2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport on 2040-cars

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Chrysler Recalls 350K Vehicles To Fix Ignition Switches

Chrysler is recalling nearly 350,000 cars and SUVs to fix ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off the engines. The recall covers 2008 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, and Dodge Magnum wagons. All were built before May 12, 2008. Chrysler says the ignitions may not fully return to the "on" position after being started. The switches could move to "accessory" or "off." That could shut off the engine and knock out power-assisted steering and other features. Chrysler knows of one crash and no injuries from the problem. It's telling people to use the key alone in the ignition and confirm that switches have returned to "on" after starting their cars. Chrysler is investigating the cause. Customers will be notified when repairs are ready. Related Gallery The Trucks And SUVs Consumers Are Liking Most View 11 Photos

2019 Jeep Renegade gets new turbo engine and new styling

We told you about the European-spec 2019 Jeep Renegade in June, but today we have the low-down on what the U.S. can expect from the refreshed crossover. New for 2019 is a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. That means the 1.3-liter boosted four is actually more powerful than the outgoing 160 horsepower 1.4-liter. This engine will be standard on Limited and Trailhawk models but optional on the Sport and Latitude — those cheaper trims will get the carryover 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine standard. If you option the 1.3-liter, it'll come with stop-start tech as well. Regardless of engine choice, you'll be getting a nine-speed automatic transmission because the existing six-speed manual is MIA for 2019. As a refresher from what we learned before, the Italian-built Jeep crossover gets new front and rear fascias plus new wheel designs to differentiate it from 2018. You can even get 19-inch wheels on Latitude and Limited trims. An available full LED lighting package brings LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lamps and taillights. Driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, parallel/perpendicular park assist and front parking sensors are optional as well. There aren't any pictures of the new colors yet, but you can get Slate blue, Sting grey and Bikini paint on your Renegade ... interesting name choice on the last one. Of course, the Renegade will be offered in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive, with the Trailhawk being the most capable of the bunch off-road. Jeep hasn't released official fuel-economy numbers for the 1.3-liter turbo, but it says the smaller engine and active grille shutters should yield an improvement over 2018. Pricing and availability remain a mystery, but we don't imagine it'll be much longer until that information is available. Featured video:

Jeep Compass, Patriot will stick around for 2017 model year

The Jeep Compass and Patriot may be getting a little long in the tooth, but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles isn't ready to put them to pasture. At least not yet. According to Automotive News, FCA plans to continue producing both models until the end of this calendar year. That will also take them both into the 2017 model year as the manufacturer prepares to introduce their shared successor. Jeep will likely build a stockpile of Patriots and Compasses to bridge the gap until the new compact Jeep arrives. The move is just one of many FCA is making to trim unprofitable car models and increase crossover production. The Jeep Cherokee is set to move from its current home in Toledo, OH, to the plant in Belvidere, IL, where the Compass and Patriot are built; the same plant was also home to the recently discontinued Dodge Dart. With Cherokee production gone, the Toledo plant in turn is being retooled to increase Wrangler output by 50 percent, including temporary parallel production of both the new model and the existing one. Meanwhile the replacement for the Compatriots, as they're colloquially known together, is expected to debut this summer in Brazil. Production is slated to take place, both in Brazil and in Mexico, starting January 30, 2017, with production of the Compass and Patriot reportedly to continue in Belvidere until December 23 of this year. By that point, the Compass and Patriot will be a full decade old, having been introduced in 2006 as 2007 models. Along with the Dodge Journey, they're the last FCA products still based on the PM/MK platform shared with Mitsubishi. The Japanese automaker still produces several models on the version it calls GS, including the Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Lancer. Related Video: