When I was pulling up the Carfax for DavidG's new ride, I came across a factory recall issued this month for Montero's with cargo mats. I just got back from the dealer purchasing new bulbs for my compass/temp gauge, and I asked them about it.

Apparently, the latch for the third row seat and the rear seat can get covered by parts of the rear cargo mat and this (obviously) prevents the seats from latching properly (which can cause quite a disaster in the event of a rollover or collision). From what the service guy told me, they just cut the mat in a certain way to create a bigger hole in the cargo mat for the latch points - that's it!

As a few of you know, my wife and I are lawyers who deal allot with the infamous California Song Beverly "Lemon Law" Act and various other California consumer protection laws, and we have seen some nasty accidents where the manufacturers are involved in the litigation due to design flaw issues (i.e. Ford Explorer roll over type cases). The fact that this is the only recall issued for a Montero, and it is such a common sense item, is a real statement about the quality build of these vehicles, and (rant on) a real bummer from the standpoint of our finger pointing, no fault legal system and the damn lawyers who are running nit picky scams and forcing manufactures to issues these silly recalls (rant off).

Bottom line, if you didn't already know better (which I know all of you do), if you have a cargo mat or not, make sure the darn seat locks into place before seating your loved ones (or in-laws <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />).

Take care,

Jim

Thanks Jim! I ran across the explanation for the cargo mat also. I realize for most everyone it's common sense, but I suppose the car manufacturers have to cover their collective a**es. I also found a recall (though not on the rig I hope to purchase...should be here Wednesday?) for a brake line abrasion problem. Anyone hear about this? I was surprised to see these as the only "problems" with Monteros. I had considered buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee but after all the issues associated with them I opted for the Mitsu.

David,

I considered a Cherokee for about 10 minutes. Reliablity and size were the downfalls with the former being a huge issue. We were on my wife's client's Toyota lot getting her the new 4Runner and they had a newer Cherokee sitting there. The sales guy saw me checking it out, acknowleged that they may be good off road, but said that he'd recommend the extended service plan with towing and rental car coverage, and asked if I minded being stranded occasionally. Ironically, he used to work at a Chrysler Jeep dealer and said that he, a car salesman, could not sell that vehicle in good conscience. Ha!

As far as the brake line abrasion recall, I had heard something about that as well, but I do not recall if that was a Gen I, Gen II or universal issue. Mine are tucked nicely up and out of the way, so either they fixed it on the '97, or mine were 'tacked' back after the prior owner took it in on the recall. Check it out on your new one.

Just out of curiousity, you didn't buy it sight unseen did you? I guess that's where the 30 day guarantee comes in, huh? Let us know when it arrives! Oh, and nice sig, by the way - still planning on holding onto the beast for while? We'll see if the new Monty makes you think otherwise . . . .

Take care,

Jim

Jim,

I have yet to purchase it, only put down a very small deposit for transfer purposes. They don't have my money... yet! As for the Suburban, starting today it's for sale. I've owned it for 5.5 years and it's really hard to part with it, but it must be done. On to "greener" pastures (with leather seats). Once the Sub is gone and Montero squared away I will turn my attention to the CJ.

David

I seem to remember 4 recalls on my '94 LS - 1) Front Brake Lines, 2) Trimming the mat, 3) some silly airbag sticker they sent me, and 4) the infamous 3.0 V6 crank bolt. If I remember right, they replaced the front brake lines. Not sure if they were longer or what.

BTW, I've owned 2 Cherokees and currently own a Liberty. Either you get a good one with no problems or you get a lemon with lot's of problems. I'm hoping the Libby is a good one!