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Chrysler recalling nearly 141k vehicles over electrical woes

Software glitches that randomly illuminate warning lights and cause instrument cluster blackouts are forcing Chrysler to recall 140,800 vehicles, The Detroit News reports. The automaker is recalling 132,000 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 91,559 of which are in the US. In addition to the Jeep recalls, Chrysler is adding 10,800 2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks to the list for similar problems.
Chrysler reportedly says, "Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by tuning the vehicle's ignition off and then on."
Engineers discovered a problem with the anti-lock-braking system software that causes the instrument cluster display of the Grand Cherokee to illuminate warning lights and black out - even its ABS and electronic stability control systems are affected. To fix the Jeeps, Chrysler will update the vehicle's software.

Jeep Chief and Wrangler Red Rock Responder teased ahead of Easter Jeep Safari

Jeep is being coy about it's lineup for the 2015 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, releasing just a pair of shots and an exceptionally brief press release on two of the seven concepts coming to the desert later this month. So, what can we glean from the limited assets that have been given to us? Well, as we said, we know Jeep is bringing seven vehicles to its big festival. We also know the names of two vehicles, shown above – there's the Chief and the Wrangler Red Rock Responder. Which is which? A fair question. We're betting the second image is the Wrangler-based Red Rock Responder. As for the Chief, well, we've absolutely no idea what to expect there. Jeep's Moab concepts generally include the model name on which their based – see the Grand Cherokee Trail Warrior and Cherokee Dakar from last year, or even the Wrangler Red Rock Responder, mentioned above. There's no such moniker on the Chief. As for the Chief's illustrated teaser image, as we said, it doesn't reveal much. The body is angular, and quite Jeep like, with squared-off wheel arches and decidedly old-school taillights. Beyond that, though, we don't have much to go on. Expect much more not just on the Chief and Red Rock Responder, but on all seven of the concepts Jeep is bringing to Moab. The party starts on March 28 and runs until April 5. Be sure to check back then for full coverage. Related Video:

Mazda2 nets Japan Car of the Year, Cherokee first US model to ever crack top 10

The 2015 Mazda2 is quite high up on our must-drive list. Yes, the teeny, tiny successor to the 100-horsepower five-door is worth getting excited over, largely because the previous generation was one of the absolute best smiles-per-dollar values on the market.
While we eagerly await for our opportunity to take to the 2's helm, our expectations of the new car have just been heightened thanks to its win in Japan's Car of the Year competition. Called "Demio" in the land of the rising sun, Japanese journalists handed out Mazda's second COTY award since the CX-5 took the title in 2012.
In more surprising news, the new Jeep Cherokee has made the list of 10 Best Cars in Japan. The Jeep's triumph marks the first time an American car has cracked the top ten, finishing eighth. It's not, however, the first Fiat Chrysler vehicle to snag the title, following in the footsteps of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Fiat Panda. Still, the fact that an American brand can make such impressive inroads into the traditionally tough-to-crack Japanese market is a seriously big deal.