Jeep issues a new recall to deal with a familiar issue that could cause the steering wheel-mounted airbag to malfunction
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The Jeep Wrangler is known for one thing above all else: its ability to go off-roading. But leaving the paved road can be hard in any way you might not expect, as a new recall over a familiar issue with the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and its clockspring shows.
A clockspring is a special conductor that allows the steering wheel to maintain its electrical connection to the rest of the vehicle while it spins. Unfortunately, in 2016, Jeep discovered that the design of the clockspring used in the 2011-2016 Wrangler could allow dust to enter the mechanism.
Contamination could lead the part to fail, leaving drivers without many important features, such as the airbag. That’s a serious problem, especially in a Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle designed to tackle dusty trails, and has removable doors, and a fold-down windshield.
Read: Dust Could Cause The 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder’s Hood Could Fly Open While Driving
As a result, the automaker launched a recall campaign in 2016 that affected around 7,200 vehicles. However, in February 2024, Jeep realized that the repair campaign had not been thorough enough, and has now issued a new recall of an additional 1,831 vehicles in the U.S. that might still have clocksprings that could be contaminated.
Fortunately, in its initial recall, Jeep wrote that drivers would be warned of an issue before an accident via the airbag warning light on the dash. The automaker says that it is aware of 21 customer assistance records related to this latest recall, but has received zero warranty claims, and is not aware of any injuries or accidents stemming from it.
Jeep will contact the affected vehicle owners for a fix, starting in May 3. They will be asked to return their vehicle to a nearby dealer where the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds will all be replaced free of charge. The new parts are designed to have larger shrouds, covers, and gaskets to prevent contamination.
