Jeep recalls Grand Cherokee over loose towbars

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has been forced to recall about 2350 towbars over safety concerns, with these accessories fitted exclusively to the WK-series Jeep Grand Cherokee large SUV.

Following an FCA Australia investigation, it was determined that affected towbars may lose fastener torque during towing, which could lead to the towbar becoming loose.

If this were to occur, the tow bar and trailer (if in use) may become detached from the vehicle, potentially posing a safety risk to other road users.

However, no local injuries or accidents related to this recall have been reported, according to FCA Australia.

Nevertheless, FCA Australia has advised that owners of Grand Cherokees fitted with these tow bars to stop using them immediately.

Specifically, impacted tow bar kits were sold between May 31, 2017 and March 16, 2018, and can be identified via either part number LA82210140 (Laredo, Limited and Overland variants) or LA82210140 (Summit and SRT variants).

Affected owners will be notified by FCA Australia by mail when they may schedule a free-of-charge repair during a service appointment at their preferred dealership.

Alternatively, concerned customers can also contact FCA Australia Customer Care on 1300 133 079 or an authorised dealership to determine if their tow bar is impacted.

Sales of the Grand Cherokee took a hit last year, with 5356 examples sold to the end of 2017, representing a 16 per cent decrease over the 6379 deliveries made in 2016.

This effort placed the Jeep model eighth in the sub-$70,000 large-SUV segment last year, trailing the Toyota Prado (15,982) and Kluger (12,509), Subaru Outback (11,340), Holden Captiva (9588) and Mazda CX-9 (9012), among others.