A substantial software update for Jeep 4xe hybrids this past weekend has left many vehicles unusable, inciting anger among owners. Jeep has since withdrawn the update and urged those who installed it to ignore it.
Recent discussions across various forums signal widespread dissatisfaction with the software issues. Owners are increasingly frustrated, perceiving this incident as indicative of declining quality and reliability under Stellantis, Jeep's parent company. One forum participant reflected, "Jeep has become such garbage under Stellantis," while another shared thoughts about the trend of over-the-air (OTA) updates being "shitty half-baked updates."
Safety implications have become a hot topic. One commenter asserted, "Itβs even worse than what happened with Rivian. This time it can brick your car while youβre driving." Several others expressed concern over the high costs dealers charge for basic updates, calling them exorbitant and hard to justify.
Interestingly, as some people express their frustration, others take a different route. Comments like, "Time to buy a 2007 Corolla and drop $2k into getting it all tuned up lol. Not bad cars either," and "Makes me love my ancient technology-having 2019 4Runner even more," showcase a shift in preference towards more reliable, traditional vehicles.
The prevailing sentiment leans negative. Some believe that OTA updates should only be installed at dealerships or authorized repair shops. This presents a critical question: is convenience worth the risk?
π» Jeep recalled a software update causing problems with 4xe hybrids.
β οΈ Owners are advised to ignore the update if itβs already installed.
π "Everything has become shit under Stellantis," lament long-time Jeep fans.
β³ An increasing number of people are considering older models for reliability.
As these issues unfold, Jeep faces an uphill battle to restore trust among its customer base. With potential dealership incentives on the table, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will successfully recapture dissatisfied owners.
The ongoing fallout from this update resembles automotive history's darker chapters. Just as the 1970s Ford Pinto was marred by safety concerns, Jeep now finds itself at a crossroads, needing to rebalance technological advances with consumer safety. How will the brand navigate this challenge? Only time will tell if they can mend the damage done to their reputation.