NHTSA Complaint #11471341 — 2019 JEEP CHEROKEE

2019 JEEP Cherokee Trailhawk started making a "cluncking” noise in the front suspension/steering at 12k miles. Reported the issue to the dealer @15k service (July 2020). Dealer stated there was no issue. Reported the noise again at 22k miles (March 2021)-dealer stated that engine oil leak was getting into an electrical plug for the front power transfer/traction control modules and activating features that caused the noise, which dealer “addressed” by stopping the leak. The “cluncking” noise continued getting louder. At about 28k miles, i drove through a puddle of water and the vehicle lost steering control--it pulled hard to the right and needed strong persistent correction to avoid going off-road. I got a wheel alignment and rotated the tires just-in-case. "Clunk" noise continued and every time car hits a puddle/wet pavement with both tires, it pulls to the right, risking loosing total control if i don’t anticipate the pull. Took it to the dealer again @ 32k miles. Informed dealer that the same “clunck” had gotten louder, the vehicle was loosing steering control every time I hit water on the road. Dealer diagnosed a noisy and defective rack and pinion, even though the previous two complaints for the same noise were ignored. I took the car to another dealer and did not inform them of the diagnosis. This dealer also diagnosed a bad rack and pinion system and tie ends and broken engine mounts. I called JEEP Customer Service, who promised to call me back within 24 hours but never did. The car is now out of warranty for an issue i reported twice under warranty. There is a recall (V99) for defective rack and pinion units on this model but this VIN apparently is not covered, although it clearly has an issue.