Jeep Problems

Jeep parent Chrysler Group has implemented a safety recall on the 2013-2014 Grand Cherokee to fix problems related to the software systems that control the anti-skid brakes, stability control and instrument warning lights.The recall is on 7831 units of the Grand Cherokee – part of a global recall that includes 132,000 vehicles in the US, and will upgrade software that controls the systems.The vehicle maker's engineers discovered  a problem with Grand Cherokee's anti-lock braking system module that affects the instrument cluster display and can also affect the braking and stability control systems.Jeep says there have been no incidents or accidents related to the problem, and the recall was sparked when the company's quality-control workers saw random warning-light illumination and instrument-cluster blackout.The recall notice says that both events 'occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by turning the vehicle's ignition off and then on' but that the upgrade would be rolled out for safety and compliance reasons.Chrysler Group Australia is contacting owners of affected vehicles, who may also get in touch with their nearest Jeep dealer. 

Chrysler has bowed to pressure from the US safety regulator, and will recall 2.7 million Jeeps over a fire risk that has allegedly caused dozens of deaths overseas.The recall includes 28,000 vehicles in Australia -- 11,652 Jeep Cherokees (badged Liberty in the US) built between 2002 and 2007,  and 16,461 Grand Cherokees from 1993 to 2004.The carmaker agreed overnight in the US to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) demand to recall the models, which were deemed to have a higher risk of fire from rear-end collisions.However, as part of the agreement, Chrysler will not have to declare that the vehicles were defective. Chrysler Australia said there have been no deaths in Australia. "Our initial review is that there have been no known incidents or fatalities," spokesperson Karla Leach said."However we will follow the overseas lead and issue the recall, as we're vigilant to always make the safety of our customers a priority." Ms Leach acknowledged there had been reports of Jeeps catching fire some years ago, but said it was unrelated to the current recall. "There were some incidents a while ago, but we believe they were related to Wrangler models where owners had installed aftermarket modifications," she said.The recall will see the vehicles installed with a trailer hitch assembly to "better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts", the official statement says. The NHTSA requested the recall on June 3 in the US, but Chrysler had until now refused to issue one, disputing the agency's findings.Chrysler at the time claimed NHTSA analysis of crash data contained flaws, and disputed the agency's finding that the Jeeps' location of fuel tanks behind the rear axle constitutes a design defect. An official statement by Chrysler Group -- the parent company of the Jeep brand -- said it recognised the concern of buyers."Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles. Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families."It's the third Jeep recall in recent weeks, with nearly 7000 Patriot and Compass models recalled earlier this week due to a potential curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner fault, and 333 of the same models recalled earlier this month for a potential fuel flow defect.

Jeep parent Chrysler is issuing a safety recall on the latest model Grand Cherokee for separate defects in the popular SUV's electrical and software systems that could kill the anti-skid braking and the stability control functions.The recall is for Grand Cherokees build between January 8 and August 20 this year at Chrsyler's Detroit factory in Michigan -- which produces Australia's quota. More than 90,000 Grand Cherokees are affected in the US, and while the number of Australian vehicles impacted is 7800 -- with the 2014 model having launched here in July.The recall notice says an outage of the SUV's computer communications plus loose alternator ground cables could result in the loss of the ABS braking and ESC, with drivers also seeing random warning lights and loss of instrument cluster illumination. However Chrysler Australia says the problem was discovered during testing in the US, and no incidents or injuries have been reported."Chrysler Group quality-control personnel observed reports of random warning-light illumination and instrument-cluster blackout," Chrysler Australia spokesperson Karla Leach said in a statement. "Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by turning the vehicle’s ignition off and then on. However, regulatory compliance requires that clusters display complete information that is clearly legible."Engineers discovered an issue in the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) module that affects the instrument cluster display. The issue also has implications for the vehicle’s ABS and electronic stability control systems, but Chrysler Group is unaware of any reported problems involving either. Chrysler Group is unaware of any associated accidents or injuries."Owners will be contacted by Fiat Chrysler Australia and will be able to have their ABS and instruments cluster module software updated, and the alternator ground wire tightened, at their nearest Chrysler service centre. Concerned customers may call Fiat Chrysler Australia on 1300 133 079 toll free.

Jeep says the recall is on 2010 to 2012 Patriot and Compass models sold in Australia, with the safety risk meaning the seatbelt pretensioners and curtain airbags may not work.The problem is caused by a software error in the Occupant Restraint Control Module (ORC), which could prevent deployment of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or side airbag curtains.The recall notice cites the risk of non-deployment during low speed roll-over events, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.Chrysler is sending a letter to owners, who can contact their local Chrysler dealerships to arrange an appointment for them to reprogram the module with new software.