New Complaints Surface
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reopening an investigation into a rear coil spring defect affecting more than 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models. Interestingly, the issues with these SUVs were supposedly resolved through a recall in 2023. According to the report, at least 20 owner complaints have been filed, raising concerns that the original safety campaign may not have fully addressed the problem.
For context, Jeep previously recalled 114,302 units of the 2022–2023 Grand Cherokee and 217,099 units of the 2021–2023 Grand Cherokee L after determining that some vehicles may have been built with rear coil springs installed out of position. If misaligned, these springs could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and potentially creating road debris that could endanger other motorists.
Safety Risks Could Be Severe
Under the original recall, Jeep instructed dealers to inspect the rear coil spring assemblies and repair them if necessary. At the time, the automaker maintained that the issue was the result of an assembly-related error, not a defect with the coil spring component itself.
However, the emergence of post-remedy complaints has prompted the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) to open a recall query, a formal step that evaluates whether an earlier safety campaign was effective. None of the 20 reported complaints has resulted in injuries or fatalities.
A recall query is largely precautionary, but it carries added weight given the size and mass of the vehicles involved. The Grand Cherokee L, in particular, features a longer wheelbase and a third row of seating, placing greater demands on the rear suspension. A properly functioning suspension system is critical for safely supporting the vehicle’s weight, especially on uneven or bumpy roads where the rear coil springs – supplied by Daewon Kang Up Co., Ltd. – can be subjected to repeated stress.
Back on the Safety Radar
The investigation will focus on identifying additional contributing factors that may not have been addressed during the original recall process. Regulators will also assess whether further corrective action, including a revised remedy or expanded recall, is warranted.
While awaiting the findings of the investigation, Jeep is also dealing with a separate safety-related issue involving the Grand Cherokee’s plug-in hybrid lineup. The automaker has recalled more than 36,000 units of the 2023–2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe, citing potential sand contamination introduced during the engine casting process. According to regulators, this defect could result in a vehicle fire or an unexpected loss of propulsion.
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