Nearly 30,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Models Recalled Over Engine Fire Risk
FCA has issued a recall impacting nearly 30,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee models from model years 2014 to 2019. Only models equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine are included in the recall. According to FCA, the problem is with the vehicle’s exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) cooler. FCA says the EGR cooler has the potential to crack, which could lead to a vehicle fire. Fortunately for owners of this recalled SUV, FCA does have a fix in the works.
FCA recalls 2014–2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee models with an EcoDiesel engine under the hood
According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FCA has issued a recall for 28,884 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from model years 2014 to 2019. However, only models equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine are impacted.
FCA says the problem is with the engine’s EGR cooler, which, over time, may crack from thermal stresses. According to FCA, such a crack would introduce pre-heated, vaporized coolant to the EGR system while the engine is running. FCA added in the recall report, “In certain circumstances, this mixture interacts with other hydrocarbons and air in the system, potentially resulting in combustion within the intake manifold, which may lead to a vehicle fire.”
How many vehicles are included in the recall?
At this time, FCA says that 28,884 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs are included in the recall. The automaker says that it’s unaware of any injuries or accidents that occurred due to the issue. FCA has also said it will remedy the problem by replacing the part with one that isn’t susceptible to cracking.
Here’s what the next steps for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners look like
FCA says it’s already in the process of putting a fix into place. Come December 31, FCA will begin notifying owners of 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with an EcoDiesel engine. To determine if their SUV is included in the recall, owners can also contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Owners can check the NHTSA website to learn more about the recall too.
And if you are the owner of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s impacted by this potentially fiery recall? Then you should probably get in touch with your local Jeep dealership. According to FCA, dealerships are to inspect and, if necessary, replace the intake manifold. The fix will be free of charge as well.
Does this mean you should avoid the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been recalled. According to Cars.com, there are currently 34 recalls related to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Recalls have ranged from issues with the SUV’s headlights to problems with its seatbelts and airbags.
But do all these recalls mean that you should avoid the Jeep Grand Cherokee altogether? That’s definitely a question worth asking. Take a quick look at what Consumer Reports has to say about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and avoiding it might actually be the right choice if you’re currently in the market for a new or used SUV.
According to Consumer Reports’ data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn’t just been recalled numerous times over the last few years. It’s also struggled with overall reliability ratings and isn’t the most satisfying SUV to own, according to those that have one. So while this current recall might seem minor, taking things like past recalls, overall reliability ratings, and customer satisfaction into consideration makes avoiding the Jeep Grand Cherokee sound like a pretty good idea.