Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Show Winning 1968 Dodge Charger Rt 440 Awarded Magazine Feature Car Quality Car on 2040-cars

Year:1968 Mileage:26171 Color: Red /
 Black
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Coupe
Engine:440 4BBL
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Dealer
Condition:

Used

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: XS29L8B395801
Make: Dodge
Interior Color: Black
Model: Charger
Number of Cylinders: 8
Year: 1968
Trim: RT 440 4BBL SHOW WINNING MAGAZINE CAR MOPAR MUSCLE
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Drive Type: RWD
Mileage: 26,171
Options: Cassette Player
Sub Model: RT 440 4BBL SHOW WINNING MAGAZINE CAR MOPAR MUSCLE
Exterior Color: Red

     

1968 DODGE CHARGER R/T

1968 Dodge Charger R/T

 

440/Automatic • True R/T Charger

 

Sure-Grip Axle • Power Steering • Power Front Disc Brakes

 

Demon 4-Barrel • Flowmaster Exhaust • MSD Ignition/Billet Distributor

 

Multiple Car Show Awards • Stock and Custom Magazine Feature Vehicle

 

Complete Restoration • Torque (lots of) • Drives and Functions Like a New Car • Fast

 

 

We Want Your Business

Please call and we can discuss your serious and intelligent offer.

Be confident your intent to buy will be met by me, the owner, courteously.

Thanks,

Doug Williams

702-353-7500

1968 Dodge Charger R/T

VIN: XS29L8B395801

Currently Showing on Odometer: 26,171  (exempt)

Engine: 440/4-Barrel

Transmission: TorqueFlite 3-Speed Automatic  (floor shift)

Exterior: Red

Interior: Black Vinyl  (C6X)

Top: Black Vinyl Roof  (306)

Built: April 22, 1968 - Hamtramck/Detroit, Michigan  (scheduled build date)

Over 140 high resolution pictures below.

Standard Equipment  (Charger R/T)

Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 5-Passenger 2-Door Hardtop

440 Magnum V8 Engine  (R/T)  *

375 horsepower @ 4,600/480 ft-lb torque @ 3,200 RPM

TorqueFlite 3-Speed Automatic Transmission  (R/T)  *

Rallye Suspension with Heavy Duty Front Torsion Bars, Extra Heavy Duty Rear Springs, Shocks, Sway Bar and Oversized Anchors  (R/T)  *

Heavy Duty Brakes  (R/T)  *

Dual Exhaust  *

Foam Padded All-Vinyl Bucket Seats  (R/T)

Analog 150 MPH Speedometer, Odometer, Fuel, Temperature, Oil Pressure and Alternator Gauges  (R/T)

2-Speed Wipers/Washers

Padded Dash

Prismatic Day/Night Inside Rear View Mirror

Cigarette Lighter

Ashtray Light

Locking Lighted Glove Box

Padded Sun Visors

Door Map Pocket Storage

Retractable Front Seatbelts and Rear Seatbelts

Interior Courtesy Lights  (1-under dash, 2-console)

Concealed Headlights

Quick-Release Racing Fuel Cap

Bumble Bee Stripes  (R/T)

Front and Rear Bumper Guards

Wheel Lip Molding

Back-Up Lights

4-Way Emergency Flashers

Heavy Duty Battery  (R/T)  *

F70-14 Red Streak Tires  (R/T)  *

Full Size Spare Tire, Jack/Tools  *

Trunk Mat

20-Gallon Fuel Tank

 

Optional Equipment

Power Steering

Power Brakes  *

Sure-Grip 3.23 Rear Differential

3-Spoke Wood-Grained Sport Steering Wheel

Center Console with Locking Storage

8,000 RPM Tachometer with Clock  (Tic-Tock Tach)

Head Restraints

AM/FM Radio

Front Shoulder Belts

Tinted Glass

Hood Insulation and Undercoating

Vinyl Top

Left Hand Remote Outside Mirror

Right Hand Outside Mirror

Hood Mounted Turn Signal Indicators

14-Inch Magnum 500 Road Wheels  *

Color-Keyed Floor Mats  *

 

* These Items Upgraded and/or Replaced

Other Items

Sunpro SuperTach II 8,000 RPM Tachometer

Chrome Open Element Air Cleaner

Demon 4-Barrel Carburetor

Mopar Performance Aluminum Valve Covers

MSD Electronic Ignition

MSD Billet Distributor

MSD Blaster 2 Coil

Flowmaster Dual Exhaust System with Cross-Over

Power Front Disc Brake Conversion

Rear Air Shocks

Redline Steel Belted Radial Tires

15-Inch Magnum 500 Road Wheels

Reproduction Redline Spare Tire on Matching Road Wheel

Carpeted Charger R/T Floor Mats

Clear Covered "1968" Front License Plate

Audiovox 8-Track Tape Player

 

 

 

Stunning 1968 Dodge Charger R/T (XS29/vin: L/fender tag: 83) with a brutal 440 Magnum, automatic transmission and 3.23 Sure-Grip rear axle.  Entire drive train rebuilt, updated and rock solid.  Rock star red paint is showroom shiny, the gorgeous body is glass smooth; new vinyl top, great glass, spectacular exterior trim and 15-inch Magnum Road Wheels with redline steel belted radial tires.  Anyone behind the wheel of this muscle car legend is an instant celebrity with people stopping, staring, heads turning, thumbs-up and smiles everywhere you go.  Seriously, not a low profile, fly-under-the-radar kind of car . . .

 

 

available dates/mileage
7-2-65 block casting date  (non-original)  
9-15-65 engine assembly date  (non-original)  
7-24-66 transmission case - Kokomo, Indiana  (non-original)  
1-68 seatbelt  
1-12-68 floor sheet metal section  
2-68 seatbelts  (4)  
2-27-68 radiator support  
3-68 left/rear side glass and rear window  
4-68 right side wing, door and rear glass  
5-22-68 scheduled build date - Hamtramck/Detroit, Michigan
10-68 driver's wing glass  (non-original)  
11-68 driver's door glass  (non-original  
8-05 Long Island Cars car show - Belmont Racetrack  (1st place)  
2006 Mopars at the Strip  (1st place)  
3-06 Michigan 22,140
3-06 New York - new K and N air filter, trunk mat, battery/cables, hoses, thermostat. MSD ignition, front disc conversion with new lines, carpet, front seat covers, exhaust system 15-inch Magnum wheels and redline tires  
8-6-06 Long Island Cars car show - Belmont Racetrack  (3rd place)  
10-1-06 Fire Island Lighthouse 5th Annual Auto Show  (1st place)  
11-5-06 Long Island Cars - Best Cars on Long Island car show  (3rd place)  
winter 2007 The Lakes Car Show - Las Vegas, Nevada  (3rd place)  
summer 2007 Stock and Custom Magazine issue 3 feature car  
4-1-11 new Turbostart Mopar battery - Hewlett, New York  (car parked in 2nd home in Las Vegas)  
4-1-11 Mo-Pars of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada  
2013 Tinks Superior Auto Parts July Jamboree - Cedar City, Utah  "award winner"  
8-7-14 Salt Lake City, Utah 25,880
8-16-14 Midas Auto Service Experts - Salt Lake City, Utah - new right flange gasket 26,014
9-17-14 current 26,171

 

 

 

Built, non-original 440 starts immediately and the low rumble idle is unmistakably big block Mopar.  Click the floor shifted TorqueFlite 727 in drive and 7.2 liters of old-school torque lights up the rear end, pretty much at will.  This amazing Charger tracks down the road laser straight, smooth and vibration free.  It simply goes, turns and stops better than any Charger did when new . . .

 

A milestone classic, the redesigned 2nd generation Charger was an instant runaway hit, out-selling the previous model six times over.  Doors, hood and trunk on this car open easily, close solid/rattle free and clear glass glides up and down smoothly . . .

 

 

 

The camera loves a '68 Charger, no matter the angle.  Tunneled rear window and racy C-pillars are '60s right-on cool, man!  Bumble-bee stripes, redlines, black-out tail light panel and a pop-open fuel cap.  And this big engine Charger definitely gets the respect.  "440" is all you have to say . . .

 

Hard not to stare at a 1968 Charger, especially from back here and especially with rare quality body, chrome and trim that looks diamond beautiful no matter how close or how long you stare . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps the most famous '68 Charger of all time, here about to meet its demise in the most remembered chase scene in movie history.  (Bullitt with Steve McQueen)  In real life, an R/T Charger would likely wax the floor with a Mustang . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Besides a factory vinyl top, our car has a boat load of options: Sure-Grip rear end, power steering, power front disc brakes, a console, sport steering wheel, hood blinkers, dual outside mirrors, head rests, am/fm radio and more . . .

 

Few muscle car classics turn up the heat like a 2nd generation Charger.  92,590 people took delivery of the new Dodge sensation in 1968 but just 17,655 were ordered up in handsome R/T trim.  R/Ts came standard with a high performance 440 and included lots of go-fast, drive train and suspension goodies.  This car tops that with modern upgrades top market buyers demand.  Power front disc brake conversion, rebuilt steering and suspension, electronic ignition and steel belted radials.  The result is a well sorted, attention-getting legend that starts instantly, does not over heat and inspires immediate confidence behind the wheel.  It's a big ticket investment you can take across town, drive every day to work or take across the country.  The quality is that good.  Quality you can see and quality you will know before you've driven your first mile.  A rare car these days with rare quality like this is definitely expensive but you could spend double or more building your own and it likely still wouldn't be as nice . . .

 

 

 

 

New upholstery, new seat foam, new carpet, crack free dash, sport steering wheel, tic-tock-tach and full instrumentation.  Looks and feels like new . . .

 

 

Optional headrests, console, am/fm radio, remote control driver's mirror, right hand mirror and a period perfect 8-track tape deck . . .

 

440/4-Barrel V8 Engine

375 horsepower @ 4,600/480 ft-lb torque @ 3,200 RPM

(non-original engine)

Chrome open element air cleaner, Mopar Performance aluminum valve covers, Demon 4-barrel, MSD Billet distributor and electronic ignition, blaster coil and Flowmaster dual exhaust with cross-over.  All of it sparkling clean, dry and show car awesome . . . .

 

Huge trunk and a full size redline spare tire on matching Magnum road wheel . . .

 

Beautiful undercarriage with front disc brake conversion and rebuilt steering and suspension systems . . .

 

3.23 Sure-Grip axle and air shocks . . .

 

Power disc brake conversion . . .

 

VIN Decode: XS29L8B395801
car line X Dodge Charger
price class S special
body type 29 2-door sports hardtop
engine L 440/4-barrel, 375 horsepower
model year 8 1968
assembly plant B Hamtramck/Detroit, Michigan
sequential production number 395801

 

 

fender tag

6 center console                                                                   (486) paint code: BB1 = black exterior paint
4 bucket seats B black roof color
7 hood mounted turn signal indicators                                   (517) B black body color
1 am radio                                                                           (421) 1 non-two tone body paint
1 tinted glass, all                                                                   (521) bumble bee stripe code: B9
6 black vinyl top                                                                   (306) B black horizontal stripe
5 drip rail molding 9 stripe delete
0 body belt molding X Dodge Charger car line  (same as vin)
8 wheel lip molding S special price class, Charger R/T  (same as vin)
rear axle code: 48
4 3.23 ratio differential 29 2-door hardtop body style  (same as vin)                          (base charger = XP29)
8 Sure Grip rear axle                                                            (408) 83 440/4-barrel V8 high performance engine  (vin: L)
trim code: C6X = black interior 5 3-speed automatic transmission                                                                   (395)
C Charger 44 F70x14 redline tires. steel belted                                                                   (44)
6 vinyl bucket seats 522 May 22  (1968) scheduled build date code
X black 224720 vehicle shipping number

 

 

Previous owner also had a modern Charger in the same color with the same stripe.  His original version (this car) won several awards . . .

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty.  You don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Auto Services in Nevada

Yagers Garage ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 1430 US Highway 395 N, Gardnerville
Phone: (775) 782-8464

VIP Collision ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Automobile Parts & Supplies
Address: 323 Sunpac Ct, Boulder-City
Phone: (702) 979-3133

Smog Xpress ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Inspection Stations & Services
Address: 1101 S Fort Apache Rd, Calico-Basin
Phone: (702) 254-9046

Sin City Wheels & Tires ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Tire Dealers
Address: 3040 Simmons St, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 255-8473

Sierra Window Tinting ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Window Tinting, Glass Coating & Tinting
Address: Lovelock
Phone: (775) 747-5942

Ryder Road Ready Used Vehicles ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers
Address: 4575 Statz Ct, Callville-Bay
Phone: (702) 708-1072

Auto blog

Chrysler recalls 350k vehicles over ignition switches

Thu, 25 Sep 2014

Chrysler has announced a recall covering 349,442 vehicles due to ignition switches that can either become stuck or move without warning. All of the affected vehicles are from the 2008 model year, and were built before May 12, 2008.
The automaker has learned that ignition keys on some vehicles "may not fully return to the 'ON' position after rotation to the 'START' position during engine-startup," the company said in a statement. Additionally, "an ignition key may not fully return to the 'ON' position after rotation to the 'START' position and may inadvertently move through the 'ON' position to 'ACCESSORY' or 'OFF.'"
Chrysler says it is unaware of any related injuries, and notes that while reduced braking, engine or steering power is possible in such instances, the airbags are not affected. The later stands in contrast to General Motors' recent rash of high-profile recalls, and it's an important distinction that Chrysler (understandably) felt necessary to call out in bold print in its press release.

Chrysler to reveal next minivan at 2016 Detroit Auto Show

Tue, Jan 13 2015

All eyes in the industry are presently fixed on this year's Detroit Auto Show, but over at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, they're already looking towards next year's show. That's when the Italian-American automaker says it'll unveil the next Chrysler minivan. The announcement, made on the FCA Corporate Twitter feed, promises that the next Pentastar minivan will debut in January 2016, which (along with the hashtag NAIAS) suggests the next-generation family hauler will debut at the Detroit show next year. Auburn Hills is expected to replace the current Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan with two all-new models: one keeping the minivan form, and the other shifting into more of a crossover. Just which nameplate gets the new form factor, and which will debut at Cobo next year, we don't know. Odds are good that it'll be the minivan not the CUV, though. Chrysler's minivan has been a winning business for the Detroit automaker, pioneering the segment, outselling the competition and marketing around the world under more brands and nameplates than just about anything else in the industry. The vehicle has been sold as the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Lancia Voyager, Ram Cargo Van and Volkswagen Routan, to say nothing of long-wheelbase Grand versions of many of the aforementioned nameplates. News Source: FCA via Twitter Detroit Auto Show Chrysler Dodge Minivan/Van Detroit 2016 Detroit Auto Show chrysler town and country dodge grand caravan dodge caravan

NHTSA is investigating FCA shifters for roll-away accidents again, this time the rotary units

Tue, Dec 20 2016

It seems FCA's shifter troubles aren't over yet. Now, just a few months after issuing a recall to resolve user-related issues with its monostable shifters, the company is again under investigation by NHTSA. The issue is related to the potential for cars to roll away when the rotary-style shifter is not properly placed in park. Two FCA models are the subject of this investigation: the 2013–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2014–2016 Dodge Durango. NHTSA estimates about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected if a recall is issued. The investigation was started following 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while supposedly being in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. NHTSA does point out that in every incident, the parking brake was not engaged. A representative from FCA also gave us an official statement regarding the investigation: "FCA US is cooperating fully with NHTSA's investigation, the scope of which is limited. Other vehicles equipped with rotary shifters are not included. In accordance with prudent practice, the Company joins NHTSA in urging all drivers to use their vehicles' parking brakes." View 35 Photos As mentioned above, other Chrysler products with rotary shifters, such as the Pacifica minivan and 200 sedan, are not involved in this investigation. One of the key differences, as the representative told us, is that these vehicles have electronic parking brakes that automatically engage if the driver does not select park and then opens the door with the seatbelt unbuckled. The Ram 1500 and Durango feature mechanical, manually operated parking brakes and therefore cannot activate the brake automatically. Because this is currently an investigation, an exact cause for the incidents has yet to be determined, and none of the vehicles have been recalled. It's possible there could be a mechanical defect. However, the issue could be a confusing interface causing user error, as was the case with FCA's monostable shifters, where drivers think they've put the car in park but actually haven't. Something that indicates it could be a case of confused users is that NHTSA also opened an investigation into 2012–2014 Jaguar XF and Land Rover Range Rover Evoques for similar issues. Both vehicles use a rotary shifter and have had roll-away complaints levied as well. Even if it is a case of user error, FCA and Jaguar Land Rover may still have to recall their vehicles.