I posted last week that I had been informed by the jeep dealership that they were unable to fit the towbar due to a recall. No one had heard of it and I was beginning to think that maybe they were having a lend of me - it's a big concern for people with those vehicles that are effected especially if they have gone away for Easter I'm glad that I opted for a HR tow bar instead.
Cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 28th of March 2018 08:09:31 PM
Barboots said
08:45 PM Mar 28, 2018
Cheap bolts, nuts and/or spring washers. My money is on the latter... I've seen some rubbish over the last few years. The repair job is going to involve taking the bumper skin off again to access the fasteners. Totes annoying...
The Belmont Bear said
09:59 PM Mar 28, 2018
Barboots, what I understand from the other forum is that there was a slight chassis modification made on the 2017 model. Apparently the tow bar comes in kit form with the fasteners supplied. If the supplier has not taken into account these mods possibly the bolts are no longer fit for purpose. I would have thought that any qualified tradesman would have seen that there was an issue when fitting the tow bar but then again that's only conjecture on my part. I would also be more than a little annoyed if I was in the middle of nowhere when I found out that I couldn't tow until I had the problem fixed. I don't even want to think about the consequences of a tow bar coming adrift while you're travelling.
Cheers
BB
Barboots said
10:36 AM Mar 29, 2018
Ah that's interesting, and having fitted two genuine WK2 towing systems I can picture exactly where this could occur. As you say, a professional or suitably skilled person should have identified and rectified the issue during installation. I hope that anyone who ends up requiring a system reinstallation lets us know where the under-qualified workers are employed.
matildatraveller said
11:50 AM Mar 31, 2018
Good morning guys, Sorry fellas...continuing troubles with your JEEP, service and parts? AH.... that's what I remember ..... let me say from terrible experience what the word J. E. E. P. has meant to me.... "JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET." Sorry all you JEEP owners out there, but you will have to have either good luck or very deep pockets! (A Not happy Jane! from an EX-JEEP owner) Gwynnie
The Belmont Bear said
03:02 PM Mar 31, 2018
Thankyou Gywnnie fot that feedback it didn,t add a real lot to the discussion about towbars but I understand your frustration with buying a product that didn,t meet your expectations. All I can say is that I did a fair bit of research before I decided to go with a Jeep and what I found was that the positive experiences of owners far out weighed the negative. Maybe I have made an error in judgement but with a 5 year warranty I should be covered - at least for awhile anyway. I must say though that I am beginning to get a little concerned about what people are saying about the level of support that they have received from FCA when they have had a problem.
I have just spent 8 months working in the gulf and to tell you the truth I will come home cashed up. I could have bought any tug I wanted even one of those big ugly yank tanks or the top of the line Landcruiser. All I really wanted was something a bit more capable than my previous Pajero Sport to pull a 2:8t load while travelling in the same degree of comfort around town. For us the Grand Cherokee ticked all the boxes - the best bit is the money saved going with a cheaper option will pay for a trip to Europe next year.
Cheers BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Saturday 31st of March 2018 03:02:55 PM
SouthernComfort said
07:40 AM Apr 1, 2018
The Belmont Bear wrote:
Thankyou Gywnnie fot that feedback it didn,t add a real lot to the discussion about towbars but I understand your frustration with buying a product that didn,t meet your expectations. All I can say is that I did a fair bit of research before I decided to go with a Jeep and what I found was that the positive experiences of owners far out weighed the negative. Maybe I have made an error in judgement but with a 5 year warranty I should be covered - at least for awhile anyway. I must say though that I am beginning to get a little concerned about what people are saying about the level of support that they have received from FCA when they have had a problem.
I have just spent 8 months working in the gulf and to tell you the truth I will come home cashed up. I could have bought any tug I wanted even one of those big ugly yank tanks or the top of the line Landcruiser. All I really wanted was something a bit more capable than my previous Pajero Sport to pull a 2:8t load while travelling in the same degree of comfort around town. For us the Grand Cherokee ticked all the boxes - the best bit is the money saved going with a cheaper option will pay for a trip to Europe next year.
Cheers BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Saturday 31st of March 2018 03:02:55 PM
As most of us know, it's mostly the bad experiences you hear about - with any product! The vast majority of satisfied owners (of any make) seldom bother to share their views, they just get on with enjoying their car. There are masses of GC's on the road, all over the world. The key problem I've experienced as I said in the other thread, is an indifferent attitude from FCA & some of the dealers. If you have any Chrysler or Fiat product, they are the overseers. The new CEO of FCA in Oz promises to improve customer service. We'll see. In the meantime I use a very good independent Jeep specialist for my servicing needs. Just enjoy your new car BB.
rockylizard said
01:45 PM Apr 1, 2018
Gday...
People who own a brand that is "not favoured" by the masses are tired of trying to explain they own an exemplary vehicle of the particular marque.
It is very tiresome to continue to be treated either as a fool, liar or 'just lucky' and our good experience with our vehicle dismissed as bovine excrement.
Of course there are the endless, witless jokes about our vehicles that so oft repeated they become meaningless.
Yeah ... if you own a Jeep or a Land Rover NEVER respond to someone who bags it. Jest walk away shakin' the melon. Ya canna win.
Wot woz it he sed - forgive them lord for they know wot they say.
We know we have a great choice of transport and that's all that matters.
Cheers - John
The Belmont Bear said
03:04 PM Apr 1, 2018
Thats a pretty accurate assessment John of the armchair motoring experts who continually bag certain brands on this forum - I,m tired of the Jeep jokes and I don,t even own one yet ......I feel for people who have had a bad experience whether it be with the purchase of a car or a van but I find it hard to believe that every vehicle made by that manufacturer will therefore be a lemon. As I said the feedback from GC owners even over here in the extreme temperatures of the gulf has been on the whole positive and it has has far outweighed the negative. I am convinced enough to take a risk and hand over a hard earned $85k to a Jeep dealer next week when i pick mine up. If i have made a mistake then it was my decision and my money so if in future Im looking for anything from this forum it will be advice from experienced people to sort out an issue not the usual bagging about what I bought.
cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Sunday 1st of April 2018 03:06:00 PM
PeterA said
08:46 PM Apr 26, 2018
After almost four weeks of being bumped from FCA to local dealer and back again, I will finally start the process towards rectifying the tow bar issue tomorrow.
The sum of it is that FCA do not have an answer at this point, nor do they have a fair process in place to deal with it. I will have the MOPAR tow bar taken off tomorrow and the Impact Bar installed (this is the bar that was originally in the vehicle but removed in order to have the MOPAR tow bar installed). The Impact Bar has to be replaced as 3rd party tow bars need it to attach to.
This will cost me $850.
Then on Tuesday I will have a HR tow bar installed at a cost of $830.
So, I have to pay out $1680.
I have filled in a FCA Claim Form. I was told today that it will take 28 days to process. Once processed I MAY have approval for the initial cost of the MOPAR bar and the cost of removing it and installing the Impact Bar reimbursed.
I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee..... just as well after this mess and not being able to tow my caravan anywhere for the past month!
-- Edited by PeterA on Thursday 26th of April 2018 08:46:45 PM
Barboots said
12:14 PM Apr 27, 2018
Unless you are out of a metro or regional centre area, replacing the rear impact beam and refitting the rear bumper cover may be more costly than having the vehicle transported to the HR dealer "disassembled" after the Mopar bar is removable. Even if the cost is close, you minimise the "refit and remove" wear on the rear bumper cover. It will fit in the boot with the seats down, and you can wrap it to protect the interior and exterior finishes. Might be worth investigating?
Cheers, Steve
Barboots said
12:18 PM Apr 27, 2018
Actually, I'd just have the HR agent remove the Mopar system. It'll only add 30 minutes maximum to the job. You could then do some investigation on what is wrong with the Mopar installation... some "gum shoe work for the team"
Leon Senior said
12:03 PM May 2, 2018
I am having the same trouble getting a answer from Jeep .I believe there is more to the problem than incorrect fixtures.
I am loosing confidence quickly with Jeep over this matter as they have not communicated with me at all except for the recall notice in over a
month.The dealers do not appear to be briefed by JEEP and are being kept in the dark.We have to cancel our holiday to WA and a short trip to Tarthra
At this stage the vehicle I purchased is not fit for purpose, Come on JEEP fix it.
matildatraveller said
05:39 AM May 3, 2018
Hi Leon and PeterA, just wanted to say a few things to back you all up!
Firstly, sorry to hear about your continuing Jeep issues, secondly that your holidays are so greatly effected and finally, I feel for you mate .
As stated some time ago in blog(see below).....your experience with this particular company has a ring of familiarity about it. I am not about bagging your choice of 4x4 vehicle, (as Rockylizard and Belmontbear so eloquently put it) as all make & models have their issues. It is the after sales and breakdown service record. JEEP not a company I would wish to deal with ever again!!! Take care and hope it is all sorted out for you sooner than later! Gwynnie
Good morning guys, Sorry fellas...continuing troubles with your JEEP, service and parts? AH.... that's what I remember ..... let me say from terrible experience what the word J. E. E. P. has meant to me.... "JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET." Sorry all you JEEP owners out there, but you will have to have either good luck or very deep pockets! (A Not happy Jane! from an EX-JEEP owner) Gwynnie
-- Edited by matildatraveller on Thursday 3rd of May 2018 05:44:11 AM
-- Edited by matildatraveller on Thursday 3rd of May 2018 05:47:57 AM
pga said
04:48 PM Jun 17, 2018
I have GOOD news FCA has come good and paid for removal of mopar tow bar, and covered the cost new HR bar, and holiday cabin because couldn't use my Van.
I am very Happy with their help ,, was really great to deal with FCA Melb.
PGA
matildatraveller said
10:20 AM Jun 18, 2018
Well at last hey good news!! I love a good news story and the 'old squeaky gate syndrome' wins again. I must congratulate you on your tenacity, well done guys another win for the 'little people', and thanks for bringing us in on your good fortune. Take care Gwynnie
aussietraveller said
02:58 PM Jun 19, 2018
I have been looking at replacing my current tug and seriously considered the Pajero Sport, I then applied the user test and spoke to Pajero Sport owners towing similar size van to mine and didn't get too many favourable comments, heavy on fuel and under powered for towing something like my 21 foot fibreglass van.
For the last 6 months I have been talking to Jeep owners who tow vans the size of mine and to date I have not had a complaint and several of the owners were on their 2nd or 3rd jeep which have heaps of pulling power and very good economy and none with any problems.
Talking to a guy with 2017 model just recently and his explanation regarding the tow bar was that the tow bar manufacturer made them 10mm too wide and he has had his replaced by the dealer with no problems.
I guess I have spoken to at least 25 - 30 Jeep owners towing vans like mine with Jeep vehicles 2014 or newer which is the range I am looking at and I am convinced that it is no greater risk buying a Jeep than any other brand.
The Belmont Bear said
05:12 PM Jun 19, 2018
aussietraveller wrote:
I have been looking at replacing my current tug and seriously considered the Pajero Sport, I then applied the user test and spoke to Pajero Sport owners towing similar size van to mine and didn't get too many favourable comments, heavy on fuel and under powered for towing something like my 21 foot fibreglass van.
For the last 6 months I have been talking to Jeep owners who tow vans the size of mine and to date I have not had a complaint and several of the owners were on their 2nd or 3rd jeep which have heaps of pulling power and very good economy and none with any problems.
Talking to a guy with 2017 model just recently and his explanation regarding the tow bar was that the tow bar manufacturer made them 10mm too wide and he has had his replaced by the dealer with no problems.
I guess I have spoken to at least 25 - 30 Jeep owners towing vans like mine with Jeep vehicles 2014 or newer which is the range I am looking at and I am convinced that it is no greater risk buying a Jeep than any other brand.
As you know Aussie I had a Pajero Sport and at the time I was happy with its torque & power when towing the same size van as yours but I was a bit dissapointed with the small tank and fuel consumption due to the fact that it had to work so hard up hills etc. I also needed to fit air bags to the rear coils to stop me from getting seasick over undulating surfaces. I recently replaced it with a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and compared to the Sport it makes pulling that 2.7T load a breeze. I ordered it with the HR bar so luckily I avoided all the issues that other people had with the Mopar bar. I have only experienced one minor issue with the car and the dealership couldn't do enough to help me get it sorted out. I didn't know why there was an annoying beeping sound coming from somewhere in the dash every couple of hundred metres after I had hooked up the van for the first trip. I spoke to the service department who couldn't explain it either so they immediately contacted the auto electrician who had done the wiring for the towbar etc. While they were chasing it up the penny dropped it had to be the breakaway monitor that they had fitted inside an enclosed storage compartment in the dash it was doing it's job by telling me that after 9 months of being in storage the battery didn't have enough charge.
Obviously I felt like a bit of an idiot but I was happy with the service department people who immediately dropped what they were doing to help me out especially after all the negative things that I had heard about them. I'm thinking maybe the poor responses people get are more to do with the way a dealership is managed rather than Jeep itself. In terms of the fuel consumption I averaged between 15 and 16ltrs/100kms cruising in auto at 100kph - mainly freeway conditions with no wind (Lake Macquarie to Coffs Harbour and back).
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/fca-australia-pty-ltd-wk-jeep-grand-cherokee-tow-bar-kit
I posted last week that I had been informed by the jeep dealership that they were unable to fit the towbar due to a recall. No one had heard of it and I was beginning to think that maybe they were having a lend of me - it's a big concern for people with those vehicles that are effected especially if they have gone away for Easter I'm glad that I opted for a HR tow bar instead.
Cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 28th of March 2018 08:09:31 PM
Barboots, what I understand from the other forum is that there was a slight chassis modification made on the 2017 model. Apparently the tow bar comes in kit form with the fasteners supplied. If the supplier has not taken into account these mods possibly the bolts are no longer fit for purpose. I would have thought that any qualified tradesman would have seen that there was an issue when fitting the tow bar but then again that's only conjecture on my part. I would also be more than a little annoyed if I was in the middle of nowhere when I found out that I couldn't tow until I had the problem fixed. I don't even want to think about the consequences of a tow bar coming adrift while you're travelling.
Cheers
BB
Good morning guys, Sorry fellas...continuing troubles with your JEEP, service and parts? AH.... that's what I remember ..... let me say from terrible experience what the word J. E. E. P. has meant to me.... "JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET."
Sorry all you JEEP owners out there, but you will have to have either good luck or very deep pockets! (A Not happy Jane! from an EX-JEEP owner) Gwynnie 
Thankyou Gywnnie fot that feedback it didn,t add a real lot to the discussion about towbars but I understand your frustration with buying a product that didn,t meet your expectations. All I can say is that I did a fair bit of research before I decided to go with a Jeep and what I found was that the positive experiences of owners far out weighed the negative. Maybe I have made an error in judgement but with a 5 year warranty I should be covered - at least for awhile anyway. I must say though that I am beginning to get a little concerned about what people are saying about the level of support that they have received from FCA when they have had a problem.
I have just spent 8 months working in the gulf and to tell you the truth I will come home cashed up. I could have bought any tug I wanted even one of those big ugly yank tanks or the top of the line Landcruiser. All I really wanted was something a bit more capable than my previous Pajero Sport to pull a 2:8t load while travelling in the same degree of comfort around town. For us the Grand Cherokee ticked all the boxes - the best bit is the money saved going with a cheaper option will pay for a trip to Europe next year.
Cheers BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Saturday 31st of March 2018 03:02:55 PM
As most of us know, it's mostly the bad experiences you hear about - with any product! The vast majority of satisfied owners (of any make) seldom bother to share their views, they just get on with enjoying their car. There are masses of GC's on the road, all over the world. The key problem I've experienced as I said in the other thread, is an indifferent attitude from FCA & some of the dealers. If you have any Chrysler or Fiat product, they are the overseers. The new CEO of FCA in Oz promises to improve customer service. We'll see. In the meantime I use a very good independent Jeep specialist for my servicing needs. Just enjoy your new car BB.
Gday...
People who own a brand that is "not favoured" by the masses are tired of trying to explain they own an exemplary vehicle of the particular marque.
It is very tiresome to continue to be treated either as a fool, liar or 'just lucky' and our good experience with our vehicle dismissed as bovine excrement.
Of course there are the endless, witless jokes about our vehicles that so oft repeated they become meaningless.
Yeah ... if you own a Jeep or a Land Rover NEVER respond to someone who bags it. Jest walk away shakin' the melon.
Ya canna win.
Wot woz it he sed - forgive them lord for they know wot they say.
We know we have a great choice of transport and that's all that matters.
Cheers - John
Thats a pretty accurate assessment John of the armchair motoring experts who continually bag certain brands on this forum - I,m tired of the Jeep jokes and I don,t even own one yet
......I feel for people who have had a bad experience whether it be with the purchase of a car or a van but I find it hard to believe that every vehicle made by that manufacturer will therefore be a lemon. As I said the feedback from GC owners even over here in the extreme temperatures of the gulf has been on the whole positive and it has has far outweighed the negative. I am convinced enough to take a risk and hand over a hard earned $85k to a Jeep dealer next week when i pick mine up. If i have made a mistake then it was my decision and my money so if in future Im looking for anything from this forum it will be advice from experienced people to sort out an issue not the usual bagging about what I bought.
cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Sunday 1st of April 2018 03:06:00 PM
After almost four weeks of being bumped from FCA to local dealer and back again, I will finally start the process towards rectifying the tow bar issue tomorrow.
The sum of it is that FCA do not have an answer at this point, nor do they have a fair process in place to deal with it. I will have the MOPAR tow bar taken off tomorrow and the Impact Bar installed (this is the bar that was originally in the vehicle but removed in order to have the MOPAR tow bar installed). The Impact Bar has to be replaced as 3rd party tow bars need it to attach to.
This will cost me $850.
Then on Tuesday I will have a HR tow bar installed at a cost of $830.
So, I have to pay out $1680.
I have filled in a FCA Claim Form. I was told today that it will take 28 days to process. Once processed I MAY have approval for the initial cost of the MOPAR bar and the cost of removing it and installing the Impact Bar reimbursed.
I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee..... just as well after this mess and not being able to tow my caravan anywhere for the past month!
-- Edited by PeterA on Thursday 26th of April 2018 08:46:45 PM
I am having the same trouble getting a answer from Jeep .I believe there is more to the problem than incorrect fixtures.
I am loosing confidence quickly with Jeep over this matter as they have not communicated with me at all except for the recall notice in over a
month.The dealers do not appear to be briefed by JEEP and are being kept in the dark.We have to cancel our holiday to WA and a short trip to Tarthra
At this stage the vehicle I purchased is not fit for purpose, Come on JEEP fix it.
Hi Leon and PeterA, just wanted to say a few things to back you all up!
Firstly, sorry to hear about your continuing Jeep issues, secondly that your holidays are so greatly effected and finally, I feel for you mate
.
As stated some time ago in blog(see below).....your experience with this particular company has a ring of familiarity about it. I am not about bagging your choice of 4x4 vehicle, (as Rockylizard and Belmontbear so eloquently put it) as all make & models have their issues. It is the after sales and breakdown service record. JEEP not a company I would wish to deal with ever again!!! Take care and hope it is all sorted out for you sooner than later! Gwynnie
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Good morning guys, Sorry fellas...continuing troubles with your JEEP, service and parts? AH.... that's what I remember ..... let me say from terrible experience what the word J. E. E. P. has meant to me.... "JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET."
Sorry all you JEEP owners out there, but you will have to have either good luck or very deep pockets! (A Not happy Jane! from an EX-JEEP owner) Gwynnie 
-- Edited by matildatraveller on Thursday 3rd of May 2018 05:44:11 AM
-- Edited by matildatraveller on Thursday 3rd of May 2018 05:47:57 AM
I have GOOD news FCA has come good and paid for removal of mopar tow bar, and covered the cost new HR bar, and holiday cabin because couldn't use my Van.
I am very Happy with their help ,, was really great to deal with FCA Melb.
PGA
Well at last hey good news!! I love a good news story and the 'old squeaky gate syndrome' wins again. I must congratulate you on your tenacity, well done guys another win for the 'little people', and thanks for bringing us in on your good fortune. Take care Gwynnie
For the last 6 months I have been talking to Jeep owners who tow vans the size of mine and to date I have not had a complaint and several of the owners were on their 2nd or 3rd jeep which have heaps of pulling power and very good economy and none with any problems.
Talking to a guy with 2017 model just recently and his explanation regarding the tow bar was that the tow bar manufacturer made them 10mm too wide and he has had his replaced by the dealer with no problems.
I guess I have spoken to at least 25 - 30 Jeep owners towing vans like mine with Jeep vehicles 2014 or newer which is the range I am looking at and I am convinced that it is no greater risk buying a Jeep than any other brand.
As you know Aussie I had a Pajero Sport and at the time I was happy with its torque & power when towing the same size van as yours but I was a bit dissapointed with the small tank and fuel consumption due to the fact that it had to work so hard up hills etc. I also needed to fit air bags to the rear coils to stop me from getting seasick over undulating surfaces. I recently replaced it with a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and compared to the Sport it makes pulling that 2.7T load a breeze. I ordered it with the HR bar so luckily I avoided all the issues that other people had with the Mopar bar. I have only experienced one minor issue with the car and the dealership couldn't do enough to help me get it sorted out. I didn't know why there was an annoying beeping sound coming from somewhere in the dash every couple of hundred metres after I had hooked up the van for the first trip. I spoke to the service department who couldn't explain it either so they immediately contacted the auto electrician who had done the wiring for the towbar etc. While they were chasing it up the penny dropped it had to be the breakaway monitor that they had fitted inside an enclosed storage compartment in the dash it was doing it's job by telling me that after 9 months of being in storage the battery didn't have enough charge.
Obviously I felt like a bit of an idiot but I was happy with the service department people who immediately dropped what they were doing to help me out especially after all the negative things that I had heard about them. I'm thinking maybe the poor responses people get are more to do with the way a dealership is managed rather than Jeep itself. In terms of the fuel consumption I averaged between 15 and 16ltrs/100kms cruising in auto at 100kph - mainly freeway conditions with no wind (Lake Macquarie to Coffs Harbour and back).
Cheers
BB