I Blame the JKU and Soccer Moms

Now before you go and accuse me of JK bashing, let me preface this by saying I've owned a JK longer than most readers. I bought mine in October 2006 before it even hit the showroom floor. I love it & I firmly believe it to be one of the most capable Jeeps ever made in stock form.

 What makes a Jeep Wrangler? Is it the round headlights? Maybe the 7 slot grill? The boxy profile? In my opinion it's a combination of all these things but the most important feature is the solid front axle. As soon as I saw that Congress was reviewing safety complaints regarding "death wobble", I knew I was witnessing the possible death of this Wrangler staple. Why do I blame the JKU? As capable as it is, it's also the most comfortable and the 4 door makes it perfect for families. I should know, it was the reason I bought mine. Originally my Jeep was for my wife. She got tired of me complaining about wanting another Jeep. She finally conceded and gave me hers in trade for a minivan. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Back on topic. Because of the comfort, added space and the modern conveniences like power windows and MyGig systems, there were more Unlimiteds sold than any other Wrangler. Not only that, but the new owners were hanging on to them. In the past, once the newness wore off and the "inconvenience" set in, it would get traded in on a more "urban friendly" vehicle.

Death-wobble has always been present in solid in solid axle vehicles. Once that vehicle is lifted, the chances are even greater that the driver will experience it. It is a correctable problem, but poorly made lift kits and ignorance on how to fix the problem made it more prevalent. Jeep can say they are doing it for the decrease weight, and I'm sure that is a factor to satisfy EPA needs, but the other reason is to boost sales. I don't fault Jeep for that. It's a business and the bottom line is important. But to sacrifice the solid front axle really will be the death nail for the Wrangler as the most capable, mass-produced, off road vehicle in production.

And you thought square headlights were a problem.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/2016-jeep-wrangler-may-ditch-solid-axles.html

Closer to seeing the new '14 Cherokee on dealer lots.

"AUBURN HILLS, MI- The wait for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is nearly over, according to Chrysler Group LLC. The Auburn Hills-based automaker has started shipping the mid-size sport utility vehicles to dealers, according to a Chrysler spokeswoman....(more)"



It will be nice to see the vehicles finally on dealer lots. I personally can't wait to get behind the wheel so I can judge for myself. I don't think Jeep is going to be anywhere near the projected 1.7 million units sold. The delay in production and the plague of problems will likely have an adverse effect on that number.
RY

Source: MLive

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall

Statement: Warning-Light Illumination

October 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC will recall an estimated 132,000 SUVs to upgrade software that controls instrument-cluster lighting and active chassis systems.

Chrysler Group quality-control personnel observed reports of random warning-light illumination and instrument-cluster blackout. Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by turning the vehicle’s ignition off and then on. However, regulatory compliance requires that clusters display complete information that is clearly legible.

Engineers discovered an issue in the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) module that affects the instrument cluster display. The issue also has implications for the vehicle’s ABS and electronic stability control systems, but Chrysler Group is unaware of any reported problems involving either.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any associated accidents or injuries.

Chrysler Group will update instrument-cluster and ABS module software on certain 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees. Most (91,559) are in the U.S.; 6,050 are in Canada; 2,662 are in Mexico; and 32,212 are outside the NAFTA region.

The upgrade will be performed at no cost to customers. Those affected will be notified by mail next month. 

Customers who are concerned may call 1-800-853-1403.