Peter Palmer: FCA Recalls 182,000 Jeep Wrangler 4×4 for Faulty Airbag Sensors

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is currently recalling 182,308 2016 and 2017 Jeep Wrangler 4×4 vehicles in the United States. The issued recall is to fix airbag sensors which may disconnect during an accident, and thus, not deploy the airbag.

The cause of the problem is a change in the manufacturing and assembly methods on 2016 and 2017 Jeep Wrangler models that can compromise the front two impact sensors, thus completely disabling the airbags and pretensioners in the event of a crash or collision.

In order to speed up the production process, the Wrangler’s plant in Toledo, Ohio, routed the wiring harness to these sensors in a different configuration, when compared to the 2015 Jeep Wrangler.

After conducting an internal crash test in July 2016, FCA observed that the left headlight had rotated and unplugged a connector from one of the sensors, thus never sending the airbags the signal to properly deploy. After finding the fault, FCA reverted to the wire routing found in 2015 and earlier Wrangler models on August 14th of this year.

All 2016 and 2017 Jeep Wrangler models built prior to this date are effected by this recall. FCA announced that dealers will begin repairs on the effected Jeep Wrangler models after Thanksgiving, at no cost to the respective vehicle owners.

Visit safecar.gov for more information on this or any other recall, if you think your vehicle is affected. With regard to pre-owned vehicles, car buyers may not always know the used vehicle they are purchasing still needs to be repaired because of a recall action. NHTSA’s search tools through safecar.gov work by entering a specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). From there, consumers are able to see if a specific vehicle has not been repaired as part of a safety recall in the last 15 years.

Source: FCA, NHTSA