Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled over wire fire risk

FIAT Chrysler Australia has issued a recall of 31,054 Jeep Grand Cherokees after discovering a fault that could cause a fire if wiring in the vanity mirror light is disturbed.

The Jeep Grand Cherokees affected are made between 2011-2014 and the announcement is part of a global recall of 895,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs.

The issue relates to the wiring located in the vanity mirror and headliner, which may short-circuit if it is not properly reassembled following repairs.

Fiat Chrysler Australia said vehicles are considered safe as long as the wiring in the headliner or vanity mirror has not been moved, repaired or disturbed.

However, as part of the recall, the company will adjust the wiring in all Jeep Grand Cherokees made between 2011 and 2014 to prevent any chance of short circuit and fire in the future.

In a statement issued by Fiat Chrysler Australia, the company said it will fix the issue, and that there have been injuries reported as a result of the wiring fault in other markets.

“Fiat Chrysler Australia is recalling an estimated 31,054 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to reroute wiring for vanity-mirror lights.

“If a stated vehicle was involved in a repair related to servicing the vanity mirror and/or headliner, the wiring – located inside the sun visor – may be subject to short-circuit and fire if not appropriately reassembled by the dealer. This condition is not present in vehicles which have not had the headliner or vanity mirror serviced.

“Fiat Chrysler Australia dealers will, at no cost to customers, install a spacer containing a wire guide feature that will keep the lines properly routed, preventing a potential short-circuit during reassembly.

“In the interest of protecting our customers, this spacer will be installed in all vehicles within the range, regardless of whether or not the vanity mirror and/or headliner have been serviced. All affected customers will be contacted.

“Chrysler Group is aware of three related injuries – each of which involved a vehicle that had the vanity mirror and/or headliner serviced.” Fiat Chrysler Australia director of corporate affairs, Karla Leach told GoAuto the company was not aware of any injuries occurring in Australia in relation to the wiring issue.

“We are unaware of any injuries or incidents in Australia that are related to this recall,” Ms Leach said.

This is the third recall issued for the Jeep Grand Cherokee this year, following an fault relating to an uncontrolled acceleration fault last month and an issue that affected brake pedal feel in April.