Category Archives: Chrysler

News about Chrysler automobile manufacturer. News about Chrysler recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Chrysler vehicles.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Seat Side Airbag May Not Deploy

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If you own a 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee or a 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L , it’s crucial to be aware of a recent safety recall. A small number of these vehicles may have an improperly secured connector for the front seat side airbags (SAB), which could prevent the airbags from deploying in case of a crash. This issue compromises compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for side impact protection.

Discovery and Investigation

On April 25, 2023, FCA US LLC’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was notified of a potential safety issue involving improperly secured seat wiring connectors in certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles .

From May 2023 to October 2023, the TSRC organization conducted a thorough review of warranty data, vehicle production records, field reports, and customer assistance records. This comprehensive analysis aimed to understand the potential impact on customers.

Regular meetings were held from October 2023 to September 2024 between FCA US TSRC, Engineering, and Supplier Quality teams. These discussions focused on identifying all possible failure modes of the issue and determining which vehicles were at risk.

On October 9, 2024, the TSRC organization officially recognized that a front seat SAB squib connector problem existed in certain vehicles due to improperly secured connectors. This defect could result in non-compliance with FMVSS No. 214, which governs side impact protection.

Recall Announcement

On November 21, 2024, FCA US decided through the Vehicle Regulations Committee to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles. This proactive step ensures that owners are aware of and can address this critical safety concern.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

If your vehicle is affected by this issue, you may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard. This light indicates a potential problem with the front seat side airbags.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 19, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with the recall process.

Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Jeep dealership. There, technicians will secure the improperly connected front seat side airbag connectors free of charge.

Recall Details

  • FCA US Recall Number : B3B
  • NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V-897

Ensuring your vehicle complies with federal safety standards is essential for protecting yourself and others on the road. By staying informed about recalls like this one, you can take necessary actions to maintain your vehicle’s safety features.

Investigation into Fire Hazards of Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 Residential EV Chargers

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Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 residential EV chargersThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential fire hazards associated with Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 residential EV chargers. Prompted by several complaints received by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), this evaluation aims to determine the extent and safety implications of electrical arcing and thermal incidents reported by users of these chargers. This probe focuses on the potential for fire risks arising from electrical malfunctions and the company’s recent operational shutdown announcement.

Summary of Complaints Filed with ODI

ODI has received six Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) concerning alleged incidents involving the JuiceBox Level 2 charger. These complaints raise serious concerns regarding potential fire hazards that may arise while charging electric vehicles at home. The following highlights from the complaints showcase the range of issues reported:

  1. Total Home Loss Due to Explosion: One complaint involves a significant incident where a vehicle owner claims that charging their EV with a JuiceBox led to an explosion in their garage. This catastrophic event resulted in a fire that destroyed the home entirely.
  2. Car Fire in Driveway: Another complaint describes an incident where a vehicle caught fire in the driveway while connected to a JuiceBox charger. The details of this incident underscore concerns about charger reliability and the potential for dangerous outcomes.
  3. Electrical Malfunctions and Circuit Breaker Issues: Four additional complaints describe issues with electrical malfunctions that caused circuit breakers to trip and charging cycles to be disrupted. These electrical disruptions may indicate underlying issues with the chargers’ compatibility or durability under varying conditions.

Enel X Way’s Operational Shutdown and Potential Impact on User Safety

In an unexpected development, Enel X Way North America announced its intention to cease operations in the United States and Canada by October 11, 2024. A notification was sent to JuiceBox owners on October 2, 2024, which was also posted on the company’s website. This cessation of operations could potentially impact several aspects of the product’s performance and user experience:

  • Software and App Support: As Enel X Way discontinues its North American presence, questions remain about the continuity of the charging app and supporting software. Given that many smart chargers rely on connected software for updates and safety monitoring, the lack of support could leave users with outdated or unsupported technology.
  • Customer Support and Warranty Services: The cessation of operations may also impact the company’s ability to provide customer support, particularly regarding ongoing technical issues, troubleshooting, or warranty claims for JuiceBox chargers.

ODI Preliminary Evaluation and Safety Scope

In response to these serious complaints, ODI has opened a Preliminary Evaluation to examine the safety and reliability of JuiceBox Level 2 chargers. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the scope, frequency, and potential hazards associated with these products. The investigation seeks to determine:

  • Risk of Fire and Explosion: By evaluating complaints of thermal events, such as the explosion in the garage and the driveway car fire, ODI aims to understand the risk factors and whether the JuiceBox charger’s design or operational faults are contributing factors.
  • Electrical Stability and Safety Consequences: ODI’s analysis will also delve into the frequency of electrical malfunctions and whether these events pose a risk of property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
  • Impact of Software and Operational Changes: With the discontinuation of Enel X Way North America’s operations, ODI is concerned about the potential safety implications arising from the lack of app and software support. The investigation will evaluate if and how this operational change might exacerbate existing safety concerns or introduce new risks.

Affected Vehicles and Part Numbers

The ODI investigation includes a review of incidents involving various EV models that utilized the JuiceBox Level 2 charger. The vehicles associated with these complaints include:

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV (2018)
  • Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (2018)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2023)

Additionally, the specific product part under scrutiny is the Enel X JuiceBox Level 2 Charger.

Steps for Consumers and Further Information

For EV owners who currently use the JuiceBox Level 2 charger, awareness of this investigation is crucial. Users are encouraged to follow any guidance issued by the NHTSA and consider consulting with licensed electricians to ensure proper installation and safe operation of their EV chargers.

Jeep Gladiator And Wrangler Instrument Panel Failure

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Jeep Instrument Panel FailureFiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US have decided that there is a safety related problem affecting certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The recall was prompted by an issue that could cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail, leading to a blank display. This defect may occur due to an internal short circuit, which could compromise the instrument panel’s functionality and cause the vehicle to fall out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs controls and displays in vehicles.

The problem was first identified by FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization, which had received reports of blank IPCs in affected models. Following this, the TSRC conducted a detailed analysis, including reviewing patterns of IPC failures and performing warranty part return inspections. After collaborating with suppliers and conducting rigorous testing, it was determined that the IPCs in certain vehicles might experience an internal short circuit, causing the display to go blank unexpectedly.

A non-functional instrument panel cluster is a serious concern, as it can result in drivers losing access to critical vehicle information such as speed, fuel levels, and warning indicators. This increases the risk of accidents and reduces the driver’s ability to make informed decisions while operating the vehicle.

On August 30, 2024, FCA US decided, through its Vehicle Regulations Committee, to issue a safety recall for the affected vehicles. The recall applies to Jeep Wrangler models manufactured between 2018 and 2024, as well as Jeep Gladiator models produced from 2020 to 2024. To address the issue, FCA will replace the faulty instrument panel cluster in affected vehicles.

The recall is identified as FCA campaign number 30B, and the corresponding National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-652.

2021 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator PCM Software Update

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A select number of Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 23V-116 are now slated for a crucial Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update.

In February 2023, FCA US LLC’s Vehicle Regulations Committee launched a safety recall (19A) targeting specific 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator models with manual transmissions. This recall was triggered by reports of potential overheating of the clutch pressure plate due to friction. Such overheating could cause the pressure plate to fracture rapidly, leading to cracks or holes in the transmission case. This damage could result in the expulsion of heated debris from the transmission case, posing safety risks to vehicle occupants and other road users.

By June 2024, FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received reports of vehicles stalling after undergoing the 19A recall remedy. An investigation focused on specific 2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles with manual transmissions that had received the initial remedy under FCA US Recall ID 19A / NHTSA Recall 23V-116. The investigation found that these vehicles might encounter an issue with the Revolutions per Minute (RPM) reduction feature in the PCM software.

The issue was traced to a suspect software release that began on June 19, 2024. This software release introduced a malfunction affecting the RPM reduction feature. The release period ended on June 26, 2024, when the software was withdrawn from availability. Affected vehicles were identified using PCM scan data, ensuring precise identification of those needing further attention. It was confirmed that similar vehicles not included in the recall either lacked manual transmissions or were not updated with the problematic software version.

The remedy involves updating the PCM software in the affected vehicles to ensure the RPM reduction feature operates correctly. This update aims to eliminate the risk of stalling and enhance overall vehicle performance.

Owners of the affected Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models will receive notification letters by August 15, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with the necessary software update.

For reference, FCA US LLC has assigned the number 92B to this recall, and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-572. It is crucial for vehicle owners who had previously completed repairs under recall 23V-116 to ensure this new remedy is completed to maintain vehicle safety and reliability.

Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Warning

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Chrysler Pacifica Battery FireChrysler (FCA US, LLC) has found a problem with some 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles, as well as some 2017-2018 Pacifica PHEVs that got a software update under a previous recall (NHTSA recall number 22V-077). The issue is with the battery pack, which could cause a fire even when the car is parked and the ignition is off.

Chrysler first learned about this issue in February 2022 through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, which led them to start a voluntary safety recall on certain Pacifica PHEVs, known as recall Z11.

Since then, Chrysler and LG Energy Solution (LGES) have been working to figure out the root cause of the problem. They’ve analyzed field reports, bought back vehicles, looked at vehicle data, conducted thermal tests, and torn down battery packs to get to the bottom of it.

In November 2022, the Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) team at Chrysler was informed about a battery fire in a Pacifica PHEV that had already been fixed under recall Z11.

From June 2023 to December 2023, TSRC learned about five more fires involving the HV battery in some Pacifica PHEVs that had the Z11 remedy. They tried to buy back these vehicles to analyze if the recall fix was working.

In April 2024, Chrysler received a Pacifica PHEV with a post-Z11 remedy fire in the battery pack. After analyzing the vehicle and battery pack, they sent the battery back to the supplier for further inspection. They found a torn anode tab in one of the cells, but couldn’t identify a second factor causing the fires. This confirmed that the Z11 remedy wasn’t effective.

A folded or torn anode tab can lead to lithium by-product build-up over time. This defect, combined with another unknown factor, can cause an internal short in the battery pack, potentially resulting in a vehicle fire.

Chrysler advises owners not to charge their vehicles and to park them outside and away from structures until repairs are made. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software, and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. The recall numbers are 72B and 73B, and the NHTSA campaign numbers are 24V-356 and 24V-358. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-077 will need to have the new fix applied.

Front Seat Air Bag May Not Deploy As Intended

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Chrysler is reaching out to owners of specific Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep models due to a potential issue with the seat belt buckle switch sensor. This problem might prevent the front seat airbag from deploying properly in the event of a crash, posing a significant safety risk.

The recall affects the following vehicle models:

2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia
2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2019-2023 Fiat 500X
2019-2023 Jeep Renegade
2024 Fiat 500E

In November 2023, the Stellantis Europe Customer Experience (CX) department, specifically through the European Reactivity process Acceleration for Customer Enthusiasm (RACE) organization, initiated an investigation. This came after they received multiple reports of airbag warning lights illuminating in certain vehicles. These warning lights are critical indicators of potential issues within the vehicle’s safety systems, specifically those related to the airbags.

The Stellantis Europe CX team conducted a review of the supplier data, connector design, and any changes in the vehicle’s manufacturing history. Their investigation identified that the affected vehicles might have been built with a suspect connector on the buckle switch sensor. By February 2024, the Stellantis Europe CX organization had officially opened a safety investigation into the buckle switch sensor’s integrity. The investigation continued, and in June 2024, Stellantis Europe, through their Vehicle Regulations Committee, decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall for the affected vehicles.

The Scope of the Problem

As of June 26, 2024, Stellantis Europe had identified 578 field reports in North America potentially related to this issue. These reports were received between November 9, 2023, and June 26, 2024, indicating a widespread concern among vehicle owners.

According to the defect report, the problem arises from a disrupted connector on the buckle switch sensor. This disruption can affect the conduction on the seat wiring and buckle connectors, leading to a potential malfunction of the front seat airbag. In the event of a crash, an airbag that fails to deploy as intended can significantly increase the risk of injury to the driver.

Warning Signs for Drivers

Drivers of the affected vehicles might notice specific warning signs indicating a problem with the airbag system. These signs include:

  • The airbag warning light staying on even when there is no issue with the airbag itself.
  • The seatbelt reminder buzzer sounding even when the seatbelt is fastened properly.

These indicators should not be ignored, as they signal a malfunction that could compromise the vehicle’s safety systems.

Owners of the affected Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep models will receive official notification letters starting August 22, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on the recall process. Owners will be asked to return their vehicles to authorized dealers to have the buckle switch sensor connection inspected and repaired at no cost.

The recall has been assigned the number 82B by FCA US, LLC, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the campaign number 24V-510 for this recall.

Rear View Camera Issue Prompts FCA Recall of Over One Million Vehicles

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blank-dashboard-displayChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is taking steps to address an issue affecting the rear view cameras in over a million of its vehicles. On October 23, 2023, the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was alerted to a potential problem where rear view cameras were not displaying images in certain Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram models. This issue potentially violates the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear visibility.

An investigation revealed that a software glitch in the radio system of these vehicles could cause the rear view camera to fail to display the required image when the vehicle is put into reverse. This noncompliance with FMVSS No. 111, which mandates that rear visibility systems must default to showing the rear view image and adhere to specific field of view and image size requirements at the start of each backing event, regardless of any prior modifications made by the driver.

The issue, affecting 1,033,433 units, was identified during a thorough investigation. By June 2024, FCA US’s Vehicle Regulations Committee determined that a voluntary safety recall was necessary to rectify the problem.

The vehicles affected include:

2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica
2021-2022 Dodge Durango
2022-2023 Jeep Compass
2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022-2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer
2022 RAM 1500
2022 RAM 2500
2022 RAM 3500
2022-2023 RAM Promaster

NOTE: Owners of these vehicles will notice that the rear view image does not appear when the vehicle is placed into reverse.

To resolve this issue, dealers will update the radio software in the affected vehicles. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out by August 2, 2024. FCA has designated this recall with the number 66B, and it corresponds to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-436.

Airbag Issue Affects Certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Models

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A recent discovery by FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) has led to a voluntary safety recall of certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The issue affects a small number of vehicles that may be missing an important part in the front bumper. This missing piece could compromise the proper deployment of the front airbags.

The affected vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection. FMVSS No. 208 specifies vehicle crash worthiness requirements and equipment requirements for active and passive restraint systems. In the event of a frontal collision, the missing energy absorbing foam could lead to a non-deployment or improper deployment of the front airbags, potentially increasing the risk of injury or harm to occupants.

According to FCA US, an analysis of vehicle production history revealed that some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been built without a front fascia energy absorbing foam. This condition can lead to a non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as it compromises the intended load distribution or energy management, potentially jeopardizing proper crash sensing and airbag deployment.

The suspect period for affected vehicles began on December 6, 2023, and ended on December 9, 2023, when vehicle production processes were corrected. During this time, some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been manufactured without the crucial foam, which is designed to absorb energy and help protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and install the missing foam as necessary to ensure compliance with safety standards. This recall is intended to minimize any potential risks associated with this airbag issue and maintain the high standards of quality and safety that customers expect from Jeep vehicles.

Owners with affected vehicles will receive owner notification letters providing them with details on the recall and next steps to take. It is essential that vehicle owners take immediate action to address this issue and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety on the road.