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Airbag fault on 1M recalled Jeeps getting second look from NHTSA [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Here is the statement we received from Chrysler regarding NHTSA's query: "Chrysler Group LLC advised the National Highway Traffic Administration of the six reports and, in accordance with the Company's long-standing practice, is cooperating fully with the resulting investigation. Customer safety is paramount at Chrysler Group. Customers who are concerned may call 1-800-853-1403."
It appears that Jeep's repairs for nearly one million Grand Cherokees from 2002-2004 and Liberty models from 2002-2003 might not be over yet. The vehicles were first recalled in November 2012 because the front airbags could suddenly deploy without being in an accident. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a recall query into them because of reports of inadvertent activation on some already corrected vehicles.
The original problem affected over 919,000 vehicles worldwide, including 744,822 in the US, and was caused by a degrading circuit in the wires that control the airbags. In some cases the airbag warning light would come on just before the premature activation, but in other cases it would just happen. The automaker installed an "in-line jumper harness with an integrated electrical filter" meant to eliminate the power spikes believed to be the cause.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is more expensive than the Dodge Demon

Jeep has finally released pricing for its crazy, all-wheel-drive, Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee, and it's seriously expensive. It starts at $86,995. That's a full $2,000 more than the limited-production, 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. For 140 fewer horses, and a quarter-mile time that's 2seconds slower (11.6 seconds vs. 9.6), you'll spend more money. Then again, the Grand Cherokee can do things the Demon and the Hellcats can't. It's got more space than any of them, meaning you can carry quite a bit more. It's capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds of stuff. It also has all-wheel drive, which means you have a little extra traction in bad weather, and you have the opportunity to do spectacular four-wheel burnouts. And of course, the Trackhawk is still fast and capable by any measure. It's only a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph than the Challenger Hellcat Widebody. It also comes with massive Brembo brakes, with the largest front rotors fitted to a Jeep, to haul it down from 60 mph in a claimed 114 feet. Each corner features 295-mm tires that Jeep claims let the Trackhawk generate 0.88g circling a skid pad. If the Trackhawk sounds like just the absurd performance machine you've been waiting for, you'll be able to put your order in soon. Dealers will accept orders starting Aug. 10, and the vehicles will start arriving at dealer lots toward the end of the year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk View 45 Photos Image Credit: Jeep Jeep SUV Performance

164K Jeep Cherokees recalled to protect liftgate from moisture

FCA is recalling 164,003 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee because moisture can damage the power liftgate controls on models that are equipped with that feature. Regionally, this includes 99,436 of them in the US, 13,195 in Canada, 2,406 in Mexico, and 48,966 outside of NAFTA. The problem came to light after the automaker started investigating a fire in one of the SUVs. There were no injuries, though. According to FCA US' research, the power hatch's control module potentially can be exposed to water. This can cause a short circuit and possibly a fire, as in this case. Until the issue is repaired, the company is advising owners to keep the cargo area dry on Cherokees equipped with this feature. To fix things, dealers will install a shield around the controls to protect them from moisture and will replace any modules showing exposure to water. Statement: Water-Shield Installation June 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 99,436 SUVs in the U.S. to install shields that protect their power liftgate control modules, and related components, from moisture. FCA US LLC began an investigation after learning of a reported vehicle fire. The probe revealed power liftgate control modules in certain SUVs may be inadvertently exposed to water. This may cause a short-circuit, creating a fire hazard. However, the Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The campaign affects model year 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs, but is limited to vehicles equipped with power liftgates. An estimated 13,195 customers are affected in Canada, along with an estimated 2,406 customers in Mexico and 48,966 outside the NAFTA region. The estimated total recall population is 164,003. All affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service. If the modules show signs of water exposure, they will be replaced. All recall-related work will be performed free of charge. In the interim, the cargo areas of 2014-15 Cherokees equipped with power liftgates should be monitored and kept dry. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.