I was told on this Wednesday the 9th there was no fix that works yet by the service manager who called Jeep for help.
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Intermittent Power Steering Unavailable
- Thread starter bzjeep
- Start date
blackgmc05
New member
Just got my Jeep Grand Cherokee L back from the dealer and they updated EPS module, Here is a picture
jeepgrady
Well-known member
FYI. The software update that is mentioned was issued on November 25th. It is listed under TSB 08-179-21. It also is part of a RRT notice issued the same date which specifies that all vehicles manufactured prior to November 17th should have the software performed. This included all vehicle in the dealer inventory at the time of the notice. My dealer automatically updated mine, which all dealers must do, back in December when I had it in for another issue.
Yea that one doesn’t work. Mine had it also as my pr. steering goes out still.
deesee
Member
How did you start that process? Just talk to the dealer?
Yes. Once it was in service for about 10 days, I got to talking to the service manager who told me there was no viable fix currently and Chrysler instructed them to release the vehicle back to me. I simply said I was not going to be taking a car that was unsafe to drive back and that they needed to figure something out. That got the ball rolling, ultimately it was a series of conversations with the service, sales and general manager. They eventually agreed a buyback was the right thing to do and they made good on it about a week later.
Edit: I should add I did simultaneously start a case with Chrysler, not knowing which would work out, figured it was best to approach it from multiple angles.
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Looks like after a month of waiting around the dealership is agreeing to a buyback. Meeting with them tomorrow to go over the paperwork. I’m guessing they realized the so-called fix didn’t actually work even though they were so insistent on me picking my car up. Should be interesting!
Bergyyberg09
New member
How do I submit a complaint to the NHTSA? I’m having all these issues also. My dash lights up and tells me all of my safety features are unavailable (blind spot, ACC, lane management, power steering etc). Made an appt to take it into the dealer.
deesee
Member
I just spoke to my dealer. They explained it's not technically a "buy-back", but rather they are buying the car from me and the proceeds will be used to offset what I owe to Chrystler Capital. (I am leasing).
Assuming you financed your GCL, was the amount they offered you enough to offset what you owed?
Hi, yes you are right. It was not processed as a true defective vehicle buyback through Chrysler, but as a straight purchase of the vehicle by the dealership. My GCL was financed through Huntington Nat’l so the dealership will send payoff to Huntington. I wouldn’t settle for anything less than a total payoff equal to the original financed amount and a check for the equity on my original trade in. The dealership agreed to that and we closed the transaction this afternoon.
I know you didn’t reply to me but I’ll answer what my experience was.
They pretty much did the same as what you described for me. Mine was a lease, but not through Chrysler Capital, but instead a local bank the dealer had partnered with. I had yet to make any payment, so my cost was $0, so I was happy. They can call it what they want, as long as you walk away whole, that’s all we’re looking for after all 🙂
If you made any payments, I’d push to get those back too. I did not have to fight for that though.
Filing a complaint is pretty simple. Just make sure you have your VIN. Go here to start the process.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
I did find out the NHTSA is about as competent as a sack of potatoes and Chrysler’s engineers, so they didn’t know the GCL was a completely different model than the original Grand Cherokees. As a result, they’ve been posting vehicle complaints for GCL on the regular Grand Cherokee page. After I called to inquire about this issue, they told to me to specifically note the complaint is NOT for the Grand Cherokee, but for the GCL, 3-row SUV.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
I did find out the NHTSA is about as competent as a sack of potatoes and Chrysler’s engineers, so they didn’t know the GCL was a completely different model than the original Grand Cherokees. As a result, they’ve been posting vehicle complaints for GCL on the regular Grand Cherokee page. After I called to inquire about this issue, they told to me to specifically note the complaint is NOT for the Grand Cherokee, but for the GCL, 3-row SUV.
Oops, I thought I replied to your post. Sorry if it didn’t post correctly! But yes, as far as I’m concerned, I’m whole again and walking away owing nothing.
I made one month payment when it came due, but because I demanded the buyback be equal to the original total financed amount, I will recoup that payment as a refund from the lender once they process the payoff from the dealership.
It sounds like you successfully walked away from that car too. Hope it wasn’t a totally drawn out nightmare for you!
No worries at all! I’m not really sure if quote and reply do different things or not.
And regarding the buyback process, or whatever the official term might be, it was much easier than expected. Almost like they knew it was coming. From initial vehicle delivery to completed buyback was right around 30 days. And that included many attempts to repair, and the first 4 days that the Jeep worked fine. All in all, good dealer experience, poor vehicle experience. First Jeep, probably last.
I think we definitely lucked out going through the “buyback” process that did. Had the dealership not agreed to just purchase the car like they did in my case, I would have had to press them and the manufacturer and likely have gone to court. I know we would’ve won but it would’ve been drawn out for months. And I know the dealership would rather buy the car and resell it right away than lose a lemon law suit and have to title the car as defective.
And yes, this was my first Jeep and now my last. Onto the Highlander my wife wanted me to buy in the first place!
Good luck everyone still dealing with this. Chrysler doesn’t really have a sure fire fix for this, so don’t be afraid to push on your dealership to buy it back or ruffle some feathers up at corporate!
Bobolikesjeeps
Well-known member
It’s kinda interesting that the same thing happened to me at 3k. The diagnostic said to replace the rack and pinion. 3500 miles later and no issues.
Your dealer gave you 100% back of what you paid for the vehicle? My dealer offered me 58k on my 71k priced car at 600 miles when my problems started. They then gave me the 800 number to jeep to fend for myself. Jeep has approved the buyback, but still yet to have a number or timeline to get the check. They gave me a CDI number to get employee pricing on a 22 model year which arrives any day. The price will be more than the 21 I paid even with the discounts due to the higher MSRP now. Torn to take the 22 if its still gonna be anightmare!
deesee
Member
Talked to the dealer today. They are willing to purchase the car and I would pocket about $2400. However, I put down $5k and figure I am due back $4400 after 3 months. They said I can talk to corporate to see if they will refund any of my past monthly payments to make up the difference..... will update soon.