Stellantis Issues Recall for 2018-2019 Jeep® and Dodge Models

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has issued a recall affecting 206,502 units of its 2018-2019 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (WK2) and Dodge Durango (WD) models. A defect in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module may cause the brake lights to illuminate incorrectly and could potentially disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) functions. Additionally, affected vehicles may allow the operator to start the vehicle and shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.

These malfunctions increase the risk of several dangerous situations. A vehicle that can start and shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal poses a rollaway risk. Disabled ABS and ESC systems reduce vehicle handling and control, while falsely illuminated brake lights can mislead drivers behind, failing to convey the driver’s true intentions. Each of these issues raises the risk of a collision.

Breakdown of Affected Models – 

Jeep® Grand Cherokee (WK2):

The production of potentially affected Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles began on June 11, 2018, when the suspect ABS modules were first used. This period ended on July 12, 2019, when production shifted away from these parts. Vehicles built outside of this time frame are not included in the recall. In total, 158,054 Jeep Grand Cherokees are affected by this issue.

Dodge Durango (WD):

For the Dodge Durango, the recall affects models produced between June 12, 2018, and July 12, 2019. The total number of Dodge Durango vehicles impacted by this recall is 48,448.

Recall Investigation and Timeline – 

• October 2021: FCA US LLC’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) division initiated an investigation due to increased reports of brake lights staying on in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• January 2022 – May 2022: FCA’s TSRC identified similar issues in Dodge Durango models and conducted an investigation to define the suspect population. As of May 31, 2022, FCA had documented 150 customer assistance records, 216 warranty claims, and 29 field reports related to this problem.
• June 2, 2022: FCA US issued the initial recall (ID 22V-426 and 21A) after no crashes or injuries were reported.
• February – June 2024: FCA US TSRC and ZF engineering identified that the previous remedy did not fully address the brake light malfunction.
• August 2024: TSRC became aware of additional issues, including the loss of ABS and ESC functionality.
• October 31, 2024: FCA US decided to conduct a new recall after identifying no incidents of crashes or injuries related to this expanded issue.

Recall Remedy and Owner Notification – 

A new remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters will be sent on December 5, 2024. Owners can contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403, referring to recall number 94B. This recall supersedes recall number 22V-426, so vehicles previously repaired under 22V-426 will need the updated remedy. Alternatively, owners can reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov.