Top tow tug recalled again

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the best vehicles around for towing large caravans, has been recalled yet again, this time due to a fault with its cruise control software that could cause the vehicle’s speed to lock or increase.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia has announced an extension of a safety recall for the smaller Jeep Cherokee, 2900 examples of which were recalled last week for the same issue.

In all, 4095 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee built between 2014 and 2018 are affected. The full list of vehicle identification numbers can be tracked here.

A further 1941 Chrysler 300s built between 2014 and 2018 are also wrapped up in the issue, as are hundreds more examples of the Dodge Journey people-mover built between 2014 and 2016.

“A fault in the Power Control Module (PCM) software may affect cruise control, potentially causing the vehicle speed to lock or unexpected vehicle acceleration,” said FCA.

“If the driver does not shift to neutral or apply the brakes to stop the vehicle this may pose an accident risk.”

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by FCA Australia via mail. Concerned owners can contact their local dealer or call 1300 133 079.

According to the ACCC’s Product Safety Australia website, this is the 20th safety recall for Jeep’s current, fourth-generation (WK2) Grand Cherokee since it was launched in 2011, easily making it Australia’s most recalled vehicle.

Jeep Australia sold 2292 Grand Cherokees in the first half of this year — down more than 18 per cent on the same period in 2017, when sales slumped by 16 per cent and when new Trailhawk and Trackhawk models joined a facelifted line-up.

Stay tuned for a real-world tow test of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which we are currently using to tow an Avida Rock caravan from Sydney to Uluru and back...