Jeep Recalling 48,990 Cherokees Over Fire Risk
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is under recall due to some improperly fitted fuel tubes. As the issue relates to the possibility of a gas leak, this falls under the fire-risk category and should have people freaking out left and right. However, the problem is only associated with Cherokees equipped with the 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-four engine.
FCA’s internal report, according to the recall filing, noted that an investigation revealed “a batch of fuel-supply tubes may have connectors that were incorrectly fitted” on the 2018 model year. Fortunately, the refreshed Jeeps for 2019 don’t appear to be affected.
Is it just our imagination or has the Cherokee name been cursed with recalls? There was another similarly sized fire-related recall from a few years ago that dealt with possible shorts in the vehicle’s power liftgate. However, the Grand Cherokee has had it worse. Over the last decade, it has seen recalls numbering in the millions — stemming from explosive fuel tanks, confusing gear selectors, and hacking vulnerabilities.
Fortunately, there’s no overlap between the models as far as the recalls are concerned, so you’re in the clear so long as you didn’t purchase your Cherokee with the base engine. We know even the meaty 3.2-liter V6 doesn’t solve the nine-speed transmission’s “relaxed” attitude, but it certainly helps. Frankly, it’s a little difficult to believe 49,000 people actually purchased them with the 2.4-liter last year, as there were better options on the table for what was still a fairly competitive price.
At any rate, if you did happen to find the base engine sufficient, Fiat Chrysler is happy to inspect the fuel lines and replace them free of charge. Affected customers should be notified next week to schedule appointments with their local dealer. The official recall process won’t begun until June, according to the NHTSA filing.
[Image: FCA]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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When I sold Jeeps last year, we pretty much exclusively stocked 2.4 Cherokees. Only have a few sixes, one of which I sold to a family member. I don't know how people could stand a car that slow in hilly Pennsylvania. I legit felt bad when I sold a girl one, coming from a 2.0 EcoBoost Fusion. Another reason to get the V6. Wonder how the new turbo performs
Get 'em while they're HOT!!!