Jeep recalls almost 100,000 Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer models over faulty airbag

Jeep issued a recall for new automobile models that include the Grand Cherokee L, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer. The brand that is owned by Stellantis is recalling almost 100,000 vehicles of the said models' latest units.

For its voluntary recall, Jeep cited faulty airbags as the reason. The company explained that the knee airbags may suddenly get disabled without any warning. Jeep further stated that the issue was caused by a software glitch.

Fox Business reported that the airbags installed on the Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer that were released in the second half of 2021 could turn off by themselves. Thus, in case of mishaps, they will not work as they should.

Moreover, based on the documents forwarded to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem was summarized, and it reads: "The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have incorrect software which can disable the driver, passenger, and knee airbags without warning."

It was stated that the issue could be fixed through the simple updating of the software. However, the Jeep units must still be brought to authorized service centers for a check-up and to complete the update. The recall notice mentioned that the frontal and side curtain airbags are not affected by the issue.

Authorized Jeep dealers will reprogram the vehicle's ORC, and this service will be free of charge. Chrysler is expected to send out recall notification letters to owners of the Grand Cherokee 2021 model year, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer 2022 model year on Dec. 30, 2021. Owners can also directly contact Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US' customer service hotline or the NHTSA for more details and vehicle safety.

It should be noted that the FCA US, LLC's number for this specific Jeep recall is Y79. The company's customer service number is 1-800-853-1403.

Finally, Jeep said that it had not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the airbag issue yet. The recall also serves as a warning after engineers discovered the glitch during the production process.