Auburn Hills, Mich. – Sept. 26, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 22,000 vehicles potentially equipped with noncompliant tire and rim labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Feb. 27, 2017 to Aug. 10, 2017. The car company suspects that 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected vehicles likely have tire and rim labels that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which stipulates that all road-worthy models include labeling showing the “size designation and, if applicable, the type designation of rims (not necessarily those on the vehicle) appropriate for the tire appropriate for use on that vehicle, including the tire installed as original equipment on the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer,” according to the Government Publishing Office. The vehicles named in the recall feature wheels and tires that do not contain the proper information, which may lead to the installation of noncompliant tires or wheels, and therefore increase the likelihood of an accident.

However, FCA has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Aug. 10, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group received an internal report from the Information and Communication Technology division indicating that some 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles originating from the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois had rolled off the line with tire and wheel labels meant for passenger cars, rather than multipurpose models. Officials from the FCA VSRC group immediately reached out to the Quality Center Manager at the BVAP facility, who confirmed the existence of the issue and attributed it to a printing error. QA personnel at the plant instituted a yard hold to prevent noncompliant vehicles from departing.

On Aug. 24, after reviewing production logs for the BVAP plant and confirming non-compliance with FMVSS 110, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee called for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to replace the certification labels in affected vehicles free of charge. The car manufacturer plans to notify both dealers Oct. 20, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. The company will notify owners via first-class mail on or about that same day. Those in need of more immediate assistance leading up to the official recall date can contact Chrysler customer service personnel at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T53. Owners can also reach out directly to the NHTSA via the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Aug. 25, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled more than 3,000 sport utility vehicles possibly equipped with defective instrument control panel software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Renegade SUVs manufactured between June 1, 2017 and July 20, 2017. FCA estimates that 100 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective equipment.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in the campaign could be equipped with ICP software that causes warning lights to illuminate even when no engine problems are present. A newly installed integrated circuit chip system is believed to be the root cause of the error, which renders the affected models noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101. The rule states that indicator signals “must not emit light except when identifying the malfunction or vehicle condition [they are] designed to indicate,” according to the NHTSA.

The defective ICP software creates a serious safety hazard, as drivers could be unaware of actual mechanical issues or other problems that may lead to breakdowns or accidents. However, FCA has yet to receive any reports connecting the problematic software with accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On July 19, 2017, engineers at FCA pinpointed an ICP software error during production and immediately opened an investigation, as they believed the flaw put the affected vehicles in violation of FMVSS 101. Two days later, officials from the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance examined evidence of the software error – video footage, in this case – and compared the issue to the functional requirements set out in the FMVSS. The internal group then connected with individuals from FCA Italy and expressed to them the opinion that the software did indeed pose a serious safety hazard and was in violation of FMVSS 101.

On July 26, FCA chose to conduct an official safety recall. The automaker notified dealers Aug. 2.

The Solution

The car company has directed dealers to update the ICP software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement filed with the NHTSA. FCA is intends to notify owners via first-class mail on or about Sept. 16, 2017. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 7, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled nearly 13,000 vehicles containing user guides with inaccurate jump-starting instructions, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Compass sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 17, 2016 and April 28, 2017. FCA estimates 100 percent of the models named in the recall are equipped with the faulty information.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain user guides with inaccurate jump-starting instructions. These flawed reference materials feature an image of the Jeep Compass battery terminal with reversed polarities. This not only confuses owners in need of assistance, but also creates a serious safety hazard, as attaching jump starting cables in the manner shown in the instructions may produce a dangerous electrical charge. However, the FCA has not received reports of any accidents or injuries connected to the inaccurate user guides.

Timeline of Events

On May 31, an FCA supplier reported that the user guides installed in some 2017 Jeep Compass models might contain inaccurate information. The car company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group immediately launched an investigation into the supposed issue. Roughly one week later, FCA engineers reviewed the user guides and confirmed that the instructions did indeed contain an error. The VSRC group then initiated an internal review in search of customer complaints, injury reports or warranty claims connected to the defective user guides. This review ultimately uncovered one customer complaint mentioning the inaccurate materials.

On June 30, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the findings and recommended an immediate voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA will order dealers to distribute accurate user guides containing correct jump-starting directions. The automaker has pledged to reimburse owners for the amended instructions, provided they can submit proof of purchase in the form of a receipt or other documentation. FCA plans to notify dealers and owners Aug. 21, 2017. Individuals in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auburn Hills, Mich.—May 22, 2017—Structural issues have led to a new Jeep recall this month, with drivers at possible risk of their vehicles suddenly slowing or failing to park. According to CNet, the recall isn’t scheduled to begin until next month but could affect 1,178 Compass vehicles with the model year of 2017.

The Defect

The source said that these vehicles may not have axles in the correct place, potentially leading to transmission connection problems. Though it could manifest in different ways, the axle that fails to connect with the rest of the transmission could make it difficult to operate the vehicle normally, making basic functions involving the car difficult.

Timeline of Events

• February 2017: The 2017 Jeep Compass first became available for sale, according to Forbes.
• May 2017: Inventory availability increased, the source said, while the CNet piece appeared on May 22.
• June 2017: CNet said this was when the recall itself would actually take place, sometime around June 23.

The Resolution

Before the fix even happens, owners can try engaging the parking brake, since this is not affected by the issue prompting recall. For a long term solution, dealers plan to replace any defective half-shafts in these vehicles to offset the risk of disengagement. The problem is specifically said to be with the “left front half-shaft,” CNet said. Cars.com confirmed that the recall won’t cost owners.

An earlier article from the same source mentioned a December recall launched for a different reason. Some 2016 Jeep Compass models were part of a larger recall that affected a total of 43,000 vehicles from the same year, including other brands, such as Dodge. In addition to stalling, these vehicles could have possibly experienced instrument cluster errors, due to camshaft or crankshaft connector issues.

Fiat Chrysler has announced the recall of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles after a problem was discovered that could prevent airbags from properly inflating. Takata Corporation, the maker of these airbags, has already been involved in a major safety recall.

The Defect

Some 2017 Jeep Cherokees manufactured between Oct. 13, 2016 and Oct. 17, 2016 may have improper welds on the driver’s knee airbag inflator. During a crash, these defects could stop the airbags from opening and protecting the driver.

Timeline

Sept. 24, 2016 – The Tier 2 ARC Automotive Inc. KAB inflators were produced. Maintenance was done on the optical lens covers of the welders used on the inflators.

Oct. 14, 2016 – The Takata Corporation reported two inflator failures in tests.

Oct. 17, 2016 – Takata notified Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Supplier Quality that some inflators had been welded improperly.

Oct. 18, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Suppliers Quality told Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance that an investigation would be needed.

Oct. 18-24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, Takata and ARC considered their immediate response, as well as correctives that could be taken in the long term to address this issue and prevent the problem from spreading to additional parts.

Oct. 23, 2016 – Takata made plans to keep inflators and ensure that they are all validated before being shipped out.

Oct. 24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US determined that it would be best to issue a voluntary recall.

Resolution

Fiat Chrysler will conduct a voluntary recall on all affected vehicles in order to replace the defective inflators. The company also plans to reimburse drivers for any expenses associated with repairing this problem on their own.