Major Safety Recall: 121,000+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs Affected by Head Restraint Defect
Urgent Safety Notice
Stellantis has issued a critical safety recall affecting 121,400 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles due to potentially faulty second-row head restraints that may fail to lock in the upright position, increasing injury risk during collisions.
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Detailed Recall Information
Automotive safety regulators and Stellantis (Jeep's parent company) have identified a significant safety concern in recent model year Grand Cherokee SUVs. The recall specifically targets:
| Affected Models | Model Years | Production Dates | Defect Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL platform) | 2023-2024 | January 2022 - June 2024 | Second-row outboard head restraints |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L (three-row version) | 2023-2024 | January 2022 - June 2024 | Second-row outboard head restraints |
Understanding the Safety Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has classified this as a moderate-to-high risk safety issue. The defective head restraints may:
- Fail to lock properly in the upright position during normal operation
- Provide inadequate support during rear-impact collisions
- Increase whiplash risk for second-row passengers
- Compromise child seat safety when used with certain restraint systems
According to NHTSA crash test data, properly positioned head restraints reduce rear-impact neck injury risk by 24-44% compared to poorly adjusted restraints.
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Repair Timeline and Owner Actions
Official Repair Process
Stellantis will begin notifying affected owners via first-class mail starting September 5, 2024. Authorized Jeep dealerships will:
- Inspect second-row outboard head restraint mechanisms
- Replace defective components at no cost to owners
- Verify proper locking functionality post-repair
What Owners Should Do Now
If you own a potentially affected Grand Cherokee:
- Check your VIN immediately on the NHTSA recall website
- Test your head restraints by attempting to push them down - they should lock firmly in place
- Contact your dealer if you notice any movement or inability to lock
- Limit second-row usage until repairs are completed if issues are found
Technical Background on the Defect
Internal Stellantis engineering reports indicate the issue stems from potential:
- Manufacturing variances in the head restraint locking mechanism components
- Material fatigue in certain production batches of the release buttons
- Assembly line calibration issues at specific production facilities
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The problem was discovered through warranty claims and subsequent quality control audits conducted in Q2 2024.
Comparative Industry Context
Head restraint-related recalls have become increasingly common across the automotive industry:
- 2023: Ford recalled 238,000 Explorers for similar issues
- 2022: BMW recalled 128,000 vehicles for head restraint failures
- 2021: GM addressed head restraint problems in 189,000 SUVs
Industry analysts attribute this trend to increasingly complex head restraint designs that incorporate energy-absorbing materials and active safety features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the repair take?
Dealers estimate most repairs will be completed in under 90 minutes, though appointments are recommended.
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Is my vehicle safe to drive before repair?
While not an immediate failure risk, NHTSA recommends minimizing second-row occupancy until repairs are completed.
What if I already paid for related repairs?
Stellantis may reimburse qualifying repair expenses - contact their customer service at 800-853-1403 (recall code 20C).
Additional Safety Resources
For more information on vehicle safety and recalls:
