Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs Recalled for Wheel Flaw, 338K Affected

Grand Cherokees, including the Grand Cherokee L, affected by manufacturing problem.

Stellantis has announced a voluntary safety recall that will impact 338,238 Jeep Grand Cherokee sports utility vehicles in the United States. The spotlight is on two particular models: the 2021-2023 Grand Cherokee L and the 2022-2023 Grand Cherokee. These specific vehicles were produced between December 3, 2020, and May 30, 2023.

Based on the safety recall document issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall was triggered by an inquiry instigated on June 26, 2023, focusing on a potentially hazardous flaw found in the pinch bolts of the upper control arm (UCA) that were compromised during the manufacturing process.

One potential issue involves the potential for faulty UCA pinch bolts due to errors in vehicle manufacturing. If the UCA pinch bolt is damaged, there is a chance of the clamp load being reduced between the UCA ball joint and the knuckle. This could have serious repercussions, potentially causing the UCA to detach from the knuckle and the wheel to dislodge. Such a situation poses a major safety hazard and could potentially lead to a car accident. As a precaution, drivers should be on the lookout for unusual noises when driving over bumps.

Stellantis has announced a new record for customer assistance, with 18 warranty claims and one field report being filed in relation to the same issue as of January 24th, 2024. Fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with this problem.

Authorized Jeep dealers will be performing replacements on the compromised upper control arm (UCA) pinch bolts of the impacted cars as a solution. If the components have already been switched out prior to the recall, it is strongly recommended that owners present the original receipts or any form of documentation as proof of payment in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Stellantis plans to inform both dealers and owners about the problem by April 12, 2024. However, if you are among those affected, it is recommended that you proactively reach out to your dealer for a prompt resolution.

The voluntary recall, distinct from last year’s steering column problem that impacted approximately 90,000 vehicles, is currently underway. Fortunately, the 2024 Grand Cherokee SUVs, which recently experienced a significant reduction in price, are not included in the recall.