2014 Jeep Compass on 2040-cars

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Dodge and Jeep recalling 895k SUVs for possibility of headliner fires

Dodge and Jeep are announcing recalls of a total of 895,000 Durango and Grand Cherokee models worldwide from the 2011 through 2014 model years. There's a possibility that the wiring in the sun visor can short circuit and cause a fire. It specifically affects vehicles built between January 5, 2010, and December 11, 2013, and there are approximately 651,000 of them in the US, 45,700 in Canada, 23,000 in Mexico and 175,000 outside of North America.
Screws that fasten the sunvisor to the headliner may pierce wires in the visor, if the part has been removed or serviced, potentially causing a fire risk. If the wires short circuit, they could overheat and potentially combust. The automakers report three injuries caused by this defect, and according to the investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "there may be a total of 52 unique fire incidents."
To fix the problem, Dodge and Jeep will inspect the vehicles for suspect wiring, and all of the models, whether damaged or not, will get a new sun visor spacer with a wire guide to stop the possibility of short circuits. According to the automakers' announcement, "this condition is not present in vehicles which have not had the headliner or vanity mirror serviced." They will notify affected owners, and repairs will begin in August.

Jeep Wrangler burns when fireworks were set off inside the vehicle

It should come as no surprise that some fireworks celebrations on the Fourth of July lead to damage and destruction of property. Whether it's poor planning, a lack of skills or simply bad luck, fire departments are usually pretty busy. That wasn't exactly the case when this Jeep Wrangler TJ burnt to the ground. Despite about two dozen people around when the Wrangler caught fire, no one thought it best to call emergency services. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Last week, Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Maryland Fire & Rescue Service Pete Piringer sent out a tweet of a TJ that hadn't looked this rough since the body panels were just steel sheets moving through a press. According to Piringer, the fire was caused by a firework that was set off inside the vehicle. It's unclear if this was accidental or on purpose, though we imagine few people would actually want to burn their vehicles to the ground. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. No one was hurt by the fire. Despite no one calling the fire department, a few attendees attempted to put the fire out. Damages to the Wrangler TJ (built between 1997 and 2006) come out to more than $5,000. A follow-up tweet from Piringer said "charges pending," tagging the Montgomery County Fire Department, Office of Fire & Explosive Investigations/Bomb Squad and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It seems fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County. Related Video: News Source: Twitter via Jalopnik Weird Car News Jeep Truck SUV Off-Road Vehicles fire fireworks

Jeep teases Trailcat and other Easter Safari concepts

Update: It's confirmed. The Trailcat is a Hellcat-powered Wrangler concept. Stay tuned for more details. Ahead of the 50th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the company is teasing two of the seven concepts it'll be taking along. There are virtually no solid details about these two Jeeps, save that they exist. But just reading the word scrawled across the Jeep Wrangler Trailcat concept's hood gets the blood pumping. We've been hearing about Hellcat-powered Jeeps for a while now. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has been the subject of a steady drum-roll of rumors and reputed confirmations, and even a spy video. But that's the Grand Cherokee. But a Wrangler? The aftermarket has been fooling with it. A company called Hauk will stuff one in a Wrangler for you, and surely other companies will follow. For Jeep itself to stuff one into a concept vehicle seems like a great way to fire up the diehard Wrangler folks. The other concept is called the Jeep Crew Chief, and it looks like an update of the Jeep Chief concept from last year. That incredible, retro design recalled the SJ-generation Jeep Cherokee of the 1970s and '80s. Last year's Chief was based on a Wrangler Unlimited, with the rear doors slightly disguised to emulate its two-doored forbearer. Based on the "Crew" part of the name, we can surmise it might be a crew-cab pickup conversion with the wonderful Chief front end. Expect it to be a hit, as well. Related Video: Jeep Truck SUV Off-Road Vehicles easter jeep safari