NHTSA Complaint #10562971 — 2013 FIAT 500E

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH "AUTO-PARK". IF THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED AND SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED IT AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES PARK. SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA, EXCEPT: IT DOES THIS ALSO IF THE KEY IS TURNED OFF-- WHILE STILL MOVING!!!!! OR IF ROLLING BACK OR FORWARD SLIGHTLY ON AN INCLINE AS I ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BEGIN TO LEAVE VEHICLE TO ATTEND TO A GATE ON MY HILLY DRIVEWAY. THIS OCCURS SO SUDDENLY IT CAN LAUNCH OCCUPANTS FORWARD INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL! (MY WIFE AND I TYPICALLY DO NOT RE-BELT TO MOVE 15 FEET TO CLOSE THE GATE). ACCORDING TO FIAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE DEALER SAY THIS CANNOT BE DEPROGRAMMED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SOMEONE WILL BE HURT, OR AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR IF THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF WHILE MOVING DUE TO A THROTTLE OR OTHER DEFECT. YOUR FORM IS FREAKY ABOUT ACCEPTING THE AFFECTED PARTS! *TR