Grand Cherokee Owners...

Maybe if more people got the faces out of their cell phones, Starbucks cups, etc. and actually paid attention, this may not happen...

The problem isn't when driving it's when parking.

It is a confusing set up until you get used to it. Happened to us when we first bought the vehicle. Another issue I've had is shifting into manual shift mode by accident. This happens when pulling the lever back into drive and holding it back too long or your thumbs hit the shifter paddles on the steering wheel. I also tend to hit the phone button on the steering wheel when making a turn. Always happens when a good song is on too. Replying "F-You" or "Son of a B..." to the phone management system doesn't seem to work. You'd think it would be able to learn the language or something. I wonder if I can program that? You seem to be able to set personal settings for everything else on the thing!

Not exactly the same thing but when my wife had a hybrid car, the engine would automatically shut off when you stopped. I got out more than once only to come back hours later with the car running.

.....and not to make excuses for drivers obviously not paying attention but those electronic shifters do take a little getting used to when you have been using mechanical linkage for so many years.

Quote from Slimer

Another issue I've had is shifting into manual shift mode by accident.

I have done this as well by accidentally knocking it into manual. I look down and the car is near the revlimiter.

First people can't drive manual and now they can't drive automatic either

I think the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500's are way worse. They have a round dial gear shift on the dash. Its just about in line with the round HVAC controls. I had one as a rental and multiple time almost shifted it rather than turning the heat up or down. Not to mention it was obnoxiously cumbersome.

The new Mercedes SUV's are awkward too. Its on the column but it like driving a forklift. Push up to go forward, tap down to go backwards, and push a button on the end to park. I'd take it over the Ram 1500's knob any day though.

We've had one since November and absolutely can see the confusion. I wish it would have a slot for each gear rather than returning to center. Takes a while to get used to it for sure.

Quote from shadyluke

I think the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500's are way worse. They have a round dial gear shift on the dash. Its just about in line with the round HVAC controls. I had one as a rental and multiple time almost shifted it rather than turning the heat up or down. Not to mention it was obnoxiously cumbersome.

We had a 1500 rental out a KOH...yeah, it's was really annoying. I was almost used to it by the end of the week but I wouldn't want to own one.

Quote from dkirkley

First people can't drive manual and now they can't drive automatic either

While traveling I had a Buick Regal as a rental (late 90's I think ). Not being used to the car I kept grabbing the damn windshield wiper lever every time I went to put the column shifter into drive. Stupid set up. I remember there were 3 levers on that tree crammed together because there wasn't much tree before it went into the dash.