Everyone once in awhile we get word of a dangerous defect in a specific vehicle that is so dangerous we want to tell people about it right away. That's the case today with the Jeep Compass FWD vehicle.
Normally a fairly good vehicle, there have been two different reports now, in two different states, of the side air bags just deploying for no apparent reason. Literally a "charge" explodes to deploy the airbags in a vehicle and it sounds a lot like a shotgun going off.
The resulting sudden noise can unnerve and distract the driver so badly that the driver can lose control, even if not struck by the side airbags. The powdery dust that suddenly engulfs the interior is an issue on its own too. Of course, it could be worse if the drive is seated in a position where the airbag exploding strikes the driver and causes loss of control.
Disturbingly, both vehicles were reported to be operating under similar conditions. No weather issues, relatively slow speed (20 to 40 mph) and on a smooth road surface in normal traffic. In both cases, the drivers were thankful it didn't happen while traveling at a high speed on an interstate highway, where the results could have been much different.
So far, Chrysler is mum on what's going on and is reportedly looking into it.
If you've got a 2007 Jeep Compass FWD vehicle, be careful. You might want to have your dealer inspect it for safety and make sure your airbag system is operating right.
Remember, if you've got a lemon Jeep or a lemon Chrysler or any vehicle lemon, call us right now for free help, 1-888-331-6422 Toll Free, or email us right now. Getting rid of lemons is what we do. Since 1978.