Installing an Aftermarket Hitch on a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for Jeep Recall

Published 08/26/2015

Question:

Took my 04 Grand Cherokee to my local dealer to have my aftermarket hitch curt 13051 class III inspected, and they came back with a response of our techs are recommending that all aftermarket hitches be replaced with mopars when I asked if my hitch passed the inspection. Then Im told that they, Chrysler Im guessing, havent even come out with a part number yet. Can someone in your department shed some insight? I have a 2 year old daughter and I am concerned. Also, I recently, last week, had the hitch installed. I had no hitch PRIOR to the install, Im hoping that at least this hitch will offer some protection rather than having none at all.

asked by: Jose M

Expert Reply:

Jeep issued a recall on certain models of the Grand Cherokee and Liberty due to the issue of an exposed gas tank. Basically, the gas tank is exposed at the rear of the Jeep with very little protection and there have been reports of the gas tank exploding during rear end collisions. Jeep (Chrysler) are recommending a trailer hitch be installed to protect the gas tank in a rear end collision or rear end impact.

From what we understand, the OEM hitch is bigger and bulkier than the aftermarket hitches, so dealers are telling owners to install a MOPAR hitch instead of an aftermarket hitch. The installation of an aftermarket hitch will not create or cause a problem on your Jeep, but Chrysler feels that their hitch is better suited to protect the gas tank. The actual recall says an authorized dealer will inspect an aftermarket hitch to see if the hitch or surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks.

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he said their hitch will not pose any puncture risks to the gas tank, but since there is an official recall, the dealer is going to be the final decision maker since they are responsible for upholding any warranty or liability. My contact at Curt said they have received reports that some dealers had no issue leaving the Curt hitch installed and reimbursed the customer for the cost of the hitch and installation and other dealers recommended removing the Curt hitch and installing the MOPAR hitch. The decision seems to be up to the individual dealer.

It sounds like your dealer is just trying to cover any liability on their end, so they are saying MOPAR hitch only. As far as safety is concerned, any hitch is better than no hitch assuming the hitch is in good condition and installed properly

expert reply by: John H