Eep Jeep!

We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid.  Other than our first mishap with the vehicle, it has performed admirably. Well, OK, there was the one time when the engine battery died... but truly, the car has been great. Some weeks the engine rarely runs on gas as we are just toodling along on electric. A few times the engine has insisted on running on gas, even though the battery is fully charged. It seems that the car keeps track of its gasoline consumption, and if gas isn't used for a while,  it will insist that the motor use gas so the fuel does not become stale!

We received a recall notice:

1. Battery Fire Risk (NHTSA Recall 24V-720, expanded 2025):

   • Models Affected: 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. 
   Problem: Battery cells can have separator damage, leading to fire risk while parked or driving. 
   Action: Park outside, away from structures, and do not plug in to charge until fixed. 

Well, cr%p...so we now have a Jeep that, until a fix is found, can't be used as a hybrid. Additionally, we need to park away from any structures or other vehicles....and our new garage is almost finished. Such irony.

Then, we hear about an additional recall:

2. Engine Fire/Failure Risk (2024-2025 Models):

• Models Affected: Specific 2023-2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe. 
• Problem: Sand from manufacturing left in the engine can cause catastrophic failure, loss of power, or fire. 
• Warning Signs: Engine knocking, warning lights. 

Oh, wonderful, our car can catch fire if it is standing somewhere outside, or it can catch on fire while we are driving it. Not sure I am a fan of either option!

The kicker??? Jeep does not have a fix for either problem yet. 

The Mister had a wee chat with a representative from Jeep/Chrysler today. He was put on hold several times while the rep researched the information and/or chatted with a supervisor. It seems that we may be able to rent a car and be reimbursed when/if a fix is found for our vehicle and it can be repaired. 

Swell!