Stellantis has issued a safety recall for the recently launched 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L (WL) for a radio update. The recall was issued as a safety recall since it addresses backup camera concerns, amongst other things. As expected in most early production build vehicles, there are several software bugs to work out.
However, one concerning one was that customers would get a blank screen instead of a camera-view of the rear-facing camera when the vehicle was placed in “Reverse”. Without the backup camera displaying on the infotainment system, backing without verifying it is safe to do so could lead to an increased risk of injury to people outside the vehicle.
We are told by Jeep, that the backup camera issue fails to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) No. 111 S6.2.6 which requires the rear visibility system default to the rear-view image being visible, and meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 111 S6.2.1 (field of view) and S6.2.2 (image size) at the beginning of each backing event, regardless of any modifications to the field of view that the driver had previously selected.
Jeep has informed us that a firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) update will be available in a few weeks. But for those wanting a more immediate update, can contact their local dealer to have the software update completed early.
This software update will address the following issues…
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Inoperable Issues
- Language In Italian
- Resets
- Bluetooth Disconnects
- Blank Screen/Backup Camera
- Slow to Respond/Lockup
- Radio Functions Inoperable Issues
Dealers will install the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters have already been mailed, and details have been sent to their Uconnect app. Owners may contact Stellantis customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Stellantis US’s number for this recall is Y67. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Be sure to check out our dedicated WLJeepForum.com website for all the latest news and information surrounding the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, and Grand Cherokee 4xe.
