← New search

2016 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

872 reports with mileage · 534 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 629 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 314 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 297 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports14 fire reports19 injury reports

Engine complaints

314 reports
Clear category filter
41,000 miles · May 22, 2019
EngineService BrakesSteering

VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, STEERING LOCKS AND THE DASH LIGHTS UP WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAYS PUT VEHICLE AND "PARK" AND THEN SELECT DESIRED GEAR. I HAVE TWO SMALL SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. I KEEP MY VEHICLE UP TO DATE ON MAINTENANCE/SERVICE. I READ O…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, STEERING LOCKS AND THE DASH LIGHTS UP WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAYS PUT VEHICLE AND "PARK" AND THEN SELECT DESIRED GEAR. I HAVE TWO SMALL SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. I KEEP MY VEHICLE UP TO DATE ON MAINTENANCE/SERVICE. I READ OVER 100 PEOPLE'S EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS ON LINE. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT I AM PAYING A CAR PAYMENT, HAVE LESS THAN 45,000 MILES ON A LESS THAN 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, AND HAVING THESE KIND OF SAFETY CONCERNS. WE HAVE ONE VEHICLE, LIMITED MEANS, AND TONS OF THERAPY APPOINTMENTS. TODAY, MY CAR DIED WITH NO WARNING ON A BUSY ROAD, GIVES ME APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS TO PULL TO SAFETY BEFORE THERE IS NO SPEED/ABILITY TO MANUEVER THE VEHICLE. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THE RISK IS SO HIGH, AND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS LISTED ON LINE SHOW A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS AMONG HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES BY JEEP AND NOTHING. THE DEALERSHIPS/SERVICE CONTINUE TO MAKE COMMENTS LIKE "WE WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE". TO BE SPECIFIC: DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR, STRAIGHT FOLLOWING A RIGHT TURN....LOST POWER. LIGHTS WENT ON THE DASH, MESSAGE ABOVE APPEARED. IT TOOK TWO TRIES TO RESTART TO GET ME OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11209296

43,450 miles · May 21, 2019
Engine

MY VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE BRAKES, ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES TAKING A COUPLE OF MINUT…

Read full complaint

MY VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE BRAKES, ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES TAKING A COUPLE OF MINUTES. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ON MAY 6TH ON A BUSY STREET, ONCE ON MAY 9TH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND TWICE ON MAY 11TH ON ANOTHER BUSY STREET. THERE WAS NO OIL IN MY CAR. I WAS NOT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE FOR ANOTHER 3 MONTHS OR 2000 MILES. NO OIL LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON TO WARN ME ALL MY CAR KEPT DOING WAS STALLING TELLING ME TO SHIFT TO PARK. I WAS TOLD BY THE JEEP DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED IN OR ADD OIL BEFORE DRIVING IT TO THEM. THE DEALER EXPLAINED WHEN THE DIPSTICK DOES NOT "FEEL" OIL THE ENTIRE CAR ESSENTIALLY SHUTS DOWN AND LOCKS UP IN ORDER TO "PROTECT THE ENGINE" CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE ALL ABILITY TO CONTROL IT. THEY MIGHT BE PROTECTING THE ENGINE FROM BURNING OIL, BUT TO LOSE FUNCTIONALITY PUTS MY LIFE AND FAMILY IN DANGER. JEEP/CHRYSLER HAVE HAD THIS REPORTED BEFORE AS I FOUND NUMEROUS CASES OF THE SAME STORY. HOWEVER NO RECALL HAVE BEEN ISSUED. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT TOLD ANY OF THIS INFORMATION WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MANY ISSUES HAVE TO BE REPORTED BEFORE SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS BECOME A CONCERN.

NHTSA ODI #11208997

19,000 miles · May 12, 2019
Engine

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR CHECKED OIL THERE WAS NONE I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE FOR 500 MILES I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 19,000 MILES I HOPE THIS IS FIXED IF NOT I WILL BE GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE AND W…

Read full complaint

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR CHECKED OIL THERE WAS NONE I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE FOR 500 MILES I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 19,000 MILES I HOPE THIS IS FIXED IF NOT I WILL BE GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE AN JEEP PRODUCT EVERY AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS I WILL BE CALLING THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY

NHTSA ODI #11207086

71,500 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Engine

THE DIP STICK ONLY REACHING THE TOP 3 QUARTS OF OIL.I WAS TOLD BY THE JEEP DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF MID DRIVE(IN MOTION) TO PROTECT THE ENGINE EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING 70 MPH(ON THE CITY STREET, HIGH WAY, OR LOCAL ROAD AND WHILE TURNING). THIS IS SO THE ENGINE DOES NOT BURN THE OIL. THIS MEANS THAT THE CAR STALLS O…

Read full complaint

THE DIP STICK ONLY REACHING THE TOP 3 QUARTS OF OIL.I WAS TOLD BY THE JEEP DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF MID DRIVE(IN MOTION) TO PROTECT THE ENGINE EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING 70 MPH(ON THE CITY STREET, HIGH WAY, OR LOCAL ROAD AND WHILE TURNING). THIS IS SO THE ENGINE DOES NOT BURN THE OIL. THIS MEANS THAT THE CAR STALLS OUT AND LOOSES POWER AND CONTROL WITH NO NOTIFCATION.

NHTSA ODI #11204812

26,280 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND "SHIFT TO KEY FOR PARK TO SELECT THE DESIRED GEAR" APPEARED ON THE INSTUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE THREE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CALLED SANSONE CHRYSLER J…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND "SHIFT TO KEY FOR PARK TO SELECT THE DESIRED GEAR" APPEARED ON THE INSTUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE THREE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CALLED SANSONE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (LOCATED AT 100 US HIGHWAY, US-1, AVENEL, NJ 07001, (866) 809-9999) AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,280. *DT

NHTSA ODI #11204711

35,675 miles · Apr 17, 2019
Engine

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER JUST A COUPLE MINUTES IN MY SUBDIVISION THE VEHICLE STALLED & WOULD MOVE. I MADE 2 TURNS, ONE RIGHT & ONE LEFT THEN IT STALLED. THE "CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT" WENT ON & SAID "SHIFT TO P THEN DESIRED GEAR". AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT RESTARTED. THE JEEP MANUAL INDICATED NOT TO DRIVE IT WITH THIS CODE SO…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER JUST A COUPLE MINUTES IN MY SUBDIVISION THE VEHICLE STALLED & WOULD MOVE. I MADE 2 TURNS, ONE RIGHT & ONE LEFT THEN IT STALLED. THE "CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT" WENT ON & SAID "SHIFT TO P THEN DESIRED GEAR". AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT RESTARTED. THE JEEP MANUAL INDICATED NOT TO DRIVE IT WITH THIS CODE SO I HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER & THEY DID A PCM FLASH UPDATE. THEY TESTED THE OIL LEVEL & SAID IT WAS FINE. NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AGAIN TOWED IT TO DEALER. THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT & CHANGED THE BATTERY. THEY DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT COULDN'T GET IT TO REPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED & INDICATED THERE WERE NO STORED CODES. THE FOLLOWING MORNING THE VEHICLE STARTED, I BEGAN DRIVING AROUND THE CORNER IN THE SUBDIVISION AFTER TURNING RIGHT AND AGAIN THE VEHICLE JUST STALLED WITH SAME INDICATOR LIGHT & MESSAGE AS THE FIRST TIME. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER & THEY SAID THE OIL WAS LOW, THOUGH THE VEHICLE INDICATED 47% OIL LIFE WITH ABOUT 3,800 MILES SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE, WHICH WAS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AGO. DEALER TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT FOR 1,000 MILES & THEN BRING IT BACK SO THEY CAN DO AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN IT STALLS, AS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE, IT JUST SHUTS OFF & DIDN'T COAST SO I COULD MOVE OVER. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK & DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT, IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY CHRYSLER & THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE NOTIFICATION PRIOR TO IT HAPPENING.

NHTSA ODI #11196844

66,399 miles · Apr 16, 2019
Engine

JEEP CHEROKEE BEGINS TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT HESITATION WHILE IDLE AND UNRESPONSIVE MANEUVERABILITY DURING ACCELERATION. IGNITION COILS FAIL ON 2.4L ENGINE WITH CONSISTENCY - #4, #2, #3 (3 OF 4 IGNITION COILS) CAUSING MISFIRE IN ENGINE CHAMBER. LACK OF CONTROL DURING ACCELERATION / DECELERATION CREATE HIGH CONCERN FOR SAF…

Read full complaint

JEEP CHEROKEE BEGINS TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT HESITATION WHILE IDLE AND UNRESPONSIVE MANEUVERABILITY DURING ACCELERATION. IGNITION COILS FAIL ON 2.4L ENGINE WITH CONSISTENCY - #4, #2, #3 (3 OF 4 IGNITION COILS) CAUSING MISFIRE IN ENGINE CHAMBER. LACK OF CONTROL DURING ACCELERATION / DECELERATION CREATE HIGH CONCERN FOR SAFETY WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND GENERALLY WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11196761

59,017 miles · Apr 6, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

MY VEHICLE JEEP WAS IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN MY JEEP SLOWED WAY DOWN. WHEN I ACCELERATED IT WOULD HARDLY MOVE. MIND YOU I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE!! VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD WITH MY JEEP WHILE IN MOTION …

Read full complaint

MY VEHICLE JEEP WAS IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN MY JEEP SLOWED WAY DOWN. WHEN I ACCELERATED IT WOULD HARDLY MOVE. MIND YOU I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE!! VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD WITH MY JEEP WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY IT JUMPS BUCKS AND REVS UP ON ITS OWN WHEN IT WAS DOING THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT TO BE HOOKED UP TO TESTER TO SEE WHY MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON? HAD TO REPLACE COIL PACK #4 AND I DID IT AGAIN 6 MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD AND HAD TO REPLACE COIL PACK #2. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. MY JEEP ONLY HAS 59064 MILES. I AM VERY SCARED TERRIFIED AND NERVOUS DRIVING ME JEEP.

NHTSA ODI #11194383

55,000 miles · Apr 2, 2019
EnginePower Train

VEHICLE IS LESS THAN THREE YEARS OLD. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE ON TIME. USES OIL, THERMOSTAT HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. SPENT THREE HOURS AT THE DEALERSHIP TO SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE SHIFTER ISSUE. ONE HOUR LATER THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME BACK ON!

NHTSA ODI #11193496

41,500 miles · Mar 31, 2019
EnginePower TrainSteering

WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE BRAKES, ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS GOING UPWARDS OF 25MPH. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT A FEW TIM…

Read full complaint

WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE BRAKES, ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS GOING UPWARDS OF 25MPH. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES TAKING A COUPLE OF MINUTES. THIS HAPPENED ONCE ON THE 14TH OF MARCH AND ONCE ON THE 15TH OF MARCH. I WAS TOLD BY THE JEEP DEALERSHIP THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAVE TOLD PEOPLE TO MAKE SURE TO CHECK THEIR OIL. I WAS TOLD THE DIPSTICK DOES NOT REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN AND ONLY GOES DOWN ABOUT HALFWAY (3 OF THE 6 TOTAL QUARTS THE PAN HOLDS). WHEN THE DIPSTICK DOES NOT "FEEL" OIL THE ENTIRE CAR ESSENTIALLY SHUTS DOWN AND LOCKS UP IN ORDER TO "PROTECT THE ENGINE" CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE ALL ABILITY TO CONTROL IT. THEY MIGHT BE PROTECTING THE ENGINE FROM BURNING OIL, BUT TO LOSE FUNCTIONALITY PUTS MY LIFE IN DANGER. JEEP/CHRYSLER HAVE HAD THIS REPORTED BEFORE AS I FOUND NUMEROUS CASES OF THE SAME STORY. HOWEVER, THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WAS GOING FASTER THAN 27MPH OR IF I WAS NOT IN AN AREA THAT I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT TOLD ANY OF THIS INFORMATION WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR

NHTSA ODI #11192767

Official recalls

9

23V338000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

May 11, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

23V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 27, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

20V343000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Jun 11, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System:wiring

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V590000 · Seats; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Aug 10, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Seats

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

16V284000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

16V287000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

15V826000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Dec 9, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE22009 · Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Oct 29, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Parking Brake:electrical; Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Parking Brake:electrical

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.