Fiat Chrysler Australia is recalling an estimated 7800 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for electrical issues as part of a wider international recall affecting 91,559 of the SUVs in the US.
Related to the vehicles’ anti-lock braking system (ABS) module, the electrical issue may manifest itself through the random or failed illumination of dashboard warning lights or, more seriously, the loss of ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) functions.
According to the official recall notice published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) product safety recalls website, the loss of either safety function reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
“Drivers would not be warned of brake system failures or any other failures which would normally be illuminated on the dashboard display,” the notice says. “This poses a hazard to the driver and other road users.”
Chrysler Group, Jeep‘s parent company, said in a statement that it was unaware of any reported problems, accidents or injuries involving either the ABS or ESC system.
The US brand’s Australian division is contacting affected owners, with updates to the instrument cluster and ABS module software to be completed at no cost to customers.
Launched locally in July, the facelifted 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by choice of a 210kW/347Nm 3.6-litre V6 petrol, a 184kW/570Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, a 259kW/520Nm ‘Hemi’ 5.7-litre V8 and a 344kW/624Nm ‘Hemi’ 6.4-litre V8 in SRT guise.
