Chrysler issues urgent recall for 338,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees over steering flaw
In a significant move, Chrysler has announced the recall of approximately 338,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles over a steering issue that poses a risk of drivers losing control. This announcement, detailed in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on February 27, brings to light concerns over the reliability of crucial vehicle components and the company's commitment to customer safety.
2:22 PM EST, February 29, 2024
Losing the control
The recall targets explicitly specific Jeep Grand Cherokee L models from 2021 to 2023 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2022 to 2023. The issue involves the upper control ball joint and steering knuckle; separating these components could lead to the wheel falling outward, dramatically increasing the risk of losing vehicle control. T
Immediate response from Chrystler
In response to the discovery of this defect, Chrysler has assured the public and its customers that it will take immediate corrective action. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail by April 12, with instructions on how to proceed. Chrysler dealerships will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts at no cost to the vehicle owners, reflecting the company's adherence to safety standards and regulations. Vehicle owners seeking more information or assistance are encouraged to contact Chrysler customer service.
This recall is part of a larger pattern of vehicle safety issues Chrysler is addressing. In another filing with the NHTSA, also made public on February 27, the company announced the recall of 9,433 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L models from the 2023 to 2024 model years. This separate recall is due to a headlight issue that could impair drivers' ability to quickly activate the high beams, potentially increasing the risk of accidents in low-light conditions.
Moreover, a recall filing released by the NHTSA on February 16 highlighted a software error in approximately 199,000 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles that could cause the defrosting and defogging system to fail. This defect, which affects visibility under certain conditions, further emphasizes the challenges vehicle manufacturers face in ensuring the reliability of their products' technological features.