Major recall as popular SUV's windscreen poses deadly risk
Jeep is recalling nearly 1,700 of its popular 2023 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs after discovering a defect that could cause the vehicle's windshield defroster and defogger to stop working. The company said in federal filings that the defect risks reduced visibility and might lead to potential crashes.
Damaged connectors in the wiring can lead to an electrical failure, making the system inoperative, and risks fogging front windshields with no remedy, the automaker wrote in the filing. Highest risks of window defogging is during extreme high and low temperatures. 'Dealers will inspect and replace the blower motor, as necessary free of charge,' the carmaker wrote in a filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 'Drivers may notice that the windshield defogging is not working, or that the air conditioning system is not working as intended.'
Last year, the Grand Cherokee was the 12th-best-selling consumer vehicle in the US market, with 216,148 units sold. But none of the Grand Cherokees that left American lots last year are impacted by the recall. All affected vehicles were built between November 2, 2022, and September 18, 2023. Similar vehicles manufactured before or after that window, or those equipped with undamaged connectors, are not included in the bulletin.
In total, 1,689 vehicles are impacted by the safety recall — including 422 Grand Cherokee L models and 1,267 Grand Cherokee units. The remedy for the problem is not currently available. Jeep estimates that it will have a fix for the airflow motors by the third quarter of this year. Stellantis didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
This is the 18th recall for the Detroit brand this year, according to the NHTSA's public dataset. That is the second-most for any consumer automotive brand in the US. However, Stellantis' issues are minor compared to Ford, one of its biggest American competitors. The blue oval is yet again leading the automaking pack with 82 recalls issued this year, more than Stellantis, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and General Motors combined.
Ford had the most US-based recalls for five years in a row until Stellantis and Tesla took its place atop the safety bulletin list in 2024. Now, it's back on top. This year's Ford recalls span a range of issues, including powertrain fixes, technical reboots, seatbelt realignments, and backup camera adjustments. A Ford representative previously told DailyMail.com that around half of its recalls included an over-the-air technical update and didn't require a trip to the dealership.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
6 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
VW's Coupe-Styled EV Could Be Dead in Two Years
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2026 Dodge Durango brings back the Hemi V8 across all trims, adds a 710-hp Hellcat Jailbreak with 6M+ combos, and starts under $43K for AWD V8 power. If you're thinking about leasing the top dog 4Runner, you'll want to check out the numbers first. Ford Motor Co. has again delayed replacements for two key battery-electric models, the F-150 Lightning pickup and E-Transit commercial van as it shifts focus to more affordable EVs. It may also change plans for what was to be its $5.6 billion Blue Oval City EV plant near Memphis. The first half of 2025 has been kind to Volkswagen's EVs, with the automaker seeing an increase of around 47 percent in sales. Despite that, the automaker is reportedly considering cutting one of its longer-running electric models due to unimpressive sales numbers. VW is reportedly looking to cut the ID.5 as soon as 2027, which would mark the seven-year point in its lifespan. The coupe-styled electric SUV never made it to the U.S., and in Europe, buyers have favored the larger, more practical ID.4. Volkswagen is not considering a follow-up for the ID.5. 0:04 / 0:09 VW will introduce a sub-$20,000 EV, but probably not here Watch More The ID.5 also forms the basis for the Ford Capri, which went on sale last year and immediately had its production numbers cut back due to 'rapidly deteriorating market conditions for electric vehicles,' according to a Ford spokesperson. Volkswagen combines ID.4 and ID.5 sales, so it can be difficult to get solid sales numbers. That said, the two combined to become VW's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025, followed by the ID.3. Audi's Q4 e-tron variants landed in a distant third place. Volkswagen is targeting and discontinuing slower-selling models, starting with the Passat a few years back and the Arteon more recently. The newer ID. Buzz electric minivan was slated to replace the Touran in other countries, but those plans were ditched due to lackluster demand. Like others in the industry, the German automaker has been forced to adapt as buyers' on-again, off-again EV demand makes it difficult to plan. Volkswagen also has headaches in China, where buyers are shifting toward domestic brands in high numbers. The company has seen strikes and other challenges in its European workforce as it looks to cut costs, with the auto workers' union saying the company 'set fire to our collective agreements.' About the Author Chris Teague View Profile
Auto Blog
7 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
The Military Wants to Find the Best Ways To Destroy a Tesla Cybertruck
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Hyundai's Next EV Could Be Its Cheapest Yet — Everything We Know So Far The 2026 Dodge Durango brings back the Hemi V8 across all trims, adds a 710-hp Hellcat Jailbreak with 6M+ combos, and starts under $43K for AWD V8 power. Tesla CEO Elon Musk initially promised that the new Cybertruck would be bulletproof and apocalypse-ready, but he probably wasn't planning for them to be used as target practice for the military. The U.S. Air Force is reportedly looking for two Cybertrucks to use as targets for precision guided weapons. Another Chinese automaker is taking the fight to Tesla Watch More The USAF chose Cybertrucks because it said there's a possibility future adversaries could be driving one. The Tesla is one of 33 different vehicles being sought for use by the Air Force Testing Center at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. That said, the Cybertruck is the only model listed by name, with others being generic sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The Air Force's order documents state that the Cybertruck's 'aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors typically using painted steel or aluminum bodies. Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [redacted] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck.' While we don't know if the military has some intelligence suggesting that insurgents are snapping up Tesla Cybertrucks, it makes sense that it would want to figure out the best ways to destroy one in case that did happen. Plus, Tesla likely won't be unhappy to sell some Cybertrucks, even if it's only two, and even if they're only being purchased to be shot at. After hearing claims that the truck was indestructible, the internet went to work proving that it wasn't. Many YouTubers and other personalities tested the trucks with crossbows, rifles, and all manner of other firearms, and it stood up to most of the punishment surprisingly well. Of course, it's not actually indestructible, as some have shown that doing 'real' truck stuff causes problems in a hurry. About the Author Chris Teague View Profile
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Rusting Porsche left 60 years in a barn now tipped to sell for £400,000
A rusting Porsche that has been left in a barn for over 60 years is now tipped to sell for a whopping £400,000. The Porsche 356 Speedster was bought in 1955 and after clocking up 62,000 miles in seven years was taken off the road and tucked in a barn in Ohio, America. The classic car was rediscovered after a car expert was given a 'tip off' and it was found with all its silver paintwork peeled off. It has since undergone an extensive restoration - the engine and gearbox have been stripped out and rebuilt and all the carpets and seat coverings were replaced with aged leather. But the left-hand drive Porsche retains its original dashboard, steering wheel and gauges. The car, which is now roadworthy and has been driven recently, has been shipped over to England to be sold in Iconic Auctioneers' forthcoming Silverstone sale. An Iconic Auctioneers spokesperson said: 'Following a tip-off, this early 356 Speedster was uncovered at a smallholding in Ohio, where it had reportedly remained with the same family for over 70 years. 'The engine was disassembled and remarkably, only required new piston rings before being fully inspected and reassembled. 'The matching gearbox was similarly stripped, checked and rebuilt, while the fuel system was recommissioned, retaining the original fuel tank with its attractive patination. 'Externally, every effort was made to preserve the integrity of the original early 356 body. 'It is understood that the Speedster was in regular use only until 1962, covering approximately 60,000 miles before being laid to rest in the barn where it was later discovered. 'At some point early in its life, possibly by the supplying dealership, it was repainted silver, traces of which remain visible on the bodywork today. 'We are informed that the Speedster performs exceptionally well, idling smoothly with no smoke and having completed various trips without issue. 'This is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well preserved Pre-A 356 Speedster, a model highly regarded for its purity and iconic design. 'From the few Pre-A Speedsters that do make it to market, it is very rare to see a survivor car as many are now restored.' The sale takes place on August 23.
