NHTSA Safety Investigations — JEEP WRANGLER
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE — Open
— Model Year: 2020
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is opening a Preliminary Evaluation on 2020 Model Year Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers involving a malfunctioning Instrument Panel Clusters (IPC) resulting in the loss of important vehicle metrics and other status information. ODI has received 89 Vehicle
... Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging a complete or partial loss of the IPC display while driving.  The subject vehicles' IPC display includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, turn signal indicators, warning light, and other gauges that are normally illuminated while the vehicle is in operation. Loss of the fuel gauge while driving may lead to an inability to determine the fuel level and result in a loss of motive power, and the loss of other safety-related information may impede a driverâs ability to take action to prevent a safety risk.  Furthermore, an IPC that is suddenly not visible to the driver may divert the driverâs attention from the driving task, potentially causing a vehicle crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to evaluate the scope, severity and frequency of the alleged IPC malfunctions and to assess potential safety-related consequences. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.govRead more
RQ — Open
— Model Year: 2024
Loss of Motive Power
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 68 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports for model years (MY) 2021 through 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles alleging a loss of motive power. Recall 22V-865 was issued by the manufacturer to address an engine shutdown condition in certain MY
... 2021-2023 Wrangler 4xe vehicles. The complaints noted here contain both post recall remedy failures and failures in vehicles not included within the scope of 22V-865. An analysis comparing complaints received before the issuance of recall 22V-865 and complaints outside the scope of the recall has been conducted. The results show the current complaint rate is higher in the out of scope vehicles than it was for vehicles that were later covered by the recall. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the severity of the alleged defect in vehicles not included in recall 22V-865.ODI will also assess the scope and remedy effectiveness of the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2019
Frame weld deficiencies
On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related
... recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI decided to include reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering stiction (loss of power steering) as part of this investigation and parent petition (DP18-004). ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) via information request letters dated March 8, 2019, and February 6, 2020. Supplemental requests for information occurred between July 2020 and July 2023. A review of the responsive manufacturer information showed that vehicles presenting an unexpected reduction in steering ability due to a welding tool misalignment were correctly addressed via recall 18V-675. General complaints concerning the weld appearance were not associated with a realized risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI identified a limited number of reports involving weld separation on vehicles that were out of scope of recall 18V-675. FCA identified various causes of weld quality issues in early production (build dates prior to March 2018) including improper welding techniques on galvanized frames and component part variation leading to off-seam welds. These issues were addressed in production for subject vehicles built after July 2018 and preceded a drop in weld failure reports. ODI reviewed manufacturer and agency reports of weld failures out of scope of recall 18V-675 and did not find any that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. There are no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities as a result of weld failures on vehicles not included in recall 18V-675. Due to the steering related consequence associated with Recall 18V-675, ODI opted to include a request for information regarding various steering issues experienced by vehicles included in this investigation. ODI reviewed manufacturer as well as agency data and determined these various steering issues were not related to any weld defect. Since the opening of this investigation, FCA has addressed the following steering concerns; a. Steering looseness due to material choice in the steering box internal components. FCA released an updated part with an internal component material less sensitive to temperature variances (TSB 08-003-21 REV. A).NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. b. Steering wobble or shimmy due to a manufacturing and design deficiency in the steering damper. FCA released a part via Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) V41 in June 2019 which implemented supplier quality control improvements and design changes due to the presence of air in the base valve which degraded damping performance.NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. c. Steering stiction, or loss of power steering, due to an underpowered steering pump calibration that occurred at highway speeds during cold weather. In December 2021, FCA released CSN Y95 which corrected this issue via software update. Due to the decreased number of consumer complaints, the service campaign appears to have addressed the issue related to an underpowered steering pump. NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2015
Seat belt buckle bracket failure
On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The VOQs involv
... ed model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Jeep Wrangler (JK platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (RHD) use. On August 8, 2019, ODI issued an information request (IR) letter to FCA.The scope of the IR included all JK Wrangler produced for sale in the U.S. (both left- and right-hand drive), and amongst other things, requested any reports or allegations of driver's seat belt bracket failures on these vehicles. In its review of FCA's response, ODI determined that approximately 1.7 million JK Wrangler were produced from MY 2007 to 2018, about 16,000 of which were configured for RHD. ODI notes that the RHD Wrangler are typically used for rural postal delivery which often experience a more severe duty cycle. Also RHD JK was was not produced in MY 2007.As explained in the IR response, FCA identified three distinct populations of JK Wrangler concerning the driver's seat belt bucket bracket; specifically the MY 2007-2018 LHD (~1.7M units), the MY 2008-2010 RHD (4,563 units), and the MY 2011-2018 RHD (11,463 units) populations.FCA provided details on the designs used in each of these populations, identifying specific differences deemed pertinent to the strength and durability of each unique bracket design. FCA further reviewed its analysis of the complaint and warranty data identified under the IR, and noting that it had not identified any allegations of bracket failures on the LHD population, and only one allegation on the MY 2008-2010 RHD vehicles. By comparison, FCA identified 24 allegations of bracket failure for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK, including two reports duplicative of the VOQs. Neither the FCA nor the VOQ reports allege an injury or fatality due to bracket failure. Based on this analysis, FCA decided to conduct a safety recall for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK population. On September 30, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 19V-680 (FCA No. VA6). Under the recall action, FCA will replace the driver's seat belt bracket on MY 2011-2018 RHD Jeep JK Wrangler. The repair will be conducted free of charge.In view of FCA's recall action, and its explanations of the scope of that action, ODI is closing PE19-008. ODI will continue to monitor the non-recalled RHD, and the LHD JK Wrangler for evidence of seat belt bracket failure and will take further action if warranted.The three VOQ reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11190251, 11218472, 11231639.Read more
DP — Closed
— Model Year: 2019
Frame Weld Deficiencies
In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The petitioner described a broad list of frame weld de
... ficiencies, including porous welds, excessive slag, lack of weld penetration, over penetration of welds, overweld or weld drip, and weld splash. The weld defects are allegedly located at a variety of locations on the frame assembly.On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP18-004) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. On March 8, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) requesting information on frame weld related issues on all MY 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler 'JL' vehicles. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI opted to include a request for additional information concerning reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering lockup in the March request letter. ODI has performed a preliminary analysis on the information obtained from FCA. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, NHTSA has decided to grant the petition. While reviewing the applicable materials obtained from the manufacturer, ODI identified various reports and references to frame welded component detachments that were outside of the scope of NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675. Additionally, the information that FCA provided did not adequately address whether frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structural integrity of vehicles, and therefore may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Finally, ODI needs to further evaluate the alleged steering-related defects reported through MY 2019 and the alleged defects' relation to weld quality.The petition was granted on September 16, 2019. Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged weld quality deficiencies and steering related concerns on the MY 2018-2019 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed on NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11234967, 11222390, 11219370, 11217080, 1204905, 11179954, 11171786, 11161243, 11155523, 11153044, 11143617, 11142722, 11142426, 11141336, 11141035, 11140637, 11140344, 11140262, 11140085, 11140057, 11139880, 11139866, 11139557, 11139467, 11139436, 11138974, 11138758, 11138757, 11132030, 11129738, 11129667, 11124312, 11120232, 11119676, 11119650, 11119454, 11119450, 11115658, 11115137, 11113029, 11112515, 11110583, 11109903, 11093172, 11088501, 11076098Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 2008
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel c
... olumn shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2007
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
In it's response to ODI's PE15-025 Information Request letter, FCA identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject Wrangler vehicles.Six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the ai
... r bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.FCA also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.Additionally FCA provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the replacement of the air bag clockspring wiring assembly.It should be noted that FCA initiated an Extended Warranty Program on the left hand drive MY 2007 Wrangler in late calendar year 2011.6,777 of these claims are from the MY 2007 left hand drive Wrangler.FCA advises that some of the warranty claims involved clockspring failures that would not affect the air bag operation, for example due to noise, cruise control and/or radio operation issues.Many of these claims involved newer model year subject vehicles.FCA also noted that Wrangler's removable roof and door configuration may make it more susceptible to outdoor water/moisture and dust ingress.ODI investigated the right hand drive Wrangler in calender year 2011 for a similar clockspring issue under PE11-019.That investigation lead to NHTSA Safety Recall 11V258 on right hand drive model year (MY) 2008-2012 Wranglers.FCA redesigned the remedy clockspring to improve its durability and environmental protection and revised the design of the steering wheel to column shroud.Base on the data reviewed, this Preliminary Analysis (PE) is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA).The reports cited above are listed in the public investigative file available at SaferCar.gov under this investigation ID.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2010
Skid plate debris fires
In a letter dated May 15, 2012, the Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding fires originating between the transmission skid plate and the exhaust catalyst in approximately 65,246 model year (MY) 2010 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 vehicle
... s with automatic transmissions (NHTSA Recall 12V-216).According to Chrysler, changes to the exhaust system for MY 2010 resulted in reduced clearances between the exhaust catalyst and the skid plate.If debris collects in the area of the skid plate and is not removed, there is an increased potential for underbody debris fires.ODI's analysis of skid plate area fires in the MY 2010 Wrangler vehicles with automatic transmissions found that the rate increased significantly from approximately 1.7 fires per 100,000 vehicle years in the MY 2007 through 2009 vehicles with the prior exhaust design to approximately 14.8 fires per 100,000 vehicle years in MY 2010 vehicles, a nearly 800 percent increase.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Chrysler's consumer complaint data submitted to ODI, 35 unique reports were identified by Chrysler alleging fire in subject vehicles with origins near the engine compartment or in the underbody area directly beneath and to the rear of the engine compartment.Chrysler's assessments of the 35 reports of fire were categorized by likely causes.Eleven of the fires were determined to be caused by skid plate debris accumulation and 4 additional fires were found to have originated in the area of the skid plate, but debris ignition could not be confirmed.An additional skid plate debris fire was reported to ODI after the recall announcement, bringing the total known fire count to 36, including 12 caused by skid plate debris and 4 originating in the skid plate area from unknown causes.Chrysler identified a design change to the exhaust system in MY 2010 that increased the possibility of debris contact with an exhaust catalyst.Beginning in MY 2011, the skid plate was replaced with a skid bar for weight reduction purposes.The skid bar having a much smaller surface area than the skid plate reduces the potential for debris entrapment.The recall remedy for recall 12V-216 will involve replacement of the skid plate with the skid bar.As background, the MY 2010 subject vehicles are a part of the JK generation of Jeep Wrangler vehicles that began production in MY 2007.Chrysler conducted a prior recall (09V-436) of MY 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers for a defect involving overheated transmission fluid expulsion that could contact the exhaust and cause an engine compartment fire.The recall remedy was to add audible (chime) and visual warnings (hot oil message in the instrument cluster) to alert the driver that the vehicle was being operated with elevated transmission fluid temperatures.Chrysler enhanced the audible warning with a service campaign (J31) for MY 2009 and a portion of the subject MY 2010 vehicles.Transmission fluid expulsion has not been identified as the cause of any of the 36 fire incidents in the subject vehicles. No indications of a common causal pattern were evident in the remaining 20 fire incidents in the subject vehicles.Six (6) of the incidents appear to be related to improper wiring of various added aftermarket equipment, 2 appear to be related to improper oil change, 1 was related to a damaged transfer case, 1 was related to an electrical short circuit and the remaining 10 were of unknown origin.Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2006
CLUTCH LINKAGE FAILURE
ON MAY 2, 2006 DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES WOULD BE VOLUNTARILY REC ALLED TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE CLUTCH LINKAGE COMPONENT.THE RECALL ACTION IS
... IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NO. 06V147 (DCC NO. F22).THE LINKAGE ROD BETWEEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER CAN BREAK WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED; LINKAGE ROD FAILURE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE CLUTCH AND RENDERS THE CLUTCH PEDAL INEFFECTIVE THEREAFTER .THE 6,876 MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ACTION WERE ALL MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 11/3/2005 AND 2/13/2006.DCC WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE LINKAGE WITH A COMPONENT OF A PREVIOUS DESIGN LEVEL WHICH HAS NOT EXPERIENCED FIELD FAILURE.THE TIMING OF DCC'S ACTION HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1994
PARKING BRAKE RESULTING IN ROLLAWAY
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1994
PARKING BRAKE
ALLEGED THE THE PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO HOLD THE VEHICLE STATIONARY WHEN APPLIED, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2000
AIR BAG MODULE DETACHMENT
ODI HAS RECEIVED A COMMPLAINT STATING THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG MODULE DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE ATTEMPTION TO USE THE HORN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A BRAND NEW MODEL YEAR 2000 JEEP WRANGLE (PURCHASED I LATE MARCH 2000).THE AIR BAG MODULE FELL OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS HANG
... ING BY ITS WIRES.THE REPAIRING DELERSHIP STATED THAT THE TWO MOUNTING SCREWS, HOLDING THE INTEGTATED HORN/AIR BAG MODULE TO THE STEERING WHEEL, WERE MISSING.THIS INVESTIGATIONN IS OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM OF MIS-ASSEMBLED AIR BAG MODULES IN TH EJEEP WRANGLE VEHICLES.Read more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 1999
INSTRUMENT PANEL GROUND SCREW
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING GROUND ATTACHMENT SCREWS CAN LOOSEN
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 1992
FUEL LEAKAGE
ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS ON FUEL LEAKAGE AND 3 REPORTS ON ALLEGED REMEDY FAILURE REPORTS
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1990
SEAT BACK FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1987
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1988
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1988
SENDING UNIT GASKET FAILS
There is no summary currently available
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1989
DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1990
SENDING UNIT GASKET FAILS
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1992
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1988
EXHAUST SYSTEM FIRES
There is no summary currently available
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1989
FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1987
FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1985
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR
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PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1987
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
There is no summary currently available