Jeep Australia Recalls Over 7000 Vehicles

Effected Vehicles - 2002 to 2004 Jeep KJ Cherokee and WG Grand Cherokee
Jeep Australia have announced a National recall of these vehicles as part of an international recall.
The potential computer malfunction can force “the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated,'' the recall notice said. While the faulty airbags could potentially cause an accident, no injuries have been reported in more than 200 cases worldwide where airbags inadvertently released – including one in Australia. 

Fiat Chrysler Group Australia is writing to affected owners but conceded said limited availability of parts in Australia will delay repairs until March for the Cherokee and August for the Grand Cherokee.

Customers with any queries are asked to contact a Jeep dealer or call the Jeep Customer Service centre on 1300 133 079.

Jeep Compass Upgrade for 2014 Model Year

2014 will be the last of the current model Jeep Compass Compact SUV and it gets a minor face-lift and trim upgrade before an all new Fiat/Alfa based 2015 MY arrives. Major change is a new 6 Speed automatic which will replace the CVT transmission in the current model.
We should see the 2014 models around middle of the year.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Breaks Cover In US

The mid model upgrade for the Grand Cherokee has broken cover today in the US prior to tomorrow's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show - photos reveal mild improvements and refinements to the front and rear, new styled alloys and it appears most of the improvements have been to the interior with a major revamp of the audio system and screen functionality. We have also noticed changes to the 4WD selector where Mud/Sand modes have been separated (maybe because some cars have experienced 4WD failures in  sand conditions) and the major change is 8 Speed automatics across the range. The dash looks very similar to the latest Chrysler 300 range and gear selector is similar also. Aussie aficionado's will also notice the twin Recovery/Tow hooks fitted similar to the 2011 models.
The published specification details are for US market and Australian specifications and option packs will differ to the American models.

Meanwhile current Australian 2013 stocks of the award winning Grand Cherokee are running low with some models almost sold out until the 2014 arrives in Australia around July. Australian dealers will have to go 3 to 4 months with no Grand Cherokee arrivals before the new model gets here.