Autoblog

Chrysler recalling 40,000 vehicles for ignition problem

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

There's been a lot of talk about unintended acceleration over the past few months, but what about "unintended movement?" This new phrase, coined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, applies to recent Chrysler products affected by a problem where drivers might be able to remove the key from the ignition before the vehicle is shifted into park, which could cause the vehicle to run away on its own. (We don't know why anyone would take the key out before putting the vehicle in park, but still, cars need to be idiot-proof these days.)

This latest recall affects more than 40,000 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles, including the 300, Challenger, Charger, Ram, Commander and outgoing Grand Cherokee, USA Today reports. Owners should be able to have this problem fixed at their local dealership, free of charge.

[Source: USA Today]

Chrysler recalling 40,000 vehicles for ignition problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has just announced its newest wave of incentives. Those looking to snap up anything from the company's four brands can look forward to zero-percent financing courtesy of GMAC on most of its products. Chrysler models can be had at the low APR for 60 months or 1.9 percent for 72 months. If that doesn't float your boat, the company is also dishing out $3,000 in consumer cash.

Likewise, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Commander are all now available with either zero-percent financing or up to $4,000 in cash. If buyers sign their car loan with GMAC, the lender will also throw in an additional $1,000 in bonus cash on those Jeep models. Sorry, Wrangler fans, but everyone's favorite go-anywhere machine is only available with $500 in Mopar bucks.

Speaking of Mopar bucks, Dodge Challenger buyers can now take advantage of a hefty $2,000 to be used exclusively toward Mopar accessories. Chrysler has also rolled out similar incentives for other Dodge and Ram Trucks products. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May

Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the recall of some 24,177 late-model Chrysler Group vehicles over potentially faulty brakes. The problem effects the MY2010 Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, and the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram.

The problem in question involves a retaining clip for the brake booster input rod - part of the brake hydraulics - which could be either be deformed or missing entirely. In such cases, the brakes could fail entirely and, suffice it to say, cause a crash.

If you own one of these 24,000 vehicles, the government agency advises that you contact your local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer for servicing post-haste. Details in recall notice after the jump.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles

Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep

Chrysler is recalling over 47,000 models, including the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Wrangler four-door that may have reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller, a defect that may inhibit the airbag's deployment. Additionally, the 2002 and 2003 Jeep Libertys sold in New England and much of the Midwest are susceptible to a loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt. The remedy for both recalls is a trip to the dealer, who will inspect and make any necessary repairs. You can read the full press releases after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA (Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler) & NHTSA (Liberty)]

Continue reading Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Commander could meet its demise in 2009

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chrysler, Jeep, Rumormill

According to Bloomberg, the demise of the Jeep Commander is but a year away. Anonymous sources inside Chrysler told the news service that with a 43-percent decline this year, which follows declines every year since its first full year on the market, the Commander is surrendering its command.

The SUV's end was claimed to be due to gas prices, since a V8 Commander averages about 17 MPG. However, exorbitant (for America) gas prices haven't killed a number of other vehicles that don't even do that well, so that reasoning makes us wonder. What makes more sense is that in addition to the sales plunge, the Commander was stealing an unexpectedly high number of sales from the Grand Cherokee. In a cozy pool, every little bit of water counts.

If it's true, we have to admit we're sorry the Commander is going away. Some people have taken its boxy simplicity for blah-what-boredom, but it was just the kind of Jeep we like: straightforward, capable, roomy (no, we never put seven people in it), and a solid driver. Obviously we don't speak for the masses, but Commander, you will be missed.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Jeep Commander could meet its demise in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad brakes cause Jeep to recall 28k vehicles

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:36:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Jeep

Those of you rolling in a new 2007 or 2008 Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee, take note. Chrysler is recalling 28,755 vehicles due to front-brake calipers made out of gray iron, instead of ductile iron, which could cause the clamper to fracture and cease halting forward progress.

The recall affects models built between May 17 and July 13, and we'd expect Chrysler LLC to have letters in the mail as you read this. Currently, there have been no crashes as a result of the problem.

[Source: Detroit News]

Bad brakes cause Jeep to recall 28k vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Commander going down by 2009

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:12:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Daimler, Jeep

The guys and gals at DaimlerChrysler haven't made an announcement yet, but according to sources within the United Auto Workers (UAW) and industry analysts, the size-16 shoebox on wheels from Jeep is on its way out.

The Commander will likely be nixed after the 2009 model year due slow sales and a high sticker. Competition between vehicles within the same brand is never a good thing, and it seems that the Commander may have cut into sales of Jeep's similarly sized 'ute, the Grand Cherokee.

Since Edmunds.com is claiming that potential buyers of the Commander were being offered up to $8,000 in incentives towards the end of 2006, the German-American hybrid may have seen the writing on the wall. Considering that the Commander has always been in a somewhat odd segment, falling between the Grand Cherokee and full-size SUVs, it would seem that this experimental niche was a gamble that didn't pay off.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep Commander going down by 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Jeep Liberty

John Neff — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep

The .38 caliber lenses of KGP have shot another vehicle wide out in the open, and this time the 2008 Jeep Liberty has found itself in the photog's sights. Caught without any camoflauge, we can clearly see the next Jeep Liberty is going to take its styling cues from the Commander, with very tall, vertical headlights up front flanking that familiar six-bar grille. We can also see that the Liberty embraces the Commander's boxy shape, giving the entire vehicle a more upright posture and likely increasing interior dimensions in every measure. A longer wheelbase and longer rear overhang are particularly noticeable. Other noticeable changes include the relocation of the spare from the tailgate to under the vehicle, which allows for a rear hatch that lifts vertically instead of swinging out. All of these are benefits that come from the Liberty sharings its platform with the new Dodge Nitro, itself a larger SUV than the current Liberty.

In terms of mechanicals, Allpar.com is guessing both the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission have been dropped, leaving only the 3.7-liter V6 and four-speed automatic to carry the Liberty forward. New electronic nannies also found on the Nitro like ESP with Electronic Roll Mitigation and hill descent control will also likely be available or included on the new Liberty. Finally, the interior is expected to move upmarket with the option for a satellite nav system, rear seat DVD, factory remote start and even the Load 'n Go cargo slide out system found on the Nitro.

Though we've never been a fan of the Commander's styling, we at least respected it for being a true Jeep that can tackle the Rubicon while banging the heads of seven people on board. We have to say, after introducing the decidedly soft Patriot and Compass models, we can get behind a Liberty that returns to the brand's tough roots in terms of styling. These no nonsense, slab-sided designs coming out of Jeep may not be a hit on the runways of Rodeo Drive, but their utilitarian style speaks clearly to their intended audience of weekend adventurers.

[Source: Allpar.com]

Spy Shots: 2008 Jeep Liberty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad Credit? No Credit? Chrysler doesn't care either

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials

Anything you can do, I can do better... so sang Bingo and so says DaimlerChrysler to Ford. In the battle for customers, Ford had extended its 0% financing deal to sub-prime candidates for the first time last month. Now Chrysler is doing the same for those clamoring for a Commander. Zero-percent financing options are now available for up to 72 months on the 2006 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Durango SUVs and Chrysler's family of minivans. Chrysler is also offering 1.9% for 60 months and 3.9% for 72 month financing on Dodge Ram pickups.

Chrysler actually put this new plan in place on September 1 and just recently lowered the bar to include people with less-impressive credit ratings in the program. It plans to continue it until October 2. Chrysler said it has seen immediate positive results and that dealers are happy about the change as much as the customers. Although Ford's plan extended to virtually everything in the range except the outgoing Ford GT supercar, Chrysler seems content to use the plan only for it's light and heavy trucks right now.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Bad Credit? No Credit? Chrysler doesn't care either originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Commander wins U.K. 4x4 of the year award

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:53:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The U.K. publication, 4x4 Magazine, has voted the Jeep Commander "4x4 Of The Year 2007". Apparently they've dropped the swimsuit competition. Seriously though, this is one ugly truck, but ugly can work for certain market segments and this is one of them. And who says a vehicle needs to look good to work right? Sure we'd prefer CX-7 styling, but when your truck is being flogged about the British byways and bogs, form takes a backseat to function and this new Commander apparently impressed.

Facing 53 contenders in seven different categories, the Jeep Commander showed its stuff and handily beat everything else in the field, literally. 4x4 Magazine is the only publication that gathers all of their candidates together in one place at one time. Every vehicle is tested in real world off-road situations.

The Jeep Commander not only won the Family SUV category, but also beat the other six category champions' scores (which ranged from 26 to 36 points) to win the overall honor with 39 points.

According to 4x4 editor John Carroll: "The new premium Jeep surprised us. The Commander reverts to the true core off-roader value of functionality over form. Look past the brash grille and see the stepped up roofline allowing 'theatre' seating and the way the roof rails fold over to give a grab-handle effect on either side of the tailgate. The squared-up shape maximizes interior space and practicality. Underneath, is the Quadra-Drive II system, so the Jeep has the genuine capability to back up its genuine off-roader looks."

4x4 OTY 2007 - Group winners
1- Jeep Commander 39 points
2- Range Rover 36 points
3- Hummer H3 35 points
4- Audi A6 Allroad 31 points
5- Daihatsu Terios 26 points
6- Nissan Navara 29 points
6- SsangYong Kyron 29 points

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Jeep Commander wins U.K. 4x4 of the year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commander: Jeep's white elephant?

Erin Mays — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Chrysler, Jeep

To its credit, DaimlerChrysler has largely escaped the mudslinging surrounding big incentives as of late, content to let General Motors and Ford play cash-on-the-hood Jenga. But now it appears the square-rigged Jeep Commander may be Chrysler's white elephant. To say that the SUV's sales are in a free-fall would be a bit of a misnomer, as they've yet to truly ascend to the heights that parent DCX has been hoping for.

Driving off the lot with incentives in excess of $5,400 just seven months after the vehicle's launch, the big ute is being pawned off with givebacks $1,803 higher than average. The 101-day supply at the beginning of March is likely proving worrysome to Jeep dealers as DCX nears the Chrysler Aspen launch, an SUV arguably a little too close for comfort in terms of size, capacity and price. Other dealers, however, don't appear to be too troubled about cultivating Aspen-on-Commander inter-showroom cannibalism, arguing that the dolled-up Durango looks too much like a Chrysler for Jeep buyers, and vice-versa.

Still, some dealers are reporting an uptick in recent sales, and concerns that Commander would crib sales from the brand's Grand Cherokee have proven less problematic than originally feared.

[Sources: AutoWeek, JeepNewsNow.com]

Commander: Jeep's white elephant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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