DaimlerChrysler has decided to issue a recall of 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees in order to install an extra measure of
safety regarding the "jumping from park to reverse" problems that surfaced in the press last year. Here's what the official press release had to say:

Auburn Hills, Mich., Feb 14, 2002 - The Chrysler Group today announced it will recall 1993-1998 Jeep® Grand Cherokees in North America to resolve concerns related to inadvertent movement in these vehicles and help ensure safe vehicle operation. The recall will involve the installation of a secondary detent system to be placed on the floor shifter mechanism to help ensure drivers fully engage their vehicles in park.

"The investigation did not identify any defect in the vehicle. The Chrysler Group believes this action will resolve all concerns and close the investigation," said Matt Reynolds, Director of Safety Compliance. "Although there are several ways for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners to assure their vehicle is in park, this improvement will provide one more way to assist customers by making it more difficult for a driver to fail to put the gear shifter fully in park."

Current generation Jeep Grand Cherokees are not affected by this recall since the Grand Cherokee had an all-new design when it was introduced for the 1999 model year. The data analyzed in the investigation revealed a distinct difference in vehicles built from 1993-1998 and those built thereafter.

"We have been working diligently with NHTSA on this investigation and wanted to alert owners of a resolution as soon as one was identified," said Reynolds. "Customers will shortly be notified by mail about the recall."

In the meantime, drivers can be assured their vehicle is in park by performing any one of the following:

• Ensure that the color indicator is in the "P" position, which indicates the vehicle is in Park
• Listen for an audible "click" when the shift lever moves into the Park position
• Ensure that the shift button releases from the indented position to the extended position when the vehicle is in Park
• Feel for the lever to reach an "end point" when it has reached the end of its movement, indicating that it is in Park
• Remove the key from the ignition when exiting the vehicle to ensure it is in Park

If customers have questions, please call the DaimlerChrysler Customer Call Center at 1-800-853-1403.

While any one of the five suggestions that DaimlerChrysler has listed for knowing when your Grand Cherokee is actually in Park seem reasonable, the whole press release and recall appears to be DaimlerChrysler covering all their bases in case of a potential lawsuit resulting from any of the very few injuries that has occured due this "issue".