Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 132,099 units of its 2014 to 2016 Jeep® Cherokee (KL) vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. According to recall documents, an electrical short in the power liftgate module (PLGM) could lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
The suspect period began on February 27th, 2013, when vehicles were built with a PLGM located in a spot vulnerable to water intrusion, and ended on September 9th, 2015, when the PLGM was made more robust to water intrusion. Vehicle production records were used to determine the suspect period.
Recall Chronology:
- On January 5, 2022, the FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation as a result of an increasing trend in cargo compartment fires in 2014-2015 MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- From January 2022, through April 2023, FCA US TSRC analyzed fire patterns, witness statements, vehicle histories, met with engineering to understand the PLGM and change history, reviewed supplier data, and reviewed exemplar vehicles.
- As of April 27th, 2023, FCA US has identified 50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from July 26th, 2017, through January 31st, 2023.
- As of April 27th, 2023, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.
- On May 4th, 2023, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 30th, 2023.
Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
