general problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Issue #1: fuel pump failure, had to completely replace the fuel pump at approx. 60,000 miles. Approx. $1,300 repair. Issue #2: rear differential failure due to faulty/poor construction of materials, per the repair shop. Failed at approx. 63,000 miles. There was no external damage to the differential, it was caused by poor construction/defects of the materials used to build the car. Approx. $4,500 repair. Both issues are known issues with Jeeps of this model year, to the extent that I have not been able to find replacement parts due to them being in such high demand.

Upon driving at approx 20mph in traffic on the highway, there was a sudden loss of power in acceleration. Smoke was seen around the vehicle. Multiple lights flashed on the dashboard and then quickly went blank. As I was pulling to the side of the road I noticed flames coming from the front right side of the vehicle. The brakes no longer worked. I got out of the vehicle as smoke was seeping into the cabin. I was able to retrieve my phone and bag. Approx. 30 seconds after exiting the vehicle and moving away there was a small explosion. Over the course of the next few minutes there were multiple other explosions. Emergency services were called immediately. The vehicle burnt to the ground completely.

Fuel line plastic fitting cracked and was sprayed fuel on hot engine and exhaust system connector was where steel line from tank becomes a plastic line for engine there it no reason for this fitting to crack as their is no tension on line. This is clearly a defective piece and don’t want someone else hurt from problem.

Fuel pump failed suddenly. Caused engine to stall losing power steering and brakes. Luckily was on flat straight stretch of residential not coming off mountain on dirt track know warning or lights. From 45 to nothing.

About a week ago, a faint smell of gasoline was noticed at the front of the vehicle after it was shut off. The smell became stronger and more noticeable with each passing day. Today, gasoline can be smelled coming out of the air vents as well as outside of the vehicle. Wife seems to think the smell started when she started using the air conditioning. No signs of fuel leaking. No check engine light. The vehicle has 20450 miles on it. We are trying to get it into the dealership as soon as possible, but at this point we are not driving it out of an abundance of caution.

Fuel system failure on top of 2. 0 liter Jeep turbocharged engine (approx. 53 - 54k miles), resulted in emptying of fuel tank over top of engine while driving on interstate. Vehicle filled after normal operation to low fuel light and driven for 29 miles to shopping center. Ran out of fuel in entrance/exit of shopping center parking lot. Attempted restart caused large volume of fuel to pour out of engine compartment onto ground. No evidence of tampering, photo of failure attached (believe under the split foil jacket). Vehicle did not leak when off, and delivered by flatbed to ri dealer the next morning. Backtracking the traveled highway path later indicated a probable in- operation failure (based on visible trail). This is consistent with approximate amount spilled in parking area and total fuel loss of 15 gallons based on tank size. Passenger compartment is tight and I do not recall it developing a strong fuel smell until attempting to run stationary. Noted 2020 Jeep wrangler of same year had a recall notice for a 2. 0 liter engine, notice 21v-665, so wondered if a similarity exists. There is concern for extreme fire risk, on-road shutdown, and environmental spill in a sensitive area. I walked the parking area where it stalled to ensure there was no large concentration of fuel mixed with the puddles from the rain. Quoted repairs are 676. 00 not under warranty. Vehicle is a company car used only by myself, and has had no engine work or fuel area work, with only routine oil changes and maintenance inspection of air filters. Vehicle is waiting for backordered fuel line parts at dealer service. This incident resulted in an extreme level of hazard to myself, environment and others, and I am surprised was considered a non warranty issue. Informed repair is outside of 36,000 mile warranty. Ok, but I am a mechanical engineer with 35 yrs experience and this is worth a safety check to ensure there is not a pattern similar to several other Chrysler vehicles.

I took my foot of the accelerator to apply the brakes and the car continued to accelerate even as I applied the brakes. I had to apply the brakes for a mile or two until I could safely pull over. Once I pulled over and completely stopped the rpms went over 7000. I turned the car off and restarted it. The rpms again went over 7000. I let the car sit for a few minutes and started the car once again. The car operated just fine after this. We took the car into the dealership and they could not duplicate the problem.