Jeep Ruined My Jeep – A real gun discussion turned to the fake Dangerous Jeep recall

Jeep’s fake recall even comes up in a gun discussion at http://sigforum.com and I quote:

JEEP RUINED MY JEEP

buddy357
TANSTAAFL posted August 13, 2015 05:50 PM
So I bought a Jeep liberty a few years back, it was perfect. It was rated to tow 5000 lbs, it was diesel and 4×4. As I regularly used my Excursion and F-250 for towing but never over 4-5K lbs it was perfect to down-size to once I was single.

Fast forward to 2015. Jeep is in trouble over fuel tank safety and develops a recall. I deliver my jeep for the recall and was told they would inspect my hitch. If it didn’t meet the strict requirements they would remove my OEM Jeep hitch and replace it with a new one and I’d be good to go.

I deliver the dealer a jeep rated to tow 5000 lbs (the main reason I bought it). They returned a jeep rated to tow 0 lbs and never said a word. I wouldn’t know now had I not carefully reviewed the paperwork to see what they did. The inserted a small statement at the end of a six page receipt stating my vehicle was no longer safe to tow with due to the new hitch. This is also not included in the description of the recall.

The service manager said tow anyway, it’s just legalese to cover their butt.

When contacted Jeep told me it’s not their problem as they got the plan approved through the NHTSA. I asked how that is, they said they attached a hitch not even designed or tested to be safe towing. To me they basically stole the only reason I own the Jeep. I contacted NHTSA, they said contact the dealer.

And since that was the main selling point for it compared to the Wrangler that was rated for 3500, I now have a Jeep I have no use for.

Posts: 251 | Location: Wherever my rich uncle sends me | Registered: June 08, 2002
TheOtherDave
I’m confused… Doesn’t the hitch manufacturer rate the hitch?

Those who forget the pasta are condemned to reheat it.

Posts: 1118 | Location: DFW, TX | Registered: April 21, 2010
ST3 Rock
Genius posted August 13, 2015 07:25 PM
I’m not a lawyer but I think you might have a case.

That would piss me off.

Posts: 9220 | Location: Cecil County MD | Registered: January 19, 2008

buddy357
TANSTAAFL posted August 13, 2015 08:10 PM
I have no way to know who the manufacturer of the hitch is, Jeep had them made. The original was clearly marked Jeep and Class 3. The recall hitch has 1 sticker that says “This hitch is not intended for use. Tow balls are not to be installed.”

Between that, the receipt saying not to tow with the new hitch, and Jeep saying they recommend I not use the hitch as it is not intended for use towing in an email I am angry. I understand they don’t want any liability, but this is ridiculous. If I take the jeep to the Uhaul by my house they inspect your hitch to verify you are properly equipped. I am willing to bet I don’t leave with a trailer with this hitch. Some Uhauls don’t look, matter of fact out of 7 trailer rentals this year only 3 have looked.

I guess to me it is mainly the principle of the thing. I paid for a Jeep that could tow 5000lbs and have a small footprint. That is what I expect to have. After the “safety” recall I have the manufacturer saying not to tow anything. I gave up a 550HP Diesel Excursion for this 140Hp jeep because it was so much smaller and met what I needed vs what I wanted.

I am just venting, but after this I am seriously contemplating getting rid of the Jeep.

Posts: 251 | Location: Wherever my rich uncle sends me | Registered: June 08, 2002
zoom6zoom
Delusions of Adequacy posted August 13, 2015 08:29 PM
Go tell the service manager to take your original hitch off his truck and give it back to you.

Posts: 13408 | Location: Virginia | Registered: June 02, 2006

buddy357
TANSTAAFL posted August 13, 2015 08:37 PM
The crappy thing is, I’d bet this is a class 3 hitch, but Jeep refuses to say so to prevent accepting any liability

Posts: 251 | Location: Wherever my rich uncle sends me | Registered: June 08, 2002

arfmel
Member posted August 13, 2015 09:09 PM
Why do they even bother installing a hitch that can’t be used? Nonsensical!

Posts: 15988 | Location: Tater Ridge | Registered: January 30, 2007

Scooter123
Member posted August 13, 2015 09:50 PM
I’d go back to the dealer and DEMAND they reinstall my Class 3 hitch. Naturally they have probably tossed it in the trash. In which case I would demand they pay a professional hitch shop to install a brand spanking new Class 3 hitch. If they don’t like that idea tell them they will like it a lot less once the lawsuit for False Advertising is settled.

I’ve stopped counting.

Posts: 3132 | Location: Michigan | Registered: November 07, 2008
jimmy123x
Member posted August 13, 2015 10:36 PM
I would sue them as what the manufacturer did makes the vehicle no longer perform the duty in which you bought it for.