2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Sport Utility 4-door 4.7l on 2040-cars

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Consumer Reports digs Mazda3, disses Jeep Cherokee

Consumer Reports has just rendered its verdict on two of the more important cars to launch this year - the Mazda3 and the Jeep Cherokee. Considering the value a "Recommended" rating carries with the public and the viciously competitive markets these two cars compete in, Consumer Reports' view could have some impact on their initial success.
For Mazda, that's a good thing. CR spoke quite highly of the Zoom-Zoom brand's compact sedan and hatch, testing both models, and citing the excellent fuel economy and snickety-snack manual shifter as high points. Downsides to the 3 included a ride that is agile but "nervous," a bit too much noise and a cramped back seat. Still, the 3 was good enough to earn its place in the ranks of the "Recommended."
The Jeep didn't fare quite so well, with CR calling the polarizing CUV "half-baked." Although both engines were tested, the magazine called the 2.4-liter four-pot underpowered and its nine-speed automatic unrefined and unresponsive. That's particularly damning, considering the 9AT's role in future Chrysler products, including the extremely important 200. Overall, the Cherokee missed out on the coveted "Recommended" rating.

FCA recalling 400k Jeep Wranglers, 40k Fiat 500s

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued two recall. The first is for 392,464 Jeep Wranglers in the US from the 2007-2010 model years for the steering wheel airbags. The second covers 39,217 examples of the naturally aspirated 2012-2016 Fiat 500 in connection with the clutch release mechanism. The Problem: In the Wranglers' steering wheel, excessive accumulation of dust and dirt from open-air driving off-road could compromise the clockspring in the steering-wheel assembly and prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of a crash. In the case of the Fiats, the clutch travel in a small percentage of vehicles equipped with manual transmissions "may exceed design parameters" and eventually damage components. Injuries/Deaths: No injuries or accidents been reported to result from either issue. The fix: Dealers will install new back covers and column shrouds in the Jeeps and upgrade the clutch release systems in the 500s. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer to arrange service. In the case of the Fiat recall particularly, FCA "urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices." Related Video: Statement: Clockspring May 18, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 392,464 older-model SUVs in the U.S. to replace their clockspring assemblies and related components. Located in a vehicle's steering wheel, a clockspring forms part of the circuit that helps control airbag function. An investigation by FCA US determined excessive exposure to dust and dirt – consistent with extensive off-road driving or driving with a vehicle's top and/or doors removed – may compromise the clockspring and eventually prevent driver-side airbag deployment in a crash. If this condition is present, the airbag warning-lamp will be illuminated. If such an event occurs, customers are advised to contact their dealers. The Company is unaware any potentially related injuries or accidents. Affected by this campaign are model-year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs. An additional 7,435 model-year 2011-2016 vehicles equipped with right-hand drive for special duty also are affected in the U.S. Vehicles affected outside the U.S. comprise an estimated 35,412 in Canada; 8,529 in Mexico and 62,580 outside the NAFTA region. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which includes installation of a new steering-wheel back cover and a steering-column shroud.

NHTSA investigating 630k Jeep Wranglers for possible airbag fault

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a preliminary evaluation into a possible wiring problem on some 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler models that could affect airbag deployment. The government agency has 221 complaints alleging that the airbag warning light is illuminating, and that could indicate that the safety devices might not deploy in a crash. If a recall is necessary, an estimated 630,000 vehicles could be affected. According to the documents from NHTSA (as a PDF here), a "faulty clockspring assembly in the driver side airbag electrical circuit" could be the culprit. Also, some of the affected Wranglers are showing a fault code that indicates the safety device wouldn't deploy in an accident. However at this time, there are no reports of injuries related to this potential problem. NHTSA's preliminary evaluations are simply meant to investigate and don't necessarily lead to a recall. This isn't the first time for a potential problem like this on the Wrangler, though. A clockspring issue already led to a safety campaign for 2008-2012 right-hand drive Wranglers and an extended warranty for 2007 left-hand drive examples. Related Video: INVESTIGATION Subject : Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure Date Investigation Opened: JUN 19, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15025 Component(s): AIR BAGS All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) JEEP WRANGLER 2007-2012 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X2 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2007 Details Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: The subject vehicles display an airbag warning light that may indicate a failure of the clockspring wiring in the driver side air bag circuit. Several complaints cite the following diagnostic trouble code (DTC): Code B1B02 Open Squib to driver's air bag. This DTC would indicate a no-fire condition (disablement) for the driver air bag. ODI investigated the RHD (right hand drive) Wrangler for a clockspring issue under PE11-019 which led to NHTSA Recall 11V258 on model year (MY) 2008-2012 RHD Wranglers as well as an extended warranty campaign on MY 2007 LHD Wrangler vehicles. This investigation covers the MY07-12 LHD (left hand drive) Wranglers.