Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has issued a recall for approximately 89,372 units of its popular Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles due to a potential steering control issue. The affected models include the 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL74) and the 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (WL75). An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, posing a risk of loss of steering control.
Drivers may experience play in the steering mechanism and hear unusual noises when turning prior to the intermediate shaft disconnecting. In the event of a disconnected intermediate shaft, the driver may lose control of the steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash without any warning.
The recall encompasses 53,965 units of the two-door Grand Cherokee models produced between October 19th, 2021, and April 4th, 2023. Additionally, 35,407 units of the four-door Grand Cherokee L models built from January 23rd, 2023, to April 4th, 2023, are also affected.
Recall Chronology:
- On February 27th, 2023, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation into the 2023 MY Jeep Grand Cherokee for a potential loss of steering condition.
- From February 2023, through April 2023, FCA US TSRC conducted an analysis of warranty claims and vehicle manufacturing records and determined that the affected vehicles may have been repaired improperly on the assembly line leading to incorrect installation of the steering column intermediate shaft.
- As of April 26th, 2023, FCA US is aware of zero customer assistance records, 15 warranty claims, and zero field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from May 28th, 2022, through March 24th, 2023.
- As of April 26th, 2023, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.
- On May 12th, 2023, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 58A.
To ensure the safety of affected Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, Stellantis urges them to act promptly upon receiving the notification letter and arrange an inspection with an authorized dealer. The company’s dedicated customer service team is available to answer any questions or concerns regarding the recall process.
In addition to contacting FCA US, LLC, owners may also reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit their official website at www.nhtsa.gov for further information on the recall.
