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body panels Not lined up!!!

12K views 39 replies 18 participants last post by  NetworkTV 
#1 ·
new 2015 jeep grand cherokee altitude just picked up november 1, after a week i noticed my rear liftgate was not aligned properly on the right passanger side, it pisses me off, then a week or so ago i noticed my driver door wasnt sitting flush with the rest of the panls, i called dealer and they said when i bring it in for 1st service theyll fix it, it just bothers me on a brand new truck that its not lined properly, im anal and def have OCD and 99 out of 100 people would never notice but its pisses me off, leaves bad taste in my mouth about jeep to be honest, i look on as many jeeps wk2 now as i can to check panels, a buddy of mine with a altitudes gas cap is not lined properly, the gaps are way off... any one have this issue with there jeep? thanks
 
#6 · (Edited)
I think it would be safe to say that every 14+ WK2 came with at least one misaligned body panel. Quality really suffers when demand is high. Especially when the manufacturer cares more about sales numbers than quality.

If Jeep were to spend more on quality control then they couldn't produce as much without adding more people and production lines which would drive the cost up.

If you want fit and finish it's really hard to beat the Europeans.

I still love my Jeep but only because I've decided to look past its small imperfections.
 
#7 ·
I still love my Jeep but only because I've decided to look past it's small imperfections.
Very important statement, to be honest.

I've grown to really love mine since getting over the tiny problems. I've accepted the little irregularities it has and have been so much happier since then. It's a great car, but not everything is going to be perfect. Just the way it is.

These recalls, on the other hand, are another story...
 
#10 ·
I haven't noticed anything on the outside of my 2014 Summit not lining up but so far I noticed something minor inside. The passenger side of the center console area has one section that is not flush against the other section. Its like in two pieces with one side stuck out farther. I tried pushing it in and it just pops right back out. Not a huge deal I guess but after spending 50+k on this vehicle it does tick me off a bit. This is my 3rd brand new Jeep (I love Jeeps) and its my first one that I consider a luxury vehicle. You would think that with that kind of money they would make sure everything is top notch. :rolleyes:
 
#12 · (Edited)
Ha. My ordered 2015 Overland looked like it it had been assembled by 5-year-olds body-panel wise when it arrived. All 4 doors were sticking out to varying degrees, the front fenders were too far forward leaving a HUGE gap between the front doors and the fender, the hood was crooked and misaligned, and the tailgate was down and in on one side vs the other making it crooked as well.

Fortunately my dealer's body shop is really meticulous and when I took delivery they had already straightened everything out (spending close to 10 hours on it because the body shop manager is almost as crazy about stuff like that as I am). It's all a matter of loosening bolts, tweaking the position, looking everything over, doing it again, and so forth until it's right.

In fact, when it comes to doors, the body shop is going to do exactly what the factory does for many vehicles. Finish workers literally have a wrench for the door bolts and a rubber mallet. They loosen the hinge bolts in varying places, and tap or whack with the rubber mallet. Tighten the bolts, check the fit, do it again if necessary.

If your dealer has a decent body shop (or uses one) it isn't a huge deal to correct and they should be used to it just from having to replace parts on damaged vehicles.

Chrysler has gap and flush specs for all the panels -- if yours exceeds these then it's a simple warranty claim.
 
#14 ·
My 2012 WK2 has misaligned panels as well. When I pointed them out to the dealer they implied that this was normal and just the way the cars are. My last WK2 was a lemon, my current WK2 has major issues and I have a Wrangler with serious water leaks that they can't resolve. I know I'm picky and probably more demanding than the average guy, but really - my self trained tile guys tiled my whole house with consistent spacing using cheap plastic spacers - I think Jeep should be able to install five doors.
 
#17 ·
Hi All, My local dealer told me that my Overland arrived this morning (8 months wait). I'm not the kind of guy that notices things (much to my wife's chagrin - especially when she buys new clothes) but I noticed some panels not aligning. I can understand all of your disappointment as JGC Overland costs over $70K here in OZ. That's a lot of money - the most I have ever spent on a car. I plan to have a panel shop go over the car with a "fine tooth comb" and get his opinion in what is acceptable or not. Perhaps that's something we should all consider as Panel Shops know what to look for. It'll cost me a case of beer (and our beer is better btw :slapfight:) and I think it'll be well worth it.
 
#22 ·
"Take pride in your work and do your job right or let someone else have it."

I couldn't agree more! I try and do almost everything myself, because I have been disappointed over and over by lack of work ethic and attention to detail. A job worth doing is worth doing right. By the way the first Jeep I almost bought had a misaligned lift gate and drips in the paint. Not acceptable regardless of the cost of a new vehicle.
 
#26 ·
It's the lack of attention to detail, well, my wife wouldn't notice, the plastic tank lid and the way it wobbles around and for sure is off center drives me nuts :)
I'd be curious what the percentage owners vs. lease is on the Grand Cherokee, I own it but it's the last one for sure. It's not a vehicle I love, especially with the 3.6l engine it's a better Dodge Caravan, may sound harsh but that's how I feel about the vehicle. Good value as a Laredo but it stops there.
 
#28 ·
Heya. I've had my SRT for two weeks and to say I'm happy with the car would be an understatement. The car is a beast...but...and this is a big but for me, having minor OCD (self assessment...people around me would simply say I'm nuts with OCD :)) the car's body panels and flares are a big disappointment.

I've got doors that don't quite sit flush and the flares are average to say the least. The double sided tape did not stick in some places. On the inside I had a fitting near the windscreen sticking out 2cm on delivery, the clip was broken and there is also a clip not fitted properly on the panel near my left leg. Lovely squeaking on larger bumps. I honestly expected more. I'm about to go back to the Dealer to start the fun discussions about what needs fixing and tweaking.

Having two subaru's back to back before the SRT, I can openly say their efforts on the engines, turbos and external body are immaculate. Their internal fittings are littered with cheap looking hard plastics, but at least the cheap stuff was aligned and fitted properly.

Let's see how this goes.


Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
 
#29 ·
good luck man, its def annoying to deal with, im going in for my first service in the next month or so and they already know i expect my tailigate and driver door to be aligned properly, if its not fixed 100% i will not take the car back until its fixed, im pist off about this 40k truck, yours is 70k, it would make me furious, good luck hope it works out
 
#32 · (Edited)
No one is saying you are obligated to be unhappy.

However, to say others shouldn't be upset when things don't measure up on a vehicle a lot of others can't afford is disingenuous. This is still a bargain economy where people aren't going to want to buy something for more money if they don't get their money's worth.

They may be buying now, but how long until real push back starts to happen when the unhappy ones outnumber the happy ones? Should FCA wait for that moment or be proactive and show real pride in their product?

Here's a hint: you never want to be in a business position where you have to convince people to come back to your company.

We aren't driving Wrangler's. Those folks put up with a lot more because Wrangler drivers are part of a club like no other. They're like Harley riders in that respect.

Once you get up into the luxury SUV market, things start to change and the field begins opening up a bit more. Those choices mean your customers aren't necessary going to be as loyal. I ditched Ford after 17 years for Jeep. I can always go somewhere else down the road.

It's taken me a lot of years to get to the point where I can afford a vehicle at this level and I should be getting a vehicle that warrants the price tag. It's my money, not yours or FCA's. It's certainly not something I got for free.

I expect plenty of imperfections in a $15-$18K economy car. There's little profit on those and cheap means everything.

The fact is, if they're going to cherry pick items off the list of standard items (remote window venting, an under hood light, pop-up glass, etc.) then they need to make up for it with better fit and finish.

Oddly enough, the vehicle seems nice and solid - the doors close in a firm, vault-like way. I don't notice and creaks or rattles on rough roads. There's little vibration making it's way up the steering column.

Further, the styling itself is well thought out.

The issue is the refinement of the looks. It's not quality, but quality control that is at issue. It's also about accountability at the production end for those issues, not at the customer end.

The Grand Cherokee kind of feels like the frumpy girl in the romantic comedy that you know is gorgeous behind those horned-rimmed glasses.

Here's the thing: I'm not unhappy with my Jeep. Overall it's great. I'm just disappointed by it not living up to its full potential.

You've got a lot of different groups all working together to make a great vehicle, but the quality assurance team is letting them all down.
 
#31 ·
Sorry if I am coming across as dramatic. Wasn't my intention.

This car is worth $85k - $95k (depending on the deal you can get) in Australia. I would have thought it would be better put together than cars that cost $35k less. It will be fixed, but it would have been cooler for it to be right when it was delivered. The dealership should have picked this up with a close eye, tweaked it and sent me on my way without me knowing any better. Just confirms what rubbish dealer delivery fees are. They take off the plastic and give it a wash. All depends on the dealer though.

I am just giving my 2 cents worth, which may give another person the confidence to go to their dealer to get their car right. If customers accept a lower standard without any action then nothing changes. Demanding your expectations may lead to a result, and if Fiat Chrysler were smart they would be checking out this forum often to find out how they can improve their cars.

Also, sharing experiences helps others learn. This forum opened my eyes to the coolness of the SRT and helped me with the purchasing decision...knowing all the pros and cons from owners.

Don't get me wrong this car is bloody amazing. I have never felt fear in a car ever before when taking off hard from stationary. The fear turned into a smile afterwards. I have simply never been in a class of car like this. The turbos were fun...but this demands respect. This car craps on all the previous cars I've owned from great heights. I'm certainly a Jeep convert 2 weeks in.

Sorry for the rant.

Peace and respect :)


Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
 
#34 · (Edited)
Sorry if I am coming across as dramatic. Wasn't my intention.

This car is worth $85k - $95k (depending on the deal you can get) in Australia. I would have thought it would be better put together than cars that cost $35k less.
Yeah.... but nah!

I understand the disappointment, but it is still a GC that some buy for $50k here in Oz, with all the options put on top for the SRT. They come out of the same body shop. In my view if you want german standard of finish (with the SRT performance) then you have to pay a lot more dollars. If you want to pay less and still enjoy the performance, then put up with some build imperfections.

My Limited has the rear passenger door alignment out, I always notice it. And some pimples in the paint, I see it when I wash it. But if I wanted a perfect car I'd have to spend a lot more. I still have a smile on my face when I drive it, and can't be matched for the money.

edit: I vaguely remember someone getting their rear door realigned to look right, but then had trouble opening and closing it. They couldn't get the catch to align.
 
#33 ·
well said man i couldnt of said it better myself, my jeep is only 40k but i still expect it to be aligned and checked out perfectly, i just think the car dealerships hire joe smho off the street that can write up paper work, i was telling the guy i was buying my jeep from what options it has and how it comes with a heated steering wheel. there was no passion for the work and this trickles down to everyone in my opinion
 
#35 · (Edited)
Fair enough guys...we all have opinions and we all have choices. I was just sharing. I thought this forum was ok for sharing and I was just trying to participate as a newbie. Seems to be getting heated up for no reason. I'm trying to back down and just be part of the forum...trying to help...and trying to get help.

Let's be clear on my point. This car is brilliant. It's not perfect. I was just saying how a $50k car was better put together for 5% of the total build/performance/look compared to an $85k car. I would have thought the designer of the SRT would have planned for their creation to have the lines of the doors and flares line up and stuff that was meant to be clipped into place correctly, would be so. I know that nothing is life is perfect. I'm ok with that...but if I am the recipient of a not-quite-right experience, why not do something about it?

They are letting themselves down on a small portion of the total package...and if it ain't right, then why not create a better process whereby the dealer is a catch all for stuff like this. They missed a bloody clip on the drivers side dash sitting 3-4cm out of the designed groove. Just sloppy.

I've learned some lessons in life. If you are gonna have a whine, then do something about it, otherwise shoosh. I have done something about my situation, so I feel that gives me the right to talk about it and share. I'm not tough talking, just sharing. Some people might be too frightened of the tactics and practices of some dealers. I say crap to that. I'm in touch with the dealership and the manager there for my issues. I am also a phone call away for the state/regional manager. They started to drop the ball on the delivery and I got involved. They threw stink bugs at me and tried to add weeks to the delivery and I got involved. They got it right in the end - tick. Respect. If they work with me then we are all cool. I won't be unreasonable and they need to be reasonable. That's just good business.

Some people tend to convince themselves that stuff that ain't right is ok. That's everyone's choice. We are allowed to have differing views. Like they say in the classics: You can't turn a turd into strawberry jam. Add a 100kg of strawberry jam to a turd...and you still eatin' turd. Some people will say "no thanks...I don't eat turd" and some others will say "wow you can't even taste the turd anymore with so much jam added". Freedom of choice is great.

I'm gonna go out for a drive to enjoy the SRT now (politely exits the thread - for now :))

Peace.

Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
 
#36 ·
My point is that its fully covered under warranty....why come here and fling and whine when theres a lot worse stuff that could inconvience you? I hate to tell you..there is no.perfect anything. Ive owned all makes of cars and trucks...none perfect...from chevy...ford...lexus....audi.....merc.....etc etc. None are perfect and never will be.
 
#38 · (Edited)
My point is that its fully covered under warranty....
..or, they could get it right from the factory and not require that the customer come back and get it fixed.

Warranty fixes should be for the occasional issue that gets missed. It shouldn't be SOP for common issues.

Further, I've read far too many posts from people who do take it back to the dealer, only to have them balk at doing anything about it. They essential insist "it's normal".

Ok cool. Let's just kill this conversation off. The discussion is bigger than the problem. These are all first world problems. Let's get back to enjoying life :)
If the mods wish to do so, then they certainly can. However, I'm not seeing anything here that warrants it. No one is being abusive to others. If complaining were not permitted, there would be very little activity on this forum. If someone objects to the complaining, no one is being forced to read the posts.

In addition, I really, really hate the "first world problem" argument.

We are a first world here, therefore we have first world problems.

We aren't fighting over water, food or shelter, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be trying to further improve quality of life. We have machines to wash our clothes and dishes. We have computers and phones to enhance our lives. We drive pretty cars because we don't have to travel through jungles or open deserts (though we do have a capable 4 wheel drive, so....).

People in 3rd world nations aren't buying these vehicles. We are. That means the companies that make the vehicles we buy need to make the customer feel like they got something for their money or risk losing a future customer. As one of (if not the) biggest consumer markets for vehicles like this, we've earned the right to gripe when it doesn't satisfy us. That's how stuff gets better.

It actually astonishes me that we've become so apologetic to companies that shave nickels and dimes to make a product cheaper instead of providing a reason for people to pay more.

Have we really forgotten what it means to have quality? It really seems like we've gotten so used to stuff being shoved at us with little or no quality control, it's no wonder companies see everything as "disposable".

I wish my income were so disposable...

Again, overall, I'm happy. It's just that the exterior fit and finish are pretty shoddy in comparison to everything else. As a result, maybe they need to figure out who's letting the team down.

If they can get everything else right, why not that?
 
#39 ·
Well I to was not happy either about my body panel alignment. So after finding and fixing my electrical gremlins this morning I decided to see what I could do to rectify my drivers door alignment. I loosened the 4 nuts on the door side of the hinge hoping they were slotted holes. That way I could move door down a little but after 3 attempts at this procedure nothing changed. There is no wiggle room in the door hinge mount holes. When I loosened the nuts door would drop ever so slightly and be perfect. But as soon as I tightened them up again door would go back to the exact same way it was before. So I do not think there is much that can be done about the up and down alignment. So I guess it is staying as is am I happy about it no but I'am not going to lose sleep over it. Could the QC be better hell yes but I kind of knew this going in as all the GC's on dealer lots are plagued with the same workmanship. Remember you bought the vehicle and had the opportunity to look it over before handing over your hard earned money. You could have walked away if I you saw something that was not to your liking. Or insisted on having it rectified before you took delivery. So I really do not understand why some people purchase things just to go home and complain about them.
 
#40 ·
Remember you bought the vehicle and had the opportunity to look it over before handing over your hard earned money. You could have walked away if I you saw something that was not to your liking. Or insisted on having it rectified before you took delivery. So I really do not understand why some people purchase things just to go home and complain about them.
You're assuming complaining and not doing anything about it are one and the same.

Can't people complain about having to deal with something that shouldn't have been wrong in the first place?

In fact, your example is clearly what's wrong: they aren't building the stuff right so it will fit together correctly.
 
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