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2014 Jeep Wrangler

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Wrangler years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler are substantially higher than the model-year median of 265.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

469 reports with mileage · 185 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.

  • Engine. Review the 322 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports24 fire reports9 injury reports

Power Train complaints

88 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2026
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

Death wobble. Dealership that has it now (Campbell Chevorlet in Bowing green ky) knows and fails to fix or report it.

NHTSA ODI #11726121

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2025
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

ABS MODULE FAILING IN 1000'S OF VECHILES AND JEEP HAS NO SOLUTION TO ANY CUSTOMERS. NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE WORLD WIDE. LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED IN REMOTE PLACES UNABLE TO USE A EXPENSIVE VECHILE. ABS MODULE FAILS AND THEN YOUR VECHIL IS STUCK IN GEAR WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION, SPEEDO FAILS AND VECHILE SITTING ON…

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ABS MODULE FAILING IN 1000'S OF VECHILES AND JEEP HAS NO SOLUTION TO ANY CUSTOMERS. NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE WORLD WIDE. LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED IN REMOTE PLACES UNABLE TO USE A EXPENSIVE VECHILE. ABS MODULE FAILS AND THEN YOUR VECHIL IS STUCK IN GEAR WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION, SPEEDO FAILS AND VECHILE SITTING ON BICKS FOR YEARS UNTIL SOME TIME A PART BECOMES AVAILABLE IN A SCRAPYARD.

NHTSA ODI #11698478

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Starting in March of 2024 the vehicle began to leak copious amounts of oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. It was anywhere from the size of a half dollar to a dinner plate size of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time the Jeep had approximately 103,000 miles. Whil…

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Starting in March of 2024 the vehicle began to leak copious amounts of oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. It was anywhere from the size of a half dollar to a dinner plate size of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time the Jeep had approximately 103,000 miles. While diagnosing the issue, I had to consistently add many quarts of oil to keep the vehicle operating. During the diagnosis stage, there were many instances where a strong burning smell became obvious from the engine compartment. After consulting with two independent certified mechanics, it was determined that the oil filter housing had become compromised and was the source of the oil leak. The cost for repair was $175 for the part and $950 for labor, plus $200 for a rental. Both mechanics that diagnosed the issue advised they both had replaced this same part on many other Jeep Wrangler JK between the years of 2014-16. While the burning smell was indicative of a possible fire at some point, one mechanic did say one other jeep that had this part fail did catch on fire due to the oil running down through the heated engine as this part is made of plastic and situated on the top side of the engine. Fires were most certainly a life safety concern as this is my primary vehicle for myself and children. The vehicle had all of its maintenance current and properly done, there was no accident or incident to cause this part to crack other than a poor design with cheap parts. The oil clean up during the fix was extensive as it had pooled and ran into multiple locations on the engine. I did not have the vehicle inspected by the manufacturer as it was no longer under warranty and it would have cost even more to have them do the work. No warnings, not even a low oil pressure or check engine light came on. It was the burning smell and oil loss that was visibly noted that identified an issue.

NHTSA ODI #11633539

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

Abs ,traction control, and brake lights stay on I took it to the dealer they told me it was internal failure on the abs module I can't afford 1200$ to fix it I'm in a jeep club this is a common problem it should be recalled and fixed for free it's a safety hazard. And you lose power you can't even pass another car when all the …

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Abs ,traction control, and brake lights stay on I took it to the dealer they told me it was internal failure on the abs module I can't afford 1200$ to fix it I'm in a jeep club this is a common problem it should be recalled and fixed for free it's a safety hazard. And you lose power you can't even pass another car when all the lights are illuminated.

NHTSA ODI #11631545

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2024
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

When it first started, I would have to be going at minimum 55-60 mph. But it got so bad to the point that I would be going 15-20 mph and out of nowhere my vehicle would start violently shaking and my steering wheel would jerk side to side. The ONLY way to get it to stop would be to completely let off the pedals and let it come t…

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When it first started, I would have to be going at minimum 55-60 mph. But it got so bad to the point that I would be going 15-20 mph and out of nowhere my vehicle would start violently shaking and my steering wheel would jerk side to side. The ONLY way to get it to stop would be to completely let off the pedals and let it come to a complete stop by itself. Hitting the brakes could cause it to flip. Having to come to a stop, regardless of the location could cause a serious accident or pile up. Trying to control the steering wheel when this is occurring could cause an accident as well. This is not something that happens here and there. This incident is so frequent that there are websites that try to warn and help others bc it happens so after. Its cost me $4000 trying to fix it. Please look into this and help us resolve this issue before it costs someone their dad or mom or brother or sister, or someone their child or grandchild. Thank you for your time. It is greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ODI #11567664

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2023
Power Train

Oil filter Housing and Intake Manifold had to be replaced dues a coolant leak. "Common" issue on Jeep's they said. But Despite knowing about this issue, the company has never issued a recall, instead, they redesigned the oil filter housing.

NHTSA ODI #11553572

40,000 miles · Dec 14, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was as…

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The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the transmission. An unknown repair was completed. However, the failure reoccurred several months later. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving up a steep hill, the vehicle shut off, almost causing another heavy vehicle to crash into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where an unknown repair was completed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11497433

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2022
Power Train

Parts R2123503AC & 68087998AA which are available for inspection failed while driving my vehicle a day after in was serviced by the dealer. I heard a loud bang emit from under vehicle. At which point all forward motion stopped & the vehicle would not move at all when the accelerator was pressed. The engine was running and all e…

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Parts R2123503AC & 68087998AA which are available for inspection failed while driving my vehicle a day after in was serviced by the dealer. I heard a loud bang emit from under vehicle. At which point all forward motion stopped & the vehicle would not move at all when the accelerator was pressed. The engine was running and all electrical components continued to function. It stopped in the road and was not able to make it to the shoulder without being pushed. Fortunately traffic was light and the vehicles behind me were able to stop before a collision. Had this happened on the highway or at an intersection the outcome could have been much worse. There were no warning lights prior to or after the failure. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer who requested 3 hours of shop time to disassemble the powertrain. At which point i was contacted and told i needed a new transfer case. When i went to look at the transfer case i saw that the transfer case adapter and external housing was rusted and the gears were worn away. (photos) . Upon taking the part to mechanics and another dealer I was informed such wear was not a result normal usage, wear and tear. I opened a case with FCA (82582111) to enquire as to how the failure occurred. The FCA nor the dealer provided any explanation as to how the failure occurred. For background , the vehicle was custom ordered from the factory, and purchased new in 2014. It a had 64990 miles at the time of the failure. I'm the original owner & only driver of the vehicle. The vehicle has never been off-roaded or driven through high water. The vehicle has not been modified other than a Mopar 2" lift kit installed by the dealer. All scheduled factory service , maintenance and inspections were performed by the dealer. The extent of the rusting and the wearing of the components would indicate that the issue had been occurring for some time. Yet it was not detectable without the vehicle being lifted and the transfer case removed.

NHTSA ODI #11463551

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2022
Power Train

The vehicle will unexpectedly not be able to shift gears up or down suddenly due to a switch sensor located in the transmission transfer case that malfunctions due to corrosion due to lack of protection on the wiring which is exposed to the elements. I noticed this happening a few times before I had a chance to take it into the …

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The vehicle will unexpectedly not be able to shift gears up or down suddenly due to a switch sensor located in the transmission transfer case that malfunctions due to corrosion due to lack of protection on the wiring which is exposed to the elements. I noticed this happening a few times before I had a chance to take it into the dealer repair shop. When I was on my way home from work commuting through evening rush hour, I was driving at normal residential street speeds and as traffic sped up my car did not shift gears but rather kept revving higher. I was driving along with traffic and noticed as we were slowing down it didn't downshift either. I was able to pull over and inspected the vehicle but didn't notice any wrong. I had to drive home with my hazards and at a set speed as much as possible. It was not a safe situation nor would it be good for the engine had it got pushed harder.

NHTSA ODI #11447563

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2021
Power Train

The other day I was changing the fluids in my transfer case and I noticed that the cv bolts were broken and coming out my Jeep is not lifted nor is there larger tires on it. If these all snapped the possibility the drive shift my fall out. If you contact me immediately I won't proceed with fixing the drive shaft if not I'm repla…

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The other day I was changing the fluids in my transfer case and I noticed that the cv bolts were broken and coming out my Jeep is not lifted nor is there larger tires on it. If these all snapped the possibility the drive shift my fall out. If you contact me immediately I won't proceed with fixing the drive shaft if not I'm replacing it tomorrow.

NHTSA ODI #11422116

Official recalls

4

19V680000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 26, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.

19V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

16V288000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 11, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.

14V632000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Oct 8, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured March 20, 2014, to April 22, 2014, and 2014 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured March 21, 2014, to April 22, 2014. Due to a software error, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may fail to learn the locations of the individual sensors while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate, despite the the tire pressures being within specification. Should one of the tires lose air pressure, the driver would not be notified of the change in air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the TPMS light illuminates because the sensors cannot be located, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the TPMS module, free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P63.

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

4

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.

PE19008 · Seat Belt Buckle Bracket Failure

Opened Jul 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 12, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Jeep Wrangler (JK platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (RHD) use. On August 8, 2019, ODI issued an information request (IR) letter to FCA.The scope of the IR included all JK Wrangler produced for sale in the U.S. (both left- and right-hand drive), and amongst other things, requested any reports or allegations of driver's seat belt bracket failures on these vehicles. In its review of FCA's response, ODI determined that approximately 1.7 million JK Wrangler were produced from MY 2007 to 2018, about 16,000 of which were configured for RHD. ODI notes that the RHD Wrangler are typically used for rural postal delivery which often experience a more severe duty cycle. Also RHD JK was was not produced in MY 2007.As explained in the IR response, FCA identified three distinct populations of JK Wrangler concerning the driver's seat belt bucket bracket; specifically the MY 2007-2018 LHD (~1.7M units), the MY 2008-2010 RHD (4,563 units), and the MY 2011-2018 RHD (11,463 units) populations.FCA provided details on the designs used in each of these populations, identifying specific differences deemed pertinent to the strength and durability of each unique bracket design. FCA further reviewed its analysis of the complaint and warranty data identified under the IR, and noting that it had not identified any allegations of bracket failures on the LHD population, and only one allegation on the MY 2008-2010 RHD vehicles. By comparison, FCA identified 24 allegations of bracket failure for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK, including two reports duplicative of the VOQs. Neither the FCA nor the VOQ reports allege an injury or fatality due to bracket failure. Based on this analysis, FCA decided to conduct a safety recall for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK population. On September 30, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 19V-680 (FCA No. VA6). Under the recall action, FCA will replace the driver's seat belt bracket on MY 2011-2018 RHD Jeep JK Wrangler. The repair will be conducted free of charge.In view of FCA's recall action, and its explanations of the scope of that action, ODI is closing PE19-008. ODI will continue to monitor the non-recalled RHD, and the LHD JK Wrangler for evidence of seat belt bracket failure and will take further action if warranted.The three VOQ reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11190251, 11218472, 11231639.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

DP14004 · Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

Opened Sep 25, 2014 · Closed Jul 24, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V-530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V-115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a NHTSA order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den

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