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.
Category Archives: Jeep
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.
Faulty Windshield Wiper Motor Urges Jeep Recall
Chrysler is recalling almost 17,000 2008 Jeep Liberty Suv’s for a faulty windshield wiper motors. The motors have been improperly manufactured allowing moisture to enter and short it out. If this happens, the driver could experience reduced visibility which could lead to an accident. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.
NHTSA Investigates Jeep Gas Tank Fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into a possible defect with the gas tanks on 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The investigation was encouraged by the advocacy group Center for Auto Safety in October when they said that the plastic fuel tank was susceptible to ruptures during rear end collisions and roll overs.
In the last two decades, the NHTSA said that there have been 55 deaths in crashes involving the sport utility, in which fire was listed as the probable cause of death. In ten of those crashes, the vehicle was involved in a rear end collision.
After an initial review, the NHTSA has reported that the Grand Cherokee does not have a significantly higher number of fires than any other vehicle. In a statement, NHTSA said, “The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect trend.” Further review and investigation into these accidents is needed to determine if the problem constitutes a recall.
Chrysler Recall For Braking Problems
Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be recalling certain 2010 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Ram vehicles which were built will a defective part that could affect the braking ability. In certain models, the improperly formed part could allow brake fluid to drain out of the system leading to a loss of braking.
Although the NHTSA notice has already been issued, a full recall won’t take place until August, where dealers will install replacement brake tubes on affected models free of charge. If you have questions you can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403, or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
Chrysler Recalls More Vehicles
There have been no reported accidents or injuries, but Chrysler will be recalling almost 700,000 2006-2007 Jeep Wranglers and 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.
The Jeep Wranglers, made from May 15, 2006 to August 9, 2010, may experience a brake fluid leak due to the front inner fender liner rubbing against the brake fluid line. If the line begins to leak, the loss of brake fluid could lead to a loss of brakes.
The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, made from February 2007 to September 2007, may have improperly placed wires that can come into contact with the sliding door hinges. If the wire insulation is rubbed through, a potential fire hazard may result.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers about the repairs, which will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to start later this month.
Chrysler’s Recall For Sticky Gas Pedals
After the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received five complaints of sticky gas pedals, Chrysler has been quick to recall about 25,000, 2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass vehicles. The problem started to surface in late April, and is being blamed on the pedal system built by the CTS Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana, the same company that built the accelerator pedal assemblies that were involved in the Toyota recall.
A NHTSA analysis found that the problem resulted because pockets in the pedal assembly that hold bushings, which act as a bearing for the pivot shaft of the accelerator pedal arm, were too large. Chrysler said the vehicles were equipped with an electronic throttle control system that reduced engine power when there was a “disagreement” between the brake and the accelerator signals, adding that the system prevented the pedal problem from causing “an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.”
Only pedals installed in cars manufactured between March 7 and May 19, 2006, are affected. The automaker said its recall was designed to find those faulty pedal assemblies and replace them.
CTS denies that its pedals cause sudden acceleration or that the pedals can even fully stick. It called the issue a “slow return pedal phenomenon,” and said in a statement that it was unaware of any accidents or injuries because of the problem. Regulators have opened a defect investigation into CTS, the first ever taken against the company.
Problems With Jeep Liberty Window Regulators
If you ask a Jeep Liberty owner if they ever had to replace a window regulator on their SUV you may be surprised that almost every owner will say yes. Some say the regulator has been changed many times. Chrysler knows about the problem, but it is suspected they do not want to issue a recall as it would be very expensive.
The problem is a plastic window bracket that rides inside of a metal track in the door. As you use the window, the part of the plastic bracket that rides inside the metal guide rail tends to wear away until it becomes too thin to support the weight of the window. The plastic piece brakes and down comes the glass. The problem is not only limited to well worn windows as complaints also come from people who say they rarely use the window.
When the vehicle is still under warranty, the problem is more of an inconvenience, though there have been complaints of interior damage due to rain. When warranty is up, however, the fix can be very expensive. Some Liberty owners say that when they complained about the problem to dealerships, it was recommended to replace the entire window regulator, guide rail, bracket and motor at the expense of the consumer.
CLICK HERE to view the technical service bulletin, NHTSA #620952, related to this problem.
If you have experienced repeated repairs on your Jeep Liberty you may be able to get help under the California Lemon Laws. For a Free CA Lemon Law consultation fill and submit the consultation form above or call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates at 888-Ex-Lemon. They have been helping consumers since 1987. Call and speak with an attorney now.
