Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty and 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV vehicles for airbags that could deploy unexpectedly. According to Chrysler, a component in the airbag control module could be a lemon, causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seat belt pretensioners to deploy unexpectedly while the vehicle is being operated. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Jeep
Chrysler Deals With Jeep Death Wobble
Chrysler has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) alerting Jeep dealers, owners, and employees of Jeep Death Wobble, and have issued procedures on how to repair and prevent the problem. Death Wobble has been a problem in certain 2005-2010 Jeep Wranglers since November 2010 after hundreds of drivers complained of experiencing shimmy symptoms at speeds above 45 mph, after hitting a pothole. The highest number of complaints came from owners of 2007 models.
The bulletin advises that the steering system be inspected regularly for damaged, especially if the system has not been maintained. Chrysler warns owner that the installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assembles incompatible with Jeeps is the biggest cause of steering system vibration. There has been no reported deaths related to the problem, but owners experiencing the wobble have been justified in being frightened for their safety and the safety of others on the road.
NHTSA Expands Jeep Fire Problems
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into Jeep vehicles with a high rate of fires after a rear impact accident, has been expanded to include three models of Jeep vehicles. Originally the investigation focused on 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, but data collected shows that certain Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Liberty models of the same years, may also experience the same problems.
In an earlier letter to Fiat, CEO Sergio Marchionne referred to the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a modern day Pinto for soccer moms. The Pinto, which had the fuel tank located behind the rear axle, was also found to experience fires after rear impact accidents. According to the Center for Auto Safety, there have been 184 fatal fire crashes in model year 1993 to 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles and that 269 people have died as a result.
The Center for Auto Safety has been petitioning for a recall of the vehicles and said recently in an open letter to the NHTSA that “in NHTSA’s history of defect investigations and recalls, there has never been one where 4-year-old children in child restraints have burned to death in fire crashes until now. The letter continues to detail two instances where Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles were rear-ended and burst into flames, killing two children.
If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 5.1 million vehicles could be involved. According to Bloomberg News, the recall could be one of the largest recalls in history and could be a significant expense for Chrysler and Fiat, who have depended on these models for profitable in recent years.
Jeep Liberty Control Arm Problem Expands
Chrysler is expanding a recent recall on certain Liberty vehicles to include 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty models originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion from road salts during winter weather. The fracture could result in loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jeep Wrangler Fire Problem
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2010 Jeep Wranglers after receiving fourteen complaints of fires starting in the catalytic converter area. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were manufactured before July 2010 and have a skid plate to protect the automatic transmission during off road driving. Chrysler said that the skid plate can collect debris and the heat from the catalytic converter could lead to a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in May, and will replace the skid plate with a skid bar that doesn’t collect debris. The recall is the result of a Jeep Wrangler investigation started in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jeep SUV Rollover Valve Recall
Chrysler will be recalling certain 2012 Patriot and 2012 Compass vehicles because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles built between December 2011 to January 2012, may have a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll over valve. In the event of an accident, the valve may allow fuel leakage, increasing the risk of fire. Chrysler will start notifying owners of the problem, starting in June, and will replace that fuel tanks on these affected vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chevy And Jeep Investigated For Engine Fires
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.
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.
