be concerned.
“The vehicle meets and exceeds government standards,” Ford said. The SUV also did well in several Jeep and DaimlerChrysler tests.
Ford also said this is the first major recall on Grand Cherokees of this nature.