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Fiat Chrysler gearshift probe finds 266 crashes, 68 injuries

Posted at 9:30 AM, Jun 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-28 09:30:40-04

DETROIT (AP) — A government investigation into confusing gear shifters like the one in the SUV that crushed and killed Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin found 266 crashes that injured 68 people.

The numbers are in documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The investigation was closed after Fiat Chrysler agreed to recall 1.1 million vehicles.

Investigators also found 686 consumer complaints about the shifters.

Yelchin died June 19 after his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee pinned him against a mailbox pillar and fence at his home in Los Angeles. Police are investigating.

His Jeep was among vehicles recalled in April due to complaints from drivers who had trouble telling if they put the transmission in “park” after stopping. Many reported the vehicles rolled off after the driver exited.