Jeep has initiated a recall of certain Cherokees from the 2014-2016 model years. These vehicles could develop an electrical short that increases the risk of a fire forming, whether the vehicle is on or off.
The automaker launched an investigation into the issue on January 5, 2023, following what it describes as “an increasing trend in cargo compartment fires.” By analyzing fire patterns, witness statements, vehicle histories, and meeting with engineers, it determined that the fires were forming due to an electrical short in the power liftgate module of 132,099 Cherokees, in the U.S.
The modules are produced by Flextronics International Ltd. in Farmington Hills, Michigan, but just what is leading to the short is not made clear by documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Read: Jeep Needs To Fix 26,000 Cherokees Due To PTU Issue
However, Jeep is aware of 50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports of incidents that are potentially related to the fault. Fortunately, the automaker is not aware of any injuries or accidents that have occurred as a result of the issue.
Regardless, Jeep is launching a recall campaign because a fire increases the risk of an injury occurring. Although the automaker intends to start reaching out to owners with a plan of action on June 30, it has not yet developed a remedy for this issue.
While it works on finding a solution to the electrical short, Jeep is advising owners of model year 2014-2016 Cherokees with a power liftgate to park their vehicle outdoors and away from structures, lest a potential fire spread to a flammable building. Once it has developed the remedy, it will be implemented free of charge, and anyone who has paid to fix their own vehicle can be reimbursed.
