The driveway of Mike Bennett’s suburban Ottawa home became an unexpected danger zone last month when his 2019 Jeep Cherokee began smoking while parked.
“I was just finishing dinner when my neighbour called shouting that my Jeep was on fire,” Bennett told me during our interview at a local coffee shop. “By the time I got outside, smoke was pouring from under the hood. Firefighters said another 10 minutes and it might have spread to the house.”
Bennett’s experience isn’t isolated. This week, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Jeep, announced a major recall affecting approximately 28,000 vehicles across Canada. The company is warning owners of certain Jeep Cherokee SUVs to park outside and away from structures until repairs can be completed.
The recall specifically targets 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee models equipped with a 3.2L V6 engine. According to Transport Canada documents I reviewed, the issue stems from potential electrical shorts in the power module that controls engine functions.
“We’ve identified nine vehicle fires potentially related to this condition in Canada,” confirmed Marie-Pierre Labrie, Stellantis Canada spokesperson. “While there have been no injuries reported, we’re taking this situation with the utmost seriousness.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for many Canadian Jeep owners. As summer road trip season approaches, thousands of families are now scrambling to arrange inspections and repairs.
Stellantis engineers traced the problem to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which can develop an electrical short when exposed to moisture over time. The module, positioned near the vehicle’s battery, can overheat and potentially ignite surrounding components.
“What makes this recall particularly concerning is that these fires can occur even when vehicles are turned off and unattended,” explained Raynald Marchand, General Manager of Programs at the Canada Safety Council. “That’s why the company is emphasizing the importance of outdoor parking until the fix is implemented.”
The recall notice instructs owners to park their vehicles outdoors, away from structures and other vehicles, until dealerships can install a power relay control fuse free of charge. According to the company’s timeline, owner notification letters will be mailed by June 30, 2024.
For many owners like Toronto resident Samantha Lee, who uses her 2015 Cherokee for her daily commute, the situation presents significant challenges.
“I live in a condo with underground parking. Where exactly am I supposed to park now?” Lee questioned when I spoke with her yesterday. “Street parking in my neighborhood is nearly impossible to find and expensive. This puts me in an impossible situation.”
Transport Canada’s recall database shows this isn’t the first time Jeep Cherokees have faced fire-related recalls. In 2015, certain models were recalled for similar issues, raising questions about the vehicle’s overall electrical system design.
“The pattern is concerning,” notes George Iny, director of the Automobile Protection Association. “When we see repeated recalls for similar issues, it suggests a fundamental design flaw rather than an isolated manufacturing defect.”
Data from Transport Canada shows vehicle fires cause approximately 150 injuries annually across the country. While relatively rare compared to other types of vehicle failures, they present serious safety risks due to their unpredictable and potentially catastrophic nature.
For rural Canadians like Emily Tremblay from Baie-Comeau, Quebec, the recall creates unique challenges. “The nearest dealership is over two hours away,” Tremblay told me by phone. “And with our harsh weather, parking outside isn’t always feasible.”
Stellantis claims it will work with customers facing hardship situations, but many owners report difficulty reaching customer service representatives. A check of social media reveals growing frustration among affected Jeep owners.
The recall highlights broader questions about vehicle safety oversight in Canada. Unlike the United States, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration often initiates investigations leading to recalls, Transport Canada typically relies on manufacturers to self-report issues.
“The system works when companies are proactive, but there can be significant delays when they’re not,” explained Amanda Gill, a consumer advocate I spoke with at the Consumers Council of Canada. “Many Canadians don’t realize our oversight system differs from the American approach.”
For owners concerned about their vehicles, Stellantis has established a dedicated recall information line at 1-800-853-1403. Customers can also check if their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Transport Canada’s safety recalls database.
Meanwhile, Mike Bennett’s Cherokee sits parked on the street, awaiting repairs. “I’m not taking any chances after what I saw,” he said. “But I wonder how many people don’t know about the risk they’re living with.”
As summer approaches and more Canadians hit the road, this recall serves as a reminder that vehicle safety requires constant vigilance – from manufacturers, regulators, and owners alike.
