Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

February 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 18,  2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), has remedied 26,389 vehicles including the 2020 Jeep Wranglers with clutch pressure plate issues that might overheat in certain conditions. In addition to this, 849 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 380 have been removed from the recall. All these 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers that had these Clutch Pressure Plate issues were remedied during 2021.   

Auburn Hills, MI – February 11,  2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 42,887 Jeeps because a part of the clutch may overheat and fracture, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following manual transmission vehicles:

  • 2018 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2019 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2021 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Gladiators
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiators

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the clutch, specifically the clutch pressure plate, which temporarily stops the “transmission of engine power” to allow the driver to switch gears. Due to excessive friction because of a design error, the plate may overheat. The heat may fracture the pressure plate and the resulting hot debris could land on flammable parts of the car, causing a fire.

Prior recall

All vehicles that were part of a similar Jeep recall in 2020 are included in this latest recall. In this recall, Jeep blamed the problem on “air in the hydraulic system,” and the repair involved rerouting the vehicles’ wiring. Testing performed for this recall showed that with excess friction, the clutch could reach 2,012 degrees Fahrenheit, plenty hot to ignite other parts of the car. It is not clear whether this latest recall supersedes the first one.

Recent Jeep recalls

In December of 2021, 2,903 2021 Jeep Wranglers were recalled due to faulty odometers that may fail to display the distance traveled.

A Jeep recall in 2019 of 2011-2018 Wranglers concerned a weak seat belt mount which could fracture and separate from the seat, rendering the belt useless. 

‘The entire vehicle was burned to ashes’

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received numerous complaints describing burning clutch smells, fractured clutch pressure plates and clutch-related fires in vehicles included in the 2020 and 2021 recalls.

Many drivers reported a “burning clutch smell.” This odor may be a sign that the clutch pressure plate is about to fail, according to Chrysler’s report to NHTSA.

Other complaints illustrate the worst-case scenario. “While my 16-year-old daughter and I were driving on the FL 528/Beachline Expressway, the entire clutch pressure plate assembly exploded off my vehicle,” said one Florida driver’s report. “Fluids drained and ignited. The entire vehicle was burned to ashes.”

Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no injuries have been reported thus far in connection with the latest recall.

Safety concerns

Chrysler acknowledged that a fractured clutch pressure plate could also generate road debris, creating a hazard for other drivers on the road.

Vehicle fires increase drivers’ and passengers’ risk of injury or death. You can read more about what to do if you smell something burning while driving in this article about a 2020 Audi recall.

Repair

Chrysler will add software to affected Jeeps that will reduce the engine torque – essentially how hard the engine works – if the clutch starts getting too hot. Owners who have already paid to repair their clutch pressure plate may be eligible for reimbursement. Recall notification letters will be sent to owners on March 21.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 42,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To see if your Jeep is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch
FCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction

FCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction

October 28, 2020 Rebecca Rand , , ,

Pleasanton, CA – July 27, 2022 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE: FCAU) has remedied issues with 1.119 vehicles including the 2019-2020 RAM 1500 pickup that was dealing with front seat belt issues. Additionally, 26 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 16 have been removed from the recall. One group of these 2019-2020 RAM 1500 pickups was remedied in 2020, 4 groups in 2021, and 1 other group was remedied in 2022 due to these seat belt locking issues.

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 25, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE: FCAU) has recalled 2,114 SUVs and pickup trucks, and SUVs whose front seat belts may not lock properly during a crash, putting drivers and passengers at risk of injury. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickups
  • 2019 Jeep Wrangler SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Ram 1500 pickups
  • 2019 RAM 2500 pickups

Recall Summary  

Ever wondered why seatbelts sometimes “lock” up if you yank them too hard? This is a design feature that is meant to make the belt easy to pull over your body and comfortable to move around under but will firmly hold you if you crash. In these recalled Jeeps and Rams, a connection part called the “wave disc” may be misshapen, causing the seatbelt to have a much weaker hold on the driver and front seat passenger.

Chrysler first noticed the problem this July when a seatbelt held the crash dummy less forcefully than it was supposed to during a crash test. A part in the seat belt retractor wasn’t formed correctly, weakening the whole seat belt system.

Chrysler is not aware of any complaints, injuries, or deaths relating to this problem.

Risks

If you’re riding in a pickup truck or SUV and you crash, wearing a functioning seat belt will reduce your risk of injury by at least 60% and your risk of dying by at least 65%. A malfunctioning seat belt may not protect you and could increase your risk of getting hurt.

The repair

Owners will be notified about the recall starting on November 17 and Chrysler will replace the faulty seat belt retractors for free. The repair, however, is not yet available. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,000 vehicles are part of this Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look-up tool.

Rebecca RandFCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction
Chrysler Recalls Jeep, Ram, Dodge Vehicles to Fix Distracting Rear-View Camera

Chrysler Recalls Jeep, Ram, Dodge Vehicles to Fix Distracting Rear-View Camera

May 13, 2020 Joe Glaser , , ,

Laguna Hills, CA – May 12, 2020 – Chrysler (NASDAQ: FCA) announced the recall of several models of Jeep SUVs, Ram pickup trucks, Dodge SUVs and Chrysler minivans equipped with 8.4” or 12” radio displays.

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2020 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Ram 2500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Ram 3500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica
  • 2019-2020 Dodge Durango
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Renegade
  • 2019 Dodge Challenger

Recall Summary

Because of a software error, the rear-view camera image remains displayed after the vehicle shifts out of reverse, which could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

In addition to the safety issue related to distracted driving, Chrysler initiated the recall to ensure vehicles meet federal standards that require rearview cameras to turn off within 10 seconds after shifting out of reverse.

The remedy will be available as early as May 22, 2020. The manufacturer will cover the cost to repair vehicles, which consists of a software update that could take up to a half day to repair at a certified service center.

Driving Risks

The rear-view camera potentially leads to a crash because once the driver shifts into drive, the vehicle is in forward motion while the navigation system displays an image in backward motion. If this were to happen while the driver pulls into traffic or an area with pedestrians, the risks of a crash increase.

The Threat Of Distracted Driving

According to the CDC, distracted drivers pose a serious problem that results in thousands of deaths each year. Several campaigns exist to bring more awareness to the problem, as well as April being designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

In both 2016 and 2017, over 3,000 people lost their lives in a motor vehicle crash involving distracted drivers.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – April 2019

In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classified 9% of traffic facilities as distraction-affected crashes, which means the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. In both 2016 and 2017, over 3,000 people lost their lives in a motor vehicle crash involving distracted drivers.

Other Recent Recalls

Earlier this year, some 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers and 2020 Jeep Gladiators were the subjects of a recall involving the manual transmission. The recall affected almost 30,000 Jeep Wranglers and over 3,400 Jeep Gladiators. In addition to the manual transmission recall, Jeep also recalled over 33,000 Jeep Gladiators because of a clutch defect.

Is Your Vehicle Affected By This Recall?

Over 318,000 cars are included with this Chrysler recall. To find out if your vehicle is one of them, visit MotorSafety.org, where you can search for open recalls on your vehicle, set up an appointment for any needed repairs, and sign up for automatic alerts so you know when your vehicle might be not safe to drive.

Joe GlaserChrysler Recalls Jeep, Ram, Dodge Vehicles to Fix Distracting Rear-View Camera
Jeep Recalls 33,000+ Wranglers and Gladiators Due to Fire Risk

Jeep Recalls 33,000+ Wranglers and Gladiators Due to Fire Risk

March 9, 2020 Marshall Earley

re: NHTSA campaign 20V124000

Laguna Hills, CA – March 3, 2020 – Jeep recalls all 2018 – 2020 manual transmission Wranglers and 2020 manual transmission Gladiators due to a clutch issue.

Gladiator owners may be at particular risk since Jeep has also issued a recall on 2020 models for a rear driveshaft installation error. The clutch recall affects 33,237 vehicles and includes a stop sell order to dealerships, halting sales pending a repair for the issue.

The signs of a failing clutch pressure plate

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles first became aware of a potential safety issue in late 2019. Customer reports indicated early warning signs like extra movement in the clutch pedal and a burning smell. Any change in the feel of the clutch pedal while driving can be an indicator of future trouble.

Driving risks

Too much friction between the pressure plate and the clutch can cause the plate to fracture, potentially releasing hot metal pieces into the engine and undercarriage.

If those pieces hit the gas tank, a sudden fire is possible. Other risks include dropping debris on the road and a sudden loss of power at the wheel, which increases the risk of a crash.

Currently, this defect has resulted in one minor injury and 35 warranty claims related to clutch failure, according to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report. To date, the default has caused no known traffic accidents.

Manufacturer policies to repair recalled vehicles

FCA US has policies in place for car owners that may have paid for repairs out of pocket. Reimbursement is typically available when the vehicle owner submits a copy of the repair receipt for any repairs later subject to a recall.

FCA US has a history of slow repairs and delayed responses to repair reports, but a $105M fine issued in 2015 has sped up the repair cycle.

Scheduling a repair

Any Jeep-certified service center can complete repairs. There is no charge for service on Chrysler recalls. Prevent a Jeep Wrangler fire and find out if your vehicle is part of the recall at MotorSafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyJeep Recalls 33,000+ Wranglers and Gladiators Due to Fire Risk
Some 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts

Some 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts

September 27, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Sept. 26, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced the recall of certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were outfitted with rear driveshafts that may have been incorrectly assembled. The manufacturer estimates that 3,427 vehicles will be affected by the recall, and that roughly 5 percent among that number contain the defect.

The Defect

The defect relates to the monoblock joint, which is a constant velocity joint within the center of the driveshaft.

Chrysler’s depiction of the defect, which they included with paperwork filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, stated: “Certain 2020 MY Jeep Gladiator vehicles built from December 15, 2018 through June 25, 2019 may have a rear driveshaft that was assembled without grease in the monoblock joint portion of the driveshaft.”

Due to the lack of grease, the driveshaft may fracture, which could cause a sudden loss of driving power if the vehicle is in rear-wheel drive mode. Additionally, the driveshaft itself could separate completely from the vehicle and then become a road hazard. To rectify both safety risks, as well as others that may come as a result of the faulty driveshaft, Chrysler has enacted a recall on vehicles that may contain the defect.

Chrysler notes that in vehicles which contain the defect, if the part were to fail as a result, occupants may experience a noise or vibration prior to the driveshaft fracturing.

Timeline of Events

According to the paperwork filed with the NHTSA, Chrysler first became aware of the potential for the defect in June 2019, when it received four rear driveshafts from warranty repairs that had initially been assembled without grease in the monoblock joint. It was determined that the cause of the defect was that the grease bypass button had been activated at the assembly line station while the given parts were being manufactured.

Based on those cases, Chrysler opened an investigation into the matter, and eventually identified additional examples of the defect, including four additional warranty claims (although the company found no field reports, accidents, or injuries relating to the defect). On Aug. 22, 2019, Chrysler determined, in collaboration with the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a recall of the Jeep Gladiator vehicles that may potentially lack grease in the monoblock joint portion of the rear driveshaft.

“The suspect population was determined by reviewing the supplier’s driveshaft production records from the beginning of production of this driveshaft to identify which driveshafts may have been assembled without grease,” according to Chrysler’s records. “Driveshaft traceability records were then linked to vehicle production records to determine the suspect vehicle population.”

The Solution

Chrysler will begin notifying both dealers and owners of vehicles which may contain the defect on Oct. 18. Dealers will inspect the vehicles, and verify that the driveshaft contains grease in the monoblock joint. If not, the driveshaft will be replaced free of charge. Sales of vehicles which may contain the defect have been stopped until this repair has been made.

For more information on Chrysler recalls, and other news involving major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSome 2020 Jeep Gladiator Trucks Recalled For Rear Driveshafts
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