The Jeep model that killed 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin

The Jeep model that killed 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin was recently recalled for dangerous parking error.

A 2015 Grand Jeep Cherokee.

The vehicle that crushed “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin on Saturday — killing him in a freak accident outside his Los Angeles home — was recalled just months ago, after a problem with its parking function caused dozens of injuries and hundreds of crashes.

Yelchin died after his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backwards and pinned him to his security gate, with enough force to dent the metal fence. Police said the rising star stepped out of his car right before it rolled down a steep hill and slammed into him.

On Monday, his death remained under investigation and authorities did not reveal what caused the accident.

But the machine model that killed him has a well-documented history of rolling toward riders.

In April, 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 — until the machines started moving.

"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 NHTSA report said.

The company recalled the 248,667 cars 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.

The NHTSA website shows more than 200 consumer complaints were filed about the 2015 model.

“My wife exited the vehicle to take our 3 year old from the back seat and the Jeep began to roll away,” read one complaint filed this month from a driver in Bowling Green, Ky.

Another complaint this month, from a Massachusetts rider, said the car “seemed to have a mind of its own.”

Attorneys for Yelchin and police investigating his death did not return messages.

Chrysler said in a statement it "extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin," and is working with authorities on the investigation.

"It is premature to speculate on the cause of this tragedy," the company said.

The actor, who will appear in “Star Trek Beyond” next month, was heading to a rehearsal when the accident cut his life short.

source: nydailynews