NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
8 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 3, 2025
SteeringSuspensionWheels
My jeep has just started this problem going lower speeds and hitting a bump in the road. All of the sudden my jeep will start to shake violently and will not stop until I slow way down almost to a stop. It is happening approx. 8 to 15 times every day now. I no longer can go even one day without this happening. I believe it is ca…
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My jeep has just started this problem going lower speeds and hitting a bump in the road. All of the sudden my jeep will start to shake violently and will not stop until I slow way down almost to a stop. It is happening approx. 8 to 15 times every day now. I no longer can go even one day without this happening. I believe it is called the death wobble. the shaking is so bad that it has steered me into oncoming traffic twice. I don't even want to drive it anymore and I love my jeep. I am frustrated because i have a 2017 jeep wrangler with a 09/2017 manufacture date and Jeep offered a recall on 2018 and 2019 Jeeps but not mine.
NHTSA ODI #11640406
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Driving on Highway multiple times 60-65 mph hit a bump or groove on highway jeep start wobble so bad couldn't hardly control it. July 08, 2024 driving on highway 60-65 mph crossing bridge with grooves or small bump jeep went into wobble, steering wheel flipped upside down I grab tight as it is wobbling to left turning trying not…
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Driving on Highway multiple times 60-65 mph hit a bump or groove on highway jeep start wobble so bad couldn't hardly control it. July 08, 2024 driving on highway 60-65 mph crossing bridge with grooves or small bump jeep went into wobble, steering wheel flipped upside down I grab tight as it is wobbling to left turning trying not to hit truck as i had no steering control hit another bump thank god and it push to the right and I was able to got to side off highway.. As I am trying to figure whats wrong I look underneath jeep and bar bolted to frame broke frame of 2017 jeep rubicon unlimited.. I had looked at and told that it was very lucky and need to take to jeep dealership frame so weak it can be bent by hand. So please I am thankful it was just me in the vehicle and thankful for the second bump that steered me to the right and i did not hit the truck next to me with kids in it. .
NHTSA ODI #11600641
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2024
Suspension
Vehicle has severe death wobble that began around teh 90K mile mark. Have spent several thousand dollars replacing front suspension components, shocks, etc...and nothing will correct the issue. When talking to the local dealership, they indicated that they had a fix, but would not guarantee that if I spent XYZ dollars on said fi…
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Vehicle has severe death wobble that began around teh 90K mile mark. Have spent several thousand dollars replacing front suspension components, shocks, etc...and nothing will correct the issue. When talking to the local dealership, they indicated that they had a fix, but would not guarantee that if I spent XYZ dollars on said fix that the problem would be corrected. There are zero modifications to the suspension and no monster sized tires on this vehicle that would contribute to this. This has been ongoing for 6 months or more. The issue arises at highway speeds, whenever a bump in the road is crossed over. To make the wobble stop involves making a complete stop, which isn't the easiest thing on the interstate with vehicles going past at 70MPH or more...
NHTSA ODI #11564143
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Suspension
Severe "death wobble" at speeds over 40MPH occurs at random times, usually at highway speeds. Have replaced steering damper, shocks, upper and lower control arms, front u-joints, etc....and these repairs have only masked the problem. The OEM suspension is completely unmolested...no lifts, etc. Tires were replaced around 55-60K m…
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Severe "death wobble" at speeds over 40MPH occurs at random times, usually at highway speeds. Have replaced steering damper, shocks, upper and lower control arms, front u-joints, etc....and these repairs have only masked the problem. The OEM suspension is completely unmolested...no lifts, etc. Tires were replaced around 55-60K miles with a slightly wider tire. Wobble started around 95-100K miles. Currently around 115K miles on vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11558718
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2022
SteeringSuspension
I am the original owner of a 2017 RHD Jeep Wrangler with 15,538 miles on the odometer. While under normal driving conditions, the trackbar bracket on the frame side broke away from the frame. Upon inspection by the dealership, it was noted that only one side of the bracket had been welded at the factory. Jeep will not accept fau…
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I am the original owner of a 2017 RHD Jeep Wrangler with 15,538 miles on the odometer. While under normal driving conditions, the trackbar bracket on the frame side broke away from the frame. Upon inspection by the dealership, it was noted that only one side of the bracket had been welded at the factory. Jeep will not accept fault and since my vehicle exceeds the 36 month warranty they state that I am responsible for all repair costs. Prior to this issue, I noticed over the previous year a slight shimmy in the front end thinking my tires were out of balance even when I had them rebalanced and had them rotated. I have been speaking to Jeep who has been unresponsive and evasive. I recently heard about other such incidences online and from JK forum which was recently validated by my insurance company who has rejected my claim for repairs because it is classified as a known fault.
NHTSA ODI #11447105
Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2019
Power TrainSeatsSuspensionInjury
GEARS POP OUT WHILE IN REVERSE AND GRIND WHEN IN REVERSE MY JEEP IS COVERED IN RUST AND SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL APART THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY SOLD ME A BRAND NEW RUSTY JEEP THAT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE EVEN CHRYSLER IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME. I HAD SEVERAL LEAKS AROUND THE DOORS WINDOW AND THE TOP AND STILL THEY REFUSE…
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GEARS POP OUT WHILE IN REVERSE AND GRIND WHEN IN REVERSE MY JEEP IS COVERED IN RUST AND SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL APART THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY SOLD ME A BRAND NEW RUSTY JEEP THAT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE EVEN CHRYSLER IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME. I HAD SEVERAL LEAKS AROUND THE DOORS WINDOW AND THE TOP AND STILL THEY REFUSE AS WELL AS ME AND MY GRANDSON HAVE CUT OUT HANDS ON SHARP EDGES ON ALL THE SEATS AND TWO OF THE REAR SEAT THE SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK
NHTSA ODI #11291001
30 miles · Sep 23, 2019
SteeringStructureSuspension
VEHICLE DELAYS WHEN STARTING AT TIMES. NOT ALWAYS. TURN THE KEY AND WAIT ABOUT 2 SECONDS THEN IT WILL CRANK. RADIO GOES BLANK AT TIMES. AFTER POWERING VEHICLE OFF AND ON IT COMES BACK ON. BIGGEST CONCERN IS THE STEERING AND THE HOOD. HOOD HAS COME UP ENOUGH TWICE TO BREAK THE BLACK STRAPS THAT HOLD IT DOWN. AFTER TH…
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VEHICLE DELAYS WHEN STARTING AT TIMES. NOT ALWAYS. TURN THE KEY AND WAIT ABOUT 2 SECONDS THEN IT WILL CRANK. RADIO GOES BLANK AT TIMES. AFTER POWERING VEHICLE OFF AND ON IT COMES BACK ON. BIGGEST CONCERN IS THE STEERING AND THE HOOD. HOOD HAS COME UP ENOUGH TWICE TO BREAK THE BLACK STRAPS THAT HOLD IT DOWN. AFTER THE 1ST TIME I REPLACED WITH JEEP SUPPLIED REPLACEMENT PARTS BUT IT STILL HAPPENED AGAIN. LOCAL DEALER WHERE I WENT TO GET PARTS CLAIMS IT'S A REGULAR PROBLEM AND JEEP OWNERS NEED TO JUST DEAL WITH IT. WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 55MPH FEELS LIKE THE JEEP IS GOING TO JUST COME APART. GETS VERY LOOSE AND I SLOW BACK TO UNDER 55. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER, NOT WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY CLAIM EVERYTHING LOOKS NORMAL. SOMETHING IS WRONG, I BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER DEALER, A TOYOTA DEALER, THEY PLACED IT ON THE RACK AND CLAIM THERE IS TOO MUCH PLAY WITHIN THE STEERING. THEY DID NOT MAKE ANY CORRECTIONS AS THE RECOMMEND JEEP FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY. WENT BACK TO JEEP DEALER AND THEY INSPECTED AND CLAIM ALL IS FINE. TRUTH IS IT IS NOT FINE, IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY JEEPS AND NONE DROVE LIKE THIS ONE. I REACHED OUT TO A JEEP FORUM AND IT TURNS OUT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM A LOT OF PEOPLE MENTIONED BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET JEEP TO CORRECT. MOST PEOPLE CLAIM THEY HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET TO GET A BETTER SWAY BAR. MOST SAY THEY STILL HAVE FACTORY WHEELS AND SUSPENSION, NO ADDED LIFTS.
NHTSA ODI #11257542
11,000 miles · Sep 12, 2019
SuspensionCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR AND J-LINK SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND STRUCK A MAIL BOX, FENCE, AND CONCRETE WALL, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER TO SEPARATE AND LEAK FLUID. THE CONTACT STATED TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR AND J-LINK SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND STRUCK A MAIL BOX, FENCE, AND CONCRETE WALL, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER TO SEPARATE AND LEAK FLUID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT STRUCK A METER AT A PROPANE DISTRIBUTION CENTER, CAUSING A PROPANE LEAK. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 201901663 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NOSE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,328. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11255065
Official recalls
5Sep 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3EA21002 · 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.