Vehicle That Killed 'Star Trek' Actor Was Recently Recalled

The vehicle model that reportedly crushed "Star Trek" actor Anton Yelchin on June 18 — killing him in a freak accident outside his Los Angeles home — was recalled just months ago after a problem with its park function caused injuries and crashes.

Los Angeles Coroner’s Spokesman Ed Winter said that the death of Yelchin is being classified as an accident with the cause of death reported as "blunt force asphyxia" in which the actor was pinned against a gate.

Earlier this year, Fiat Chrysler voluntarily recalled some of its 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to a dangerous design error in its electronic shifter. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, the electronic gear shift on those models left many drivers uncertain if the cars were in park.

"Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged," the report said.

The company in April recalled the 248,667 models manufactured between July 16, 2012 and December 22, 2015. By the time of the recall, those cars had been tied to 41 injuries, 212 crashes, and 308 property damage claims — but no known fatalities.

It is unclear when Yelchin purchased the Jeep. No criminal charges have been filed for his death, and his attorneys did not immediately return messages.

Yelchin was on the way to meet friends for a rehearsal when he for some reason stepped out of the car. The vehicle rolled backward down his steep driveway and killed him, police said.