Hood Latch problems of the 1999 Jeep Cherokee

Consumer was driving about 45-50 mph and the hood popped up. They had opened the hood the night before, then they shut it, and made sure by trying to lift the hood. The consumer drove approximately 4 or 5 miles when the hood popped up. The consumer stated the night before it took several tries attempts to close the hood. It appeared that all three latches failed. The windshield wipers were damaged and it obstructed the consumers view.

While parked in the driveway, and after being driven for an hour, vehicle inadvertently caught on fire above the manifold. The fire smoldered and put itself out. Owner contacted the manufacturer, who sent an engineer to investigate. Owner was also told by the manufacturer that there was nothing they could do, and advised the owner to seek legal council. The technician replaced the cruise control cable, accelerator cable and hood latch cable.

Piston and springs are weak causing some parts of vehicle to fall on hands. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. Consumer states the hood does not stay up as the hood springs or pistons were weak. The hood fell on hands while checking oil.

I was driving on expressway to work at 6am, in light traffic. Hood suddenly flew up, blocking my vision, slammed against the roof of the Jeep and folded. I slowed down and was able to pull of the road without hitting anything, or being hit by any other vehicles, in spite of severely impaired vision! we have contacted Chrysler and had the vehicle repaired at the dealer. Usaa (our insurance) has paid for all repairs with exception of the $250 deductable. The manufacturer is claiming "normal wear and tear". What would they be saying if there had been a fatality, which would have been certain during peak traffic.