Jeep Cherokees Recalled for Fire Hazard Linked to Rear Liftgate

Jun 01, 2023

The automaker advises owners to park vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles

Jeep is recalling more than 132,000 Cherokee SUVs from the 2014 through 2016 model years because water leaks in the rear liftgate may cause an electrical short. If water comes in contact with some electrical components a short may occur, which could result in a fire. Drivers may notice that they’re unable to use the power liftgate function.

The automaker is instructing owners of these SUVs to park them outside away from structures and other vehicles until the problem is fixed. The recall only covers Cherokee SUVs equipped with power liftgates.

Jeep is currently developing a remedy. The National Highway Traffic Administration documentation notes that this recall supersedes recalls 15V393 and 15V826. Vehicles repaired under those recalls will still need to have the new remedy done.

In documents provided to NHTSA, Jeep said it's unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the problem. The documentation also shows that the automaker first opened an investigation in January 2022 in response to an increasing number of fires in the cargo compartment of 2014-2015 Cherokees. Jeep has identified numerous complaints about the issue, including 23 warranty claims and 21 field reports, from July 2017 and April 2023.

Vehicles recalled: 132,099 Jeep Cherokee SUVs from the 2014 through 2016 model years.

The problem: Water may leak into the vehicle and cause an electrical short in the power rear liftgate. This can render the power liftgate inoperable and increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: The automaker is still developing a remedy.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners can Jeep at 800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign number: 23V338. Jeep's own number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall. NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle by using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Jon Linkov

I owe my career to two fateful events: my father buying a 1965 Corvette and my purchase of an Audi A4 rather than a Chevy Tahoe. The Corvette jump-started my love of cars, and the Audi led me to automotive journalism, track days, and amateur car repair. In my free time I cycle as much as possible, no matter the season.