Brace yourself, Jeep owners: a major recall could affect your ride. Chrysler, under the Stellantis umbrella, has announced a significant safety issue with over 120,000 Jeep SUVs. This isn’t just a minor glitch—it’s a head restraint problem that could heighten injury risks in a crash.
According to USA Today, Chrysler’s recall, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 17, 2024, targets specific 2023 and 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L models, totaling 121,398 vehicles.
This issue first came to light with concerns over second-row seat head restraints. These restraints, meant to protect passengers, may fail to lock in the upright position due to an internal mechanism interference. Chrysler’s own words on the NHTSA site are chilling: “Head restraints that don’t lock” could spell trouble in a collision.
Let’s break down the numbers. The recall affects 78,157 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles built between May 16, 2023, and May 2, 2024, alongside 43,241 Jeep Grand Cherokee L models made from May 16, 2023, to January 30, 2024.
That’s a narrow production window, but a huge volume of vehicles. If you own one of these models, manufactured during those dates, you’re likely in the crosshairs of this safety alert.
Stellantis didn’t sit idle after identifying the flaw. An investigation kicked off in August 2024, followed by nine months of intense collaboration with engineering teams to pinpoint the affected units. This wasn’t a quick PR stunt—it was a methodical hunt for answers.
The core problem? The second-row head restraints in these Jeeps have a locking mechanism that can jam, failing to secure properly. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a direct threat to passenger safety during accidents.
Imagine a crash where the headrest flops uselessly instead of protecting you. That’s the nightmare scenario Chrysler is racing to prevent with this recall.
Thankfully, there’s a fix—and it won’t cost owners a dime. Chrysler dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace both second-row head restraints at no charge. It’s a rare win for consumers in an era of nickel-and-diming.
Timing is critical here. Chrysler plans to notify dealers by July 24, 2024, and vehicle owners by September 5, 2024. Mark those dates if you’re in the affected group.
Need answers sooner? Reach out to Stellantis customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall number 20C. For NHTSA records, the campaign number is 25V472000.
From a free-market perspective, Chrysler’s proactive stance is commendable, but it also raises questions. Why did it take nearly a year to nail down the issue after the investigation began? Efficiency matters, especially when safety is on the line.
For Jeep owners, this recall isn’t just a safety concern—it’s a financial one. Resale values could take a hit if buyers shy away from recalled models, even post-repair. Consider this before trading in.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for savvy investors. Stellantis stock might face short-term pressure from recall costs, but a swift, transparent fix could bolster long-term trust in the brand. Keep an eye on market reactions.