Report on Jeep Cherokee death wobble and fix

[Bdogdt47]

I wanted to post a report to those who use the 2014- Jeep Cherokee With the Active 2 Drive, suitable for flat towing. I purchased my 2015 Cherokee in 10/2015 to use as a TOAD. No issues as a TOAD to date. Two weeks ago I received a letter and an addendum to my owners manual. The letter stated the vehicle could become unstable over rough roads. This has occurred with a number of owners. Apparently, the electronic steering, because it does not work when the car is turned off, does not allow the car to respond quickly over rough roads or when the tires on the TOAD drop off the pavement when turning. Jeeps fix is a flat tow wiring harness that allows the driver to flip an installed switch on the console. Additionally, a fuse has to be installed in the engine compartment(removed when using as a non-TOAD). This setup allows the electronic steering to function when using the Cherokee as a TOAD. I have the invisibrake by Roadmaster, so my Jeep battery is always being charged when the MH running/headlights are on. The price quoted by my dealer was $124 for the harness and three hours of labor@$125 per hour.

I made two calls to FCA customer care. I was told during the first call, that I had to pay the entire cost for harness and installation. The second time I asked that my request to have FC pay the entire cost be reviewed by a supervisor. I explained that I was told at the time of purchase, that my Jeep could be used safely as a TOAD. Since this was a poor design issue by Jeep, I should not have to pay ANY cost to make my TOAD safe to pull behind my MH. The supervisor authorized a on time "good will" payment to cover the entire cost of the part and installation.

Incidentally, I received no help from my Jeep dealer' service manager. In fact, my harness installation was the first they had heard of the wiring harness retrofit. I am not sure if the 2016 and up Cherokees are coming out of the factories with a permanent fix. Check with your dealer. I would not recommend towing without this fix, although I have not experienced the "death wobble, where the Cherokee can oscillate violently from side to side. My buddy purchased his Cherokee at the same time I did and HAS experienced the "death wobble". Good luck on your fix.