Jeep Expands Cherokee Recall for Rollaway Risk
» Posted July 24, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
More Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles are at risk of rolling away, according to the automaker.
Jeep is recalling another nearly 26,000 Cherokee SUVs from the 2016 and 2017 model years, the company recently told federal regulators. A drivetrain part may fail and cause the vehicle to roll away when parked or suddenly lose power while driving.
“A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning,” Jeep said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A loss of PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.”
The recall comes after Jeep called back more than 67,000 Cherokee SUVs in 2020 for the same defect. The company told NHTSA it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
The new recall covers certain 2016 and 2017 Cherokee SUVs.
Jeep plans to notify owners of those cars via mail by mid-June, the company told NHTSA. The automaker plans to use a software update to address the problem.
Other Jeep Recalls
Jeep drivers have been hit with a number of recalls in recent years.
The company recently called back some 89,000 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs, for example. Jeep told NHTSA at the time that faulty steering columns increase the risk of a crash.
About a month earlier, Jeep recalled some 36,000 Wrangler SUVs. The company said an “erroneously installed” fastener could puncture the vehicles’ gas tanks in the event of a crash, potentially causing a fire.
And last year, NHTSA announced that it was investigating a possible parking brake defect in certain Jeep Cherokee SUVs. The probe, covering some 1.3 million Jeep Cherokees vehicles, came in response to roughly 80 complaints that water leaking into SUVs makes parking brakes inoperable.
How the California Lemon Law Works
The California lemon law offers some important rights and protections to car owners and lessors in the Golden State.
The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the manufacturers to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix.
A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. That includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments, the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses.
A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and weigh your options.
Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney
If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help.
We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer at our firm today.
