Jeep Cherokee Liftgate Fires Result in Recall of 132K Vehicles

Owners of more than 132,000 Jeep Cherokee vehicles are being urged to park their vehicles outside and away from structures, after the manufacturer announced a second recall due to a risk of power liftgate fires, which can occur regardless of whether the vehicles are in motion or parked.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new Jeep Cherokee recall on May 15, indicating that the liftgate design may allow water to enter the electrical components, potentially resulting in a short circuiting event and Jeep Cherokee fire.

All recalled Jeep Cherokee vehicles should be parked outside and away from any nearby structures, according the warning, which was issued after multiple reports were received of the liftgate catching on fire..

The impacted models were recalled once before in 2015, for a similar issue in which water was able to enter the electrical components of the liftgate. However, officials indicate the latest Cherokee recall supersedes the prior recalls, indicating the vehicles will need repaired once again to prevent fire risks.

In the recall notice, officials indicate that water egress into the power liftgate may cause electrical shortages that could start a vehicle fire. While no accidents or injuries have been reported in connection to the recall, Chrysler is aware of at least 50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports that are potentially related to the issue.

Chrysler started investigating increasing reports of Jeep Cherokee fires inside the cargo compartments of model year 2014 and 2015 vehicles in January 2022, which had already been repaired under prior recalls. Their investigation revealed that the powered liftgates in some of the vehicles were failing, even after receiving remedial repair for prior recalls issued in 2015, which involved reports of the power liftgate control module short-circuiting due to water intrusion.

The new recall impacts approximately 132,099 model year 2014 through 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured from February 27, 2013 through September 9, 2015, and are equipped with a powered liftgate module. Vehicles manufactured after September 9, 2015 are equipped with a stronger and improved liftgate module which is more effective in preventing water intrusion, and are not affected by the recall.

Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 30, 2022 and will be notified again with repair instructions once a final remedy has been developed. To receive reimbursement for any expenses incurred repairing their recalled vehicles, owners should send their original receipts or proof of payments to Chrysler.

For more information on the recall, consumers may contact Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall number 49A. They may also contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit their website at www.nhtsa.gov.