Dealership Fires Back at Anton Yelchin's Parents

Anton Yelchin's death was his own fault because he misused the Jeep that ended up rolling back and killing him ... at least according to his local dealership.

The Valencia, CA Chrysler dealership filed its response to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Anton's parents ... listing a slew of reasons why it should not be on the hook for anything related to Anton's fatal accident.

Most damningly in the docs -- the dealer says Anton's death was the result of his own "misuse, misapplication, or damage" of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that rolled and crushed him. It's not spelled out, but the dealer seems to be hinting Anton made aftermarket changes that damaged the SUV.

The company also believes his parents didn't preserve the vehicle as it was at the time of the accident ... which would compromise critical evidence in the case.

The dealership is asking the judge to cut them loose from the lawsuit.