Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is preparing to launch a recall affecting certain Jeep Wranglers from model years 2018 and 2019 due to a potentially faulty weld in the frame that could potentially cause a sudden crash, according to documents posted on the JL Wrangler Forum.
The documents state that some of the Jeeps may have been built “with a front bar bracket weld located off the seam potentially resulting in the bracket separating from the frame.” If this occurs, there may be a reduction in steering response, resulting in a high-speed crash that could result in serious injury or even death to occupants.
At the time news of the problem broke, Jeep owners had not yet been notified of the issue, and the recall has yet to be made official by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the documents indicate that dealerships are aware of the impending recall, and many of the affected Wranglers have not even been sold yet, so dealers are being told to withhold sales for the time being.
Wrangler owners should be notified by the end of the year, but it is not yet clear how the vehicles will be fixed. FCA has confirmed the recall and says the number of affected vehicles is “not big,” and that no accidents or injuries have been reported so far, according to CNET. A spokesperson for the automaker has also confirmed to Jalopnik that “recall notices are pending,” when asked about the issue.
Source: KNXV-TV