Jeep Wrangler Recall Issued Due to Airbag Failure Risk

Fiat Chrysler will recall nearly 500,000 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, due to problems with the driver-side airbags, which may to fail to deploy in an auto accident and increase the risk of serious injury or death. 

The Jeep Wrangler airbag recall was announced by the auto maker on May 18, due to a risk that excessive dust and dirt may accumulate behind the steering wheel, causing a disruption in the airbag control system. This may cause the airbags to fail, although the manufacturer indicates that it has not yet received any reports of injuries due to the airbag problems.

The recalled Jeep Wrangler’s driver’s side airbags are located behind the steering wheel, and have a clockspring forming part of the circuit that helps control the airbag function. FCA’s investigation has revealed that an excessive amount of dust and dirt from extensive off-road driving may allow the debris to enter the clockspring and prevent the airbag from deploying.

An accumulation of debris that may disable the airbag will activate an airbag warning light on the dashboard display.

These vehicles are more susceptible to excessive exposure to dirt and dust due to their off-road driving capability with the vehicle’s top and/or doors removed.

The recall includes an estimated 500,000 Jeep Wrangler vehicles sold worldwide, with 392,464 sold in the United States, 35,412 sold in Canada, 8,529 in Mexico, and 62,580 distributed for sale outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The recall affects model years 2007 through 2010 Jeep Wranglers and an estimated 7,400 2011 through 2016 Wranglers with right-hand drive that were mostly sold for mail delivery use.

The recall stems from an investigation opened last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which identified nearly 500 customer complaints indicating their Jeep Wrangler vehicle displayed the airbag warning light on the dash for unknown reasons. An official inquiry from the NHTSA prompted FCA to initiate an investigation resulting in the recall.

FCA is currently organizing a notification process that will inform owners on how to schedule a free repair appointment. Dealers will install a new steering wheel back cover and a steering column shroud to prevent dust and dirt accumulation behind the wheel. Customers with questions may contact FCA U.S. Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403 for further questions.