The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened an investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Of the ten complaints received, two Chevy Cruze owners reported complete loss of their vehicle, and eight Jeep Wrangler owners stated that the fire started in the engine while driving. The investigation will have the NHTSA reviewing early warning report data to assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect. If the investigation lead to a recall, almost 180, 000 Cruze and 100,000 Wrangler vehicles could be involved.
Category Archives: Jeep
NHTSA Upgrades Jeep Liberty Airbag Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into almost 400,000 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV’s, for complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment. Almost 90 complaints have been received to date, 50 of which alleged injuries including burns, cuts and bruises. Chrysler and the NHTSA are suspecting a voltage spike in the electronic circuit that controls the airbag deployment, and are working with the safety administration for confirmation. There have been no complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment in vehicles manufactured after March 19, 2003.
Ford Quality Rating Drops
Consumer Reports’ 2011 annual car reliability survey, seems to mimic JD Power & Associates annual automobile quality study, by reporting that the overall quality of 2011 vehicles has dropped. Ford, suffering the biggest drop, went from 5th to 23th spot, the biggest drop for any major automaker in Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey. According to the report, the new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below average reliability, but the problems were attributed to new technologies like the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated manual transmission. Chrysler had better results with its new Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan, the redesigned Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports collected data, 96%, were rated average or better in predicted reliability. These vehicles, however, offered little in new technology from previous models.
Chrysler Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles for debris inside the engine block that could lead to connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicles were manufactured between August 31, 2011 to September 13, 2011 and are equipped with 3.6L engines. If the bearings should fail, the engine will seize, increasing the risk of an accident. The vehicles included in this recall include:
- 2012 Chrysler 200
- 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2012 Dodge Charger
- 2012 Dodge Durango
- 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2012 Dodge Journey
- 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Owners wanting more information may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jeep Liberty Investigated For Air Bag Problems
After almost forty complaints of unexpected airbag deployment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an investigation into Chyrsler’s 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV. Drivers complaints include the drivers side or both front air bags deploying during normal driving conditions. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 400,000 Jeep Liberty SUV’s could be involved.
Chrysler has experienced air bag problem in several of their vehicles over the past year. The vehicles involved include: 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, and 2009 Dodge Journey.
Chrysler Recall 2011 Vehicles For Steering Problems
Chrysler has announced a recall that will have over 11,000 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep owners, bringing in their vehicles to get the steering column inspected. The recall involves some 2011 model year vehicles that may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. The missing or incorrectly installed rivet does not affect the steering of the vehicles under normal driving conditions, but in the event of an accident, the steering column may not be able to support the load of the airbag deployment. This condition may increase the potential for injury in the event of a frontal crash. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
NHTSA Investigates Jeep Wranglers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles after receiving almost 30 complaints of illuminated airbag warning lights. The investigation has lead the NHTSA to a defective clock spring wiring assembly that may prevent the airbag from deploying during an accident. The problem seems to be more prevalent in right hand drive Wranglers, but the NHTSA wants to investigate the problem further before issuing a recall. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 220,000 Jeep Wranglers could be affected.
Will Fiat Recall Their Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ralph Nader is encouraging Fiat to Recall their recently acquired 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee line because of a vulnerable fuel tank design. The Center for Auto Safety encouraged an investigation in October saying that the fuel tank on these vehicles are not only poorly designed, but are installed behind the rear axle below the bumper which puts them at an increased impact risk. It was also found that the routing of the fuel filler hose increases the possibility of it being pulled out of the tank in a crash. Nader went as far as calling the Grand Cherokee “a modern day Pinto for the soccer mom.”
According to Chrysler, the fuel tanks are not defective. They say that according to their internal studies, the tanks on the Grand Cherokee are no more susceptible to fires in rear impact crashes than any other similar models from other companies.
