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2017 Jeep Wrangler

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 265.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

159 reports with mileage · 150 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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports21 fire reports15 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

75 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 23, 2024
Service Brakes

The brakes kept grinding and squealing even after we changed them, next the rotors and calipers were done. Then again one by one everything needed to be replaced and still didn't take and we kept smelling burning coming from the tires. We then replaced the master cylinder and the brake lines and still it won't take. I looked it …

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The brakes kept grinding and squealing even after we changed them, next the rotors and calipers were done. Then again one by one everything needed to be replaced and still didn't take and we kept smelling burning coming from the tires. We then replaced the master cylinder and the brake lines and still it won't take. I looked it up and there are countless complaints on this and Chrysler/Jeep do nothing about this huge safety risk ! Answers to your questions 1. Braking system as a whole and yes it can't move 2. If you do not have brakes in a vehicle you cannot stop so unsafe for the driver and everyone on the road bc of collision. 3. Yes my mechanic has re done this job multiple times and agrees there is a defect going on, not normal. 4. I did not know I needed my insurance or the police involved, the dealership is a joke. 5. No warning sensors or a heads up, just does it.

NHTSA ODI #11590337

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2023
Service Brakes

Dear Sir(or Madam), My Driver Side Rear Cailper locked up (AGAIN) and my Rear Brakes, Cailper and Rotors had to be replaced (AGAIN) this is the second time I had this problem since I purchased this Jeep that I had the Cailper locked up. Jeep has a real problem with this happening. The last time this happened I had a warranty…

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Dear Sir(or Madam), My Driver Side Rear Cailper locked up (AGAIN) and my Rear Brakes, Cailper and Rotors had to be replaced (AGAIN) this is the second time I had this problem since I purchased this Jeep that I had the Cailper locked up. Jeep has a real problem with this happening. The last time this happened I had a warranty this time I don't. The last 3 Wranglers I have purchased had the same problem, if this isn't a safety problem it shoud be. I have not received a Repair Order as of yet but will summit it when I do get it.

NHTSA ODI #11561200

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2023
Service BrakesFire

2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with 44,000 rear brake calipers sticking and burning smell. Had brake pads and calipers replaced on all 4 wheels. At approx 60K miles, rear brakes were sticking and smoking. Right brakes wearing unevenly compared to the left side, both front and rear. Caliper seals are leaking. Replaced 4 brake hoses…

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2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with 44,000 rear brake calipers sticking and burning smell. Had brake pads and calipers replaced on all 4 wheels. At approx 60K miles, rear brakes were sticking and smoking. Right brakes wearing unevenly compared to the left side, both front and rear. Caliper seals are leaking. Replaced 4 brake hoses, Calipers and Pads AGAIN. At 70K miles rear brakes locked up and caused a fire on the rear passenger wheel which created unsafe driving conditions with 2 small children on board. I had to stop on the side of a 2 lane road with small shoulder, quickly evacuate the children onto the shoulder of the road and extinguish the fire using an on-board suppression device. We then had to wait for towing assistance on the side of the road for 90 minutes. Brakes, Hoses, Calipers replaced all around. Again.

NHTSA ODI #11543370

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2023
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

2017 Jeep Wrangler, approx 46k miles, driven gently (only highway and city), well-maintained. Problems with Brake Calipers seizing. Back Driver calipers/lines/pad/etc replaced. ABS and brakes jammed last week. Front and Back Passenger calipers, rotors, brake fluid lines and brake pads advised by mechanic. Brakes temping 550 -…

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2017 Jeep Wrangler, approx 46k miles, driven gently (only highway and city), well-maintained. Problems with Brake Calipers seizing. Back Driver calipers/lines/pad/etc replaced. ABS and brakes jammed last week. Front and Back Passenger calipers, rotors, brake fluid lines and brake pads advised by mechanic. Brakes temping 550 - unreadable (temp gun wouldn't register) Mechanic recommends unsafe to drive because brakes could seize and cause sudden stop and/or accident Dealer says too bad, normal wear and tear. This is our family's 10th Jeep, and NOTHING has happened like this before. Seems like a safety issue perhaps that Jeep should be addressing rather than putting on the consumer (who will no longer purchase Jeeps)

NHTSA ODI #11539082

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2023
Service Brakes

A check engine light came on and when diagnosed it was the Electronic Vacumn Pump which runs the braking system. I see there is a TSB from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) about this problem.. Case Number: S1805000006 Release Date: 02/24/2020 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: ESC Light Illuminated. DTC C1252-92 VACUUM PUMP CONTROL CIRCUI…

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A check engine light came on and when diagnosed it was the Electronic Vacumn Pump which runs the braking system. I see there is a TSB from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) about this problem.. Case Number: S1805000006 Release Date: 02/24/2020 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: ESC Light Illuminated. DTC C1252-92 VACUUM PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT And Or P258B ELECTRONIC VACUUM PUMP PERFORMANCE Discussion: If ABS has C1252-92 Active or Stored do not replace the brake system module (ABS). PCM may also have set P258B-00. The faults are pointing to vacuum pump system having an issue maintaining vacuum levels. Please check the vacuum pump operation, fusing, wiring, and connector for proper functionality. Poor connections, spread pins, damaged connectors are possible causes. Perform the diagnostic for the DTC P258B regardless if it is set or not, since it is more compressive of a test than C1252-92. In addition when checking Vacuum lines, please ensure to check Vacuum hoses and check valves between the engine intake, booster and vacuum pump. Because the check valves only allow flow of air on one direction, each vacuum circuit must be checked separately to make sure there are no leaks, kinks or damages. Please refer to the correct vacuum diagram. For KL vehicles: inspect ALL under hood grounds for connection and contact issues. My Jeep is at the Ford Dealership I work at at this time. Didn't want to drive any farther than I had to at this time.

NHTSA ODI #11539006

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2023
Service Brakes

Front driver side brake caliper was sticking on right after I bought the car at approximately 86000 miles! I found an article about there being updated hoses right after my car was manufactured. The updated hoses are on the front brakes. Of course I read this article after assuming it was the caliper cause I couldn't squeeze the…

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Front driver side brake caliper was sticking on right after I bought the car at approximately 86000 miles! I found an article about there being updated hoses right after my car was manufactured. The updated hoses are on the front brakes. Of course I read this article after assuming it was the caliper cause I couldn't squeeze the caliper piston in. I replaced it, with the same results! After I replaced the hose, its fine now. So I cut the hose in sections to found out where the hose was pinched, and its where the hose is crimped in a metal bracket that bolts to the axle. I have a picture of the part of the hose, I cannot see through tiny 3" section or stick a pin through it! I'm assuming the bracket rusted and pinched that section off.

NHTSA ODI #11538460

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2023
Service Brakes

The vehicle has 55,000 miles on it. BOTH brake calipers were stuck and grabbing. A complete front end redo for brakes & calipers at very low mileage. When braking to stop, it was all over the road and unpredictable.

NHTSA ODI #11523403

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2022
Service Brakes

The Front brake calibers ( both ) right and left have completely frozen and locked up under normal operation, twice, since the vehicle was bought new. It created direct emergent highway conditions as the vehicle became uncontrollable and created extremely high heat conditions to the rims/brake pads and bearings. Totaling over…

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The Front brake calibers ( both ) right and left have completely frozen and locked up under normal operation, twice, since the vehicle was bought new. It created direct emergent highway conditions as the vehicle became uncontrollable and created extremely high heat conditions to the rims/brake pads and bearings. Totaling over 2 thousand dollars in repairs

NHTSA ODI #11494084

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2022
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

My 2017 Jeep Wranger Sahara Unlimited has 36,000 miles on it and the front right brake caliper seized up. It should not already be faulty with that low of miles. I have done researched and found numerous other people have had the same problem with the same year jeep as mine. I replaced the pads, rotor and caliper on it at my exp…

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My 2017 Jeep Wranger Sahara Unlimited has 36,000 miles on it and the front right brake caliper seized up. It should not already be faulty with that low of miles. I have done researched and found numerous other people have had the same problem with the same year jeep as mine. I replaced the pads, rotor and caliper on it at my expense but it shouldnt have gone bad already. A definate recall should be done

NHTSA ODI #11484658

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Service Brakes

Rear brakes locked up, over heating, burning smell.

NHTSA ODI #11477438

Official recalls

5

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.

18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

18V098000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 8, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The brake switches on these vehicles may malfunction, keeping the brake lights illuminated and/or allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of the PARK position without the brake pedal being pushed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Having the brake lamps continuously illuminated or being able to shift the vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not pressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switches, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U09.

16V849000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Nov 23, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured November 1, 2016, to November 3, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a fuel tank that has a cracked or broken control valve, possibly resulting in a fuel leak in a rollover event, debris in the fuel tank and/or the potential of over fueling the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and Jeep dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace fuel tank and sending unit, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S90.

16V734000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Oct 13, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S76.

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

3

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.

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