2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral without warning. The vehicle loses propulsion. The instrument cluster does not display or warn that it is in Neutral — no chime, no message, no clear gear indicator. This matches NHTSA Recall 26V262000 (FCA 39D), where the instrument panel fails to show gear selection in other 2024–2025 Stellantis vehicles. Widespread Issue: I have replicated this multiple times on my SXT Plus, a GT, and RT models. Other owners in Durango groups report the same. This is a systemic defect across Dodge Durango trims and likely the broader Stellantis/Chrysler/Mopar lineup. Related Lawsuit: This also appears connected to the class action [XXX] et al. v. FCA US LLC d/b/a Stellantis (Case XXX) regarding defective Uconnect 5 systems in 2022–2024 Durango's and similar models. My Background: I have worked in transportation most of my career, hold FDOT Advanced MOT certification, and am completing my undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA).I request NHTSA investigate this shifter and instrument cluster defect across affected Durango models. This has nearly caused a collision and endangers the public. Available: videos, records, owner statements. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Component Failure Description: The electronic gear shifter intermittently shifts into neutral without the driver pressing the release button or applying the brake, and can also slide back into drive without button engagement. This has occurred multiple times since service on 08/27/2025 and continues to occur. The issue has been demonstrated to dealership personnel, who confirmed they could replicate the condition but stated it is “normal.” Two separate dealerships (Suncoast Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Dayton Andrews Dodge) 3x both acknowledged the behavior and classified it as normal operation. Safety Risk: On 04/30/2026, while pulling from a center median on Gulf to Bay right before Bayside Bridge into traffic (vehicles traveling approximately 45 MPH), the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral without warning. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate, creating an immediate hazard. I was forced to veer back into the median and narrowly avoided colliding with an arrow board trailer. This condition creates a serious risk of collision, especially in traffic, intersections, or highway conditions, as the vehicle can unexpectedly lose propulsion without any driver input. Inspection / Reproduction: -Issue has been reproduced by dealership personnel -Dealerships claim the condition is “normal” -Manufacturer (Chrysler) has been contacted and a case opened -Vehicle is under warranty (~18,200 miles) Warnings / Symptoms: -No warning lights or alerts prior to shifting into neutral -Occurs without pressing the shifter button or brake pedal Additional Information: Dealership personnel advised to “make sure nothing touches the shifter while driving,” indicating the system may be overly sensitive or defective. This is not a reasonable or safe expectation for normal vehicle operation. If this behavior is considered “normal,” it represents a design or safety defect, as unintended shifting into neutral while in motion creates a high risk of crash or injury.

The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with dual exhaust pipes located on the driver's side and passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that a part of the passenger's side rear bumper that was close to the exhaust pipe had melted significantly, and the failure started to occur on the driver's side rear bumper. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the modifications to the vehicle, or the vehicle itself, might have sustained an impact that caused the exhaust pipes to move closer to the rear bumpers. The dealer ran the vehicle's Carfax report and confirmed that no accident had been reported. The dealer determined that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the contact was informed that the exhaust pipes needed to be extended outward. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but the manufacturer declined to cover the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500. The VIN was unavailable.