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Chrysler recalls Jeeps...Get your free trailer hitch

96K views 444 replies 140 participants last post by  AmishFury 
#1 ·
#192 ·
I called my local Jeep stealerShip, service center, submitted my VIN and it matched their index and they will be calling when the hitch is available. Just the receiver w/o stem and ball.

What is this issue with the lack of hitches? They keep stalling, daily Jeep attrition will save them MONEY! Well I told her, my Jeep isn't going away, get the hitch ordered.
 
#193 ·
What is this issue with the lack of hitches? They keep stalling, daily Jeep attrition will save them MONEY! Well I told her, my Jeep isn't going away, get the hitch ordered.
You seriously think they keep tens of thousands of hitches on the shelf for a vehicle that is 15 years out of production? Or they can just throw a switch and start cranking them out that second?
 
#194 ·
If you need a receiver that bad just go to the local JY and get one...that's what I did this past weekend. Perfect no rust, didn't look like it had ever been used. 35 bucks later and it's on my Jeep plus it gave me something to do beside sit in the service department for 6 hours drinking coffee.
 
#200 ·
wwcenturion said:
Thanks for posting this. You can go here and entered your VIN info. Mine qualifies for the hitch.

http://www.chrysler.com/webselfservice/chrysler/index.jsp?screenName=recall
I don't understand. I have a build sheet from Chrysler and it says tow package, yet when using the link, it says safety recall incomplete for the hitch. However I have a Chrysler hitch on my jeep. Now, I am not one to try to get something for free, but why would I have an incomplete recall if it came with one from the factory.
 
#203 ·
I put my info in the chrysler recall website and the trailer hitch recall was issued 8/06/13
So I need to go to the dealer and let them see my zj. They will verify everything so they can order the hitch for me to be installed.

Am I understanding this correctly?
 
#204 ·
Yes. I just left the local Jeep dealership and he said that all currently "registered" vehicle owners will receive a letter with instructions. He said that most likely it could take up to 90 days for them to get you in there for installation because all this is so new and they will need to acquire the parts. I advised him that I will be installing a hitch myself and he said that I would probably be reimbursed. Not going to hold my breath on that one.

I recommend getting the "free" hitch if you don't already have one and are willing to wait. At any rate, it's piece of mind knowing you took precautionary steps. If you already have a good working hitch, I would let this one slide and not worry about getting it replaced. However, whatever you decide to do with your "free" hitch I support. Lord knows I have sunk enough money into my Jeeps for things that should have lasted much longer than they did!

I have seen several posts in this thread stating that the hitch wouldn't increase safety, and I am not saying it will or won't; just that the people making this decision to install hitches know way more about this situation than I do and in the absence of complete information I always take the high road in lieu of believing in conspiracy theories.
 
#206 ·
~~~~~~~~~ snip & snip~~~~~~~~
I have seen several posts in this thread stating that the hitch wouldn't increase safety, and I am not saying it will or won't; just that the people making this decision to install hitches know way more about this situation than I do and in the absence of complete information I always take the high road in lieu of believing in conspiracy theories.
Not for one moment believe those threads. Anything of strength increases the safety pucker factor. The hitch will and is the cheapest route, will ward off a good percentage the chance of that tank's lower side from being snagged if any rice-burner shovels under, get past the bumper.

The dealer is obligated to install a hitch if the ZJ has exchanged owners beyond the original.
 
#207 ·
I received an email from Chrysler saying I should contact the nearest dealership for recall service, so I did.
******* service manager tells me he didn't know about any recalls for the ZJ, he says maybe I am thinking of the Liberty?
No no, I tell him, maybe he should keep himself up to date with Chrysler, being that he's an official Jeep dealer and all. Guess he didn't watch tv or read newspapers either.
So I gave him the recall #, and told him to get back to me when he decides to take his job seriously.
The funny thing is that the email from Chrysler says to contact them directly if any dealers refuse recall service.
Wonder if I should just context another dealership because now I don't really feel comfortable with this idiot working on my Jeep, and how did anyone so ignorant become a service manager?
 
#208 · (Edited by Moderator)
JeepNicholson said:
I received an email from Chrysler saying I should contact the nearest dealership for recall service, so I did.
******* service manager tells me he didn't know about any recalls for the ZJ, he says maybe I am thinking of the Liberty?
No no, I tell him, maybe he should keep himself up to date with Chrysler, being that he's an official Jeep dealer and all. Guess he didn't watch tv or read newspapers either.
So I gave him the recall #, and told him to get back to me when he decides to take his job seriously.
The funny thing is that the email from Chrysler says to contact them directly if any dealers refuse recall service.
Wonder if I should just context another dealership because now I don't really feel comfortable with this idiot working on my Jeep, and how did anyone so ignorant become a service manager?
What a I have a dirty potty mouth and had my post edited by a mod! How don't you know your business. I would have to assume Chrysler would have sent out some sort of communication regarding such a matter. I certainly wouldn't go back to that guy. If the manager isn't aware of what MAJOR recalls are currently active, I seriously doubt there would be any sort or general knowledge regarding installation. You'd probably be better off without a hitch and getting rear ended, then getting rear ended after having a hitch installed by that I like to bypass the filter too or anyone he manages (knock on wood, I hope that doesn't ever happen to any of us)
 
#209 ·
I said this before and I'll be happy to say it again, I would not wait for them to get their act together...what are you saving the 2 bit price of a hitch, go on E-trailer.com, they are cheap for cryin out loud, go get a Hidden Hitch or a Draw tite and bolt it up. It will take a little time but its not hard. And, in my opinion, you should also have a gas tank skid. The Mopar one fits perfect and is very strong. With the hitch and the skid your tank is as safe as you can make it. If you can't get a Mopar gas tank skid there are good aftermarket equivalents. I put both on 15 years ago when I bough the ZJ. You can wait, and worry when a big truck bears down on you, or take action and protect yourself (OK spend a little money big deal, less than a set of tires). The choice is yours....
 
#211 ·
OK I just bought a 96 ZJ that doesn't have a hitch. I take it I missed the boat on this one? I entered my VIN in the Chrysler inquiry thing and it said there are no incomplete recalls.

I'll be pissed if I missed out on a free hitch.
 
#217 ·
Maybe im just being dense, but I'm not sure what this actually is. They are recalling current hitches and providing new ones? Mine still has a Mopar hitch, not sure if it's OEM or dealer add on, but it's rusty. I haven't tried to tow with it yet but sooner or later I will be since I have a car dolly. What is the problem that they are recalling these?
 
#220 ·
Umm, the third quarter of 2013 ended September 30th. And I could use a hitch pretty soon. Guy wants to buy an inop car I have but is 1600 miles away and the only other thing I have with a hitch gets 14-15 mpg pulling a tow dolly. I figure my 5-speed Grand will get 22 loaded, maybe 25 empty on the way back.
 
#227 ·
I entered my VIN on the Chrysler recall page. "No open recalls" was the response.

I was not aware of this potential "hitch will be installed to protect the gas tank" recall until dad called to say he was giving back to me the 96 ZJ.

Has anyone on this forum received a hitch yet due to this issue?
 
#228 ·
I entered my VIN on the Chrysler recall page. "No open recalls" was the response.

I was not aware of this potential "hitch will be installed to protect the gas tank" recall until dad called to say he was giving back to me the 96 ZJ.

Has anyone on this forum received a hitch yet due to this issue?
Highly doubtful because the recall has not been officially finalized. Both MOPAR and my local Jeep dealer have informed me that I will receive notification in the mail when it is finalized.
 
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