Category Archives: Jeep

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

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.

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.

Jeep Safety Alert: Windshield Defrosting Systems

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Chrysler (FCA) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee over a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) related to windshield defrosting and defogging systems. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take immediate action to rectify this potentially hazardous issue.

In June 2023, FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received reports indicating a potential malfunction in the windshield defrost system of certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEVs. This issue raised concerns about the vehicles’ compliance with FMVSS.

An investigation conducted by FCA determined that a subset of these vehicles may have been built with incorrectly programmed hybrid control processor (HCP) software. This flaw could result in the disabling of the windshield defrost system under specific conditions. The affected period for the Jeep Wrangler spans from September 2, 2020, to August 24, 2023, while for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it extends from July 23, 2021, to December 5, 2023.

A disabled windshield defrost system poses a significant safety risk, as it can impair outward visibility during critical driving conditions, potentially leading to accidents. In response to this safety concern, FCA has initiated a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

To address the issue, authorized dealerships will update the HCP software to rectify the programming error. This corrective action aims to restore the proper functioning of the windshield defrosting and defogging systems, ensuring optimal visibility and driving safety for affected vehicle owners and occupants. This recall, identified as recall number 04B by Chrysler, carries the NHTSA campaign number 24V-111.

Jeep Wrangler 4XE Plug-In Hybrid Repeated Problems

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Jeep Wrangler 4XE The Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid has faced a series of challenges that have left many owners questioning the reliability of their vehicles. Reports from owners highlight a range of issues, from stalling engines that cannot be restarted to transmission errors, battery defects, and more serious safety concerns.

One common complaint among Wrangler 4XE owners is the vehicle’s tendency to stall unexpectedly, leaving drivers unable to restart the car. This issue is not just inconvenient but poses a significant safety risk, especially if it occurs in traffic or remote areas. Additionally, there have been reports of defective batteries and blown fuses, further contributing to the vehicle’s unreliability.

Transmission problems are another significant issue, with some owners experiencing leaks and errors, alongside instances where the shifter becomes stuck in park, rendering the vehicle immobile. Warning lights, such as the check engine light and power steering light, frequently accompany these mechanical failures, along with messages indicating the need to “Service Electronic Stability.”

Charging issues have also been a point of frustration. Errors like “Service Charging System” have been reported, alongside malfunctions in the Power Inverter Module (PIM), further complicating the ownership experience. In some cases, these electrical issues lead to a complete loss of power, preventing the vehicle from starting.

More alarming are reports of oil leaks from the exhaust and rear undercarriage, with one vehicle diagnosed with a bad pinion seal on the rear axle at merely 241 miles on the odometer. The recurrence of such leaks, accompanied by smoke and the potential risk of fire, underscores the severity of the Wrangler 4XE’s problems.

The erratic behavior of the vehicle’s transmission and propulsion systems, including sudden stops in the middle of highways and unintended acceleration that has led to property damage, raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE.

For owners facing these daunting issues, California’s Lemon Law provides a beacon of hope. This law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased or leased new vehicles covered by a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If a vehicle proves to be defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer is required to either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price to the consumer.

Under the California Lemon Law, owners of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE experiencing repeated failures that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety may be entitled to relief. It’s essential for affected owners to keep detailed records of all repairs and attempts made to address the issues, as these documents will be crucial in pursuing a lemon law claim.

The myriad of problems faced by Jeep Wrangler 4XE owners highlights the challenges in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification, especially in models that are expected to perform under the demanding conditions for which Jeeps are renowned. For those grappling with these defects, understanding and utilizing the protections offered by the Lemon Law can provide a pathway to resolution and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for the reliability and safety of their vehicles.

Battery Problem – Jeep Wrangler PHEV

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In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with hybrid models like the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) gaining popularity. However, this transition has not been without challenges, particularly concerning battery reliability and safety. A case in point is the recent issue with certain 2021-2023 model year Jeep Wrangler PHEVs.

The Core Issue

The heart of the problem lies in the high voltage (HV) battery of some Jeep Wrangler PHEVs, which have been reported to fail internally. This issue first came to light in May 2023 when the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received two field reports of 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs catching fire due to the HV battery. Following these alarming reports, FCA bought back the vehicles for in-depth analysis. By November 2023, seven such incidents had been reported, prompting FCA US to initiate a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Investigating the Cause

The root cause of these battery failures remains unidentified and under investigation. The suspect period for these faults began on September 18, 2020, with the issue being potentially linked to battery cells manufactured between January 21, 2021, and October 2, 2021. These dates were determined using supplier manufacturing records, indicating a specific window during which the faulty cells were produced.

Broader Challenges with EV Batteries

This situation with Jeep Wrangler PHEVs brings to light broader concerns in the EV industry regarding battery safety and reliability. Battery issues in electric vehicles can stem from various factors, including manufacturing defects, improper management of battery temperature, overcharging, or physical damage to the battery. Such problems can lead to reduced battery life, decreased performance, and in extreme cases, safety hazards like fires.

The recall of the Jeep Wrangler PHEVs underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control in the production of EV batteries. Manufacturers must implement stringent quality checks and improve battery technology to prevent such incidents. Furthermore, understanding and rectifying the root cause of these failures is crucial for the advancement and consumer confidence in EV technology.

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 89A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-787.

The case of the Jeep Wrangler PHEV batteries serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the EV revolution. While the shift to electric mobility is imperative for sustainable transportation, it also demands heightened attention to the safety and reliability of EV components, especially batteries. As the industry evolves, continuous improvements and vigilance in battery technology and manufacturing processes will be key to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of EV users worldwide.