In June 2014 Chrysler opened an investigation into shocks installed on certain 2015 Chrysler 200, 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2014 Ram 1500 vehicles, as a result of shock supplier, Hitachi, having a KL rear shock ring split during bushing press operation. The investigation found that, due to an inadequate inspection process at the supplier, the ring loop at the rear shock attachment may have a weld that is insufficient to carry the load of the vehicle. The loss of one of the two welds could result in damage to chassis components and tires, and decreased brake function. Continue reading

Owners of certain Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram pickups, have filed complaints with the NHTSA over safety concerns caused by their vehicles’ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).

The TIPM consists of a computer, relays, and fuses that control and distribute power to the vehicles electrical systems. These include safety systems, security system, ignition, electrical power-train, airbags, fuel pump, windshield wipers, headlights, turn signals, and power windows and doors. Drivers report electrical problems which have resulted in unsafe driving conditions on numerous occasions. Continue reading

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, certain 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUV’s could experience an increased chance of vanity lamp overheating after receiving a service repair which requires gaining access above the headliner.

On March 2011, Chrysler opened an investigation as the result of customer complaints of thermal damage in the sun visor area. It was determined that during installation of a previous repair, the sun visor screws could be driven through one of the unsecured vanity lamp wiring circuits creating a resistive short to ground. If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire. Continue reading

Federal regulators are putting pressure on Chrysler to accelerate production of trailer hitches needed to repair an estimated 1.6 million Jeep SUV’s. In June 2013 Chrysler and the NHTSA reported that the fuel tanks in these vehicles are more susceptible to leaks and fire during certain rear impact accidents because of the location of the tank behind the rear axle, slightly below the rear bumper. Chrysler’s repair of installing a trailer hitch for extra protection has been approved by the NHTSA despite criticisms from consumer advocates who say that hitches will only incrementally improve the performance in certain low speed rear impacts. The initial Jeep recall involved approximately 2.7 million vehicles, but Chrysler says that, given the age of some of them, only about 1.6 million remain on the road. Continue reading

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an intelligent cruise control system that uses radar senors or lasers to automatically slow down and speeds up a vehicle to keep pace with surrounding traffic. When the system is working correctly, the technology can be a great tool for preventing accidents, but because it is relatively new, software glitches can leave drivers feeling unsafe. Continue reading

Chrysler has alerted the NHTSA about a problem in certain 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles which could result in drivers experiencing longer stopping distances than expected. They will be asking owners to return their SUV’s to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have the problem fixed. Chrysler’s recall number is P05 and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-104. Continue reading

We had a gentleman call us about a problem with the T-top in his 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Whenever the vehicle was driven in heavy rain, water would leak in from the middle of the top and drip down onto the dashboard. The first time he experienced the problem was when the vehicle was new with only 900 miles on it. He continued to take the Wrangler to a manufacturer approved repair facility 6 more times for the same problem. He heard about the California Lemon Law and felt like he had given the dealership a reasonable number of repair attempts, so he contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates. Continue reading

Owners of certain Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles are still awaiting replacement parts to repair an airbag recall announced over a year ago. In November 2012, Chrysler sent letters to approximately 745,000 SUVs owners warning them of unexpected airbag deployment. According to complaints on the NHTSA website, the problem has resulted in incidents with reported injuries including burns, cuts, and bruises. Continue reading