Jeep recalls 7800 new Grand Cherokees

Jeep parent Chrysler is issuing a safety recall on the latest model Grand Cherokee for separate defects in the popular SUV's electrical and software systems that could kill the anti-skid braking and the stability control functions.

The recall is for Grand Cherokees build between January 8 and August 20 this year at Chrsyler's Detroit factory in Michigan -- which produces Australia's quota. More than 90,000 Grand Cherokees are affected in the US, and while the number of Australian vehicles impacted is 7800 -- with the 2014 model having launched here in July.

The recall notice says an outage of the SUV's computer communications plus loose alternator ground cables could result in the loss of the ABS braking and ESC, with drivers also seeing random warning lights and loss of instrument cluster illumination. However Chrysler Australia says the problem was discovered during testing in the US, and no incidents or injuries have been reported.

"Chrysler Group quality-control personnel observed reports of random warning-light illumination and instrument-cluster blackout," Chrysler Australia spokesperson Karla Leach said in a statement. "Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by turning the vehicle’s ignition off and then on. However, regulatory compliance requires that clusters display complete information that is clearly legible.

"Engineers discovered an issue in the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) module that affects the instrument cluster display. The issue also has implications for the vehicle’s ABS and electronic stability control systems, but Chrysler Group is unaware of any reported problems involving either. Chrysler Group is unaware of any associated accidents or injuries."

Owners will be contacted by Fiat Chrysler Australia and will be able to have their ABS and instruments cluster module software updated, and the alternator ground wire tightened, at their nearest Chrysler service centre. Concerned customers may call Fiat Chrysler Australia on 1300 133 079 toll free.