There are technical more problems with Jeep Cherokees besides the remote hack attack, that was recalled for a software update. This time it’s a possible glitch with the wiper module. Fiat Chrysler US is contacting customers who are eligible for certain recall-completion incentives for select model Jeep, Dodge and RAM trucks/SUVs. Incentives include $100 prepaid cards or trade-ins for as much as $1000 in prepaid cards or towards the purchase of new vehicle.
The FCA news release notes that incentives range from $100 prepaid cards to vehicle-repurchase plans, the incentives are designed to boost completion rates for certain ongoing recalls involving older SUVs and model-year 2009-2012 trucks, for which remedies were not immediately available. The offers therein pertain to 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs that were unremedied as of July 24, 2015
Owners of the affected Grand Cherokee vehicles may choose one of two options:
- Receive a $100 Visa Prepaid Card for unrestricted use upon completion of recall-related service. (Customers who had their recalls completed on or after July 24, 2015, also are entitled to receive the prepaid card.)
- Trade in the vehicle and receive a $1,000 incentive toward the purchase of a new vehicle, or a $1,000 Visa Prepaid Card usable for parts or service at the FCA US dealership accepting the trade-in.
Owners of the affected Liberty SUVs will, on completion of the recall-related service, receive a $100 Visa Prepaid Card for unrestricted use.
There are also incentives for the these unremedied models as of July 24, 2015:
- 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs produced from Jan. 3, 2008, through Dec. 18, 2008.
- 2009-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 1500 pickups produced from Feb. 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009; and from Dec. 1, 2009, through Oct. 20, 2011.
- 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota pickups produced from Feb. 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009; and from Dec. 1, 2009, through Sept. 30, 2011.
- 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 2500 and 3500 4×4 pickups.
- 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 2500 4×2 Cab Chassis vehicles.
- 2008 Dodge Ram/Ram Mega Cab 4×4 pickups.
- 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks produced from Feb. 20, 2007, through December 2012.
Owners of eligible vehicles from the above list may schedule service and, upon completion, receive a $100 Visa PrePaid Card for unrestricted use. Customers who had their recalls completed on or after July 24, 2015, also are entitled to receive the prepaid card.
Also customers may negotiate trade-ins on new vehicles – a program that expires at midnight, Jan. 4, 2016 – or opt for a repurchase plan that, like the prepaid card incentives, has no expiry date.To take advantage of the trade-in offer, a customer and dealer establish a value for the trade-in vehicle, complete the purchase of a new vehicle and receive – in addition to all current applicable incentives – a $2,000 incentive on a Ram-brand vehicle or $1,000 on a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Fiat vehicle.
- Opt for the recall repair and receive a $100 Visa Prepaid Card for unrestricted use.
- Accept the repurchase offer.
- Opt for the trade-in incentive, which is available through Jan. 4, 2016.
Static Makes Control Modules for Wipers Out of Control
FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 158,671 SUVs in the U.S. to help protect their control modules from static buildup that may potentially disable the vehicles’ windshield wipers.
An investigation by FCA US discovered static buildup may occur if the vehicles’ windshield wipers are activated during dry conditions. Significant static buildup may affect a control module that powers the wipers. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.
Affected are model-year 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. An estimated 18,366 vehicles will be recalled in Canada, as will an estimated 3,582 in Mexico and 26,049 outside the NAFTA region.
Dealers will install a ground strap to the control module to eliminate the potential for static buildup. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed at no cost.