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2019 Jeep Cherokee and Cherokee Trailhawk spotted in Pittsburgh

The current Jeep Cherokee debuted for the 2014 model year, meaning it's about due for a refresh. When it was revealed, the controversial styling and front-wheel-drive-based platform caused a stir among the Jeep crowd. While there isn't much Jeep can do about the platform at this point, it seems the automaker's designers have a much more traditional refresh in the works. Thanks to Autoblog readers Matthew Young and Mike Bothwell, we have a new batch of spy shots, include a couple of the new Cherokee Trailhawk. The refreshed Cherokee looks to crib quite a bit from the new Jeep Compass. Rather than splitting the front lighting like before, the driving lights, headlights and turn signals are all one unit. The whole fascia seems to be a bit more upright than before, though the grille is still canted backward. Out back, the Cherokee gets new taillights that feature clear lenses, again similar to the Compass. The rear bumper gets a mild refresh, too. The reflectors move up, and the Trailhawk's exhaust looks like it moves further inward. One of the Cherokees seems to have a crushed pipe, suggesting some unlucky engineer had a mishap. The red tow hook looks to be in about the same place. No word on when the Cherokee will go one sale, but expect some news as soon as the Detroit auto show in January. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Jeep Cherokee Spy Shots Image Credit: Matthew Young Spy Photos Jeep Crossover SUV

FCA recalls 15k Grand Cherokees, Durangos over brake issues

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 14,768 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, both from the 2015 and 2016 model years, and built between December 9, 2015, and January 14, 2016. The Problem: The left front brake caliper on some vehicles may have been made from the wrong type of iron, and could be prone to crack. A cracked brake caliper may not function properly. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The problem was discovered by the automaker during testing. The fix: Dealers will need to check the casting date of the component in question, and if necessary, replace the brake caliper. The schedule for carrying out the recall service has yet to be outlined. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer to arrange an appointment with your local dealer. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Front Left Brake Caliper May Break Report Receipt Date: MAR 23, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V168000 Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected: 14,768 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material. CONSEQUENCE: A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Anton Yelchin's family suing FCA over the actor's death

UPDATE: Anton Yelchin received a recall notification for his Grand Cherokee a week after his death, family attorney Gary Dordick told Variety at a press conference. Dordick called FCA's recall "way too little and way too late." The family of actor Anton Yelchin is suing FCA for negligence and product liability, according to Automotive News. Yelchin was killed in June when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled away, pinning him against a brick pillar and a gate. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with 1.1 million other FCA products, is currently under recall for a poorly designed shifter that may lead drivers to believe the car is in park when it isn't. Vehicles affected by the recall are at risk of rolling away. The recall was issued two months before Yelchin's death on June 19. It's believed that this is the first wrongful death lawsuit related to the recall. Although the shifter recall is linked to hundreds of injuries, Yelchin's death is currently the only fatality. There is a class-action lawsuit currently being filed against the automaker. FCA, in a statement to Automotive News, declined to comment and said it had not been served with a lawsuit. The automaker continues to urge drivers to follow the instructions in their owner's manual and become familiar with the instructions that were included with the recall notice. Related Video: