NHTSA Complaint #11718044 — 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE

I am reporting a failure of the remedy for Recall S55 (NHTSA 16V-529). The manufacturer’s authorized repair, a software-update only, failed to correct the underlying hardware defect in the transaxle jumper harness. As a result, the wires in the harness physically melted due to the high electrical resistance as stated in the S55 recall, which caused a total loss of motive power while driving and rendering the vehicle immobile. This created a significant crash risk as we were suddenly left completely immobile and stranded in the middle of busy traffic, not to mention a fire hazard. Prior to the total failure, the vehicle exhibited electrical symptoms including sporadic starting, locks locking and unlocking by itself, improper revolution, and harsh transmission shifting. In addition to the melted wires in the transaxle jumper harness, there is now oil pooling under the vehicle, signaling further critical damage caused from the recalled part's failure. In the aftermath we are now assessing our federal rights to repair from the manufacturer. The dealership and manufacturer claim the recall is 'completed' because of the initial software update, but the physical defect remains and has worsened into a hazardous state. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of the S55 software-only remedy, as it does not prevent the hardware from failing, leaving countless in a dangerous situation. Any help or advice you could provide on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much