2019 Jeep Wrangler

On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI decided to include reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering stiction (loss of power steering) as part of this investigation and parent petition (DP18-004). ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) via information request letters dated March 8, 2019, and February 6, 2020. Supplemental requests for information occurred between July 2020 and July 2023. A review of the responsive manufacturer information showed that vehicles presenting an unexpected reduction in steering ability due to a welding tool misalignment were correctly addressed via recall 18V-675. General complaints concerning the weld appearance were not associated with a realized risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI identified a limited number of reports involving weld separation on vehicles that were out of scope of recall 18V-675. FCA identified various causes of weld quality issues in early production (build dates prior to March 2018) including improper welding techniques on galvanized frames and component part variation leading to off-seam welds. These issues were addressed in production for subject vehicles built after July 2018 and preceded a drop in weld failure reports. ODI reviewed manufacturer and agency reports of weld failures out of scope of recall 18V-675 and did not find any that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. There are no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities as a result of weld failures on vehicles not included in recall 18V-675. Due to the steering related consequence associated with Recall 18V-675, ODI opted to include a request for information regarding various steering issues experienced by vehicles included in this investigation. ODI reviewed manufacturer as well as agency data and determined these various steering issues were not related to any weld defect. Since the opening of this investigation, FCA has addressed the following steering concerns; a. Steering looseness due to material choice in the steering box internal components. FCA released an updated part with an internal component material less sensitive to temperature variances (TSB 08-003-21 REV. A).NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. b. Steering wobble or shimmy due to a manufacturing and design deficiency in the steering damper. FCA released a part via Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) V41 in June 2019 which implemented supplier quality control improvements and design changes due to the presence of air in the base valve which degraded damping performance.NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. c. Steering stiction, or loss of power steering, due to an underpowered steering pump calibration that occurred at highway speeds during cold weather. In December 2021, FCA released CSN Y95 which corrected this issue via software update. Due to the decreased number of consumer complaints, the service campaign appears to have addressed the issue related to an underpowered steering pump. NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The petitioner described a broad list of frame weld deficiencies, including porous welds, excessive slag, lack of weld penetration, over penetration of welds, overweld or weld drip, and weld splash. The weld defects are allegedly located at a variety of locations on the frame assembly.On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP18-004) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. On March 8, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) requesting information on frame weld related issues on all MY 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler 'JL' vehicles. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI opted to include a request for additional information concerning reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering lockup in the March request letter. ODI has performed a preliminary analysis on the information obtained from FCA. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, NHTSA has decided to grant the petition. While reviewing the applicable materials obtained from the manufacturer, ODI identified various reports and references to frame welded component detachments that were outside of the scope of NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675. Additionally, the information that FCA provided did not adequately address whether frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structural integrity of vehicles, and therefore may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Finally, ODI needs to further evaluate the alleged steering-related defects reported through MY 2019 and the alleged defects' relation to weld quality.The petition was granted on September 16, 2019. Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged weld quality deficiencies and steering related concerns on the MY 2018-2019 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed on NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11234967, 11222390, 11219370, 11217080, 1204905, 11179954, 11171786, 11161243, 11155523, 11153044, 11143617, 11142722, 11142426, 11141336, 11141035, 11140637, 11140344, 11140262, 11140085, 11140057, 11139880, 11139866, 11139557, 11139467, 11139436, 11138974, 11138758, 11138757, 11132030, 11129738, 11129667, 11124312, 11120232, 11119676, 11119650, 11119454, 11119450, 11115658, 11115137, 11113029, 11112515, 11110583, 11109903, 11093172, 11088501, 11076098

My 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL has developed a severe, recurring electrical malfunction that causes multiple vehicle systems to fail simultaneously, resulting in unexpected loss of propulsion and the vehicle automatically shifting into Park without driver input. The issue initially began with an intermittent “Service Shifter” warning, particularly when driving over bumps or braking. At first, the vehicle continued operating normally. After several weeks, the problem progressively worsened. Now, numerous dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously, including the battery, oil pressure, and brake indicators. The speedometer fluctuates erratically, and warnings such as “Service Electronic Stability Control” appear. The vehicle begins jerking, slowing down unexpectedly, and eventually loses propulsion. It may initially continue moving, but the malfunction progresses until the vehicle shifts into Park without my input, preventing further operation. During one extremely dangerous incident, the vehicle malfunctioned and became disabled in the fast lane of [XXX], leaving me stranded in active highway traffic. I discovered that physically pressing down on electrical components connected to the dashboard fuse box sometimes temporarily restores normal operation after restarting the vehicle. However, the malfunction continues to recur and has become increasingly frequent. My VIN shows no outstanding safety recalls, but I am concerned about a potential electrical, wiring, power distribution, or electronic communication defect. The exact cause has not been diagnosed. I have video evidence of the dashboard malfunction and warning messages. I am requesting an investigation because this unpredictable failure creates a serious collision risk, particularly at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775399

Incident

Oct 17, 2026

The Jeep shakes uncontrollably when driving over 50 mph. A rapid braking and speed reduction to under 30 mph will stop the shaking but it will occur again and again. Stellantis has built a completely unsafe car. I can no longer drive the vehicle on the highway or with my kids in the car. I want this major safety issue repaired at the manufacturer's expense.

NHTSA ID

11775378

Incident

Nov 3, 2026

voltage regulator chip failure can cause the engine to stall or fail to start completely. Interior dashboard lights and dome lights along w/ windshield wipers going off without prompted happen after vehicle shutoff. Had to jump it to begin to start at times. Similar to recall U87.

NHTSA ID

11774016

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Cluster panel failed. Dashboard is completely dark (ie. no speedometer, fuel guage. etc)

NHTSA ID

11771606

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

On [XXX], my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2.0L turbo) caught fire in the engine compartment while driving, at approximately 101,437 miles. The fire started near the turbocharger and heat shield area. There were no injuries, but the vehicle was moving on a public road with four occupants, including two young children in car seats in the rear, when the fire started. The vehicle had been returned to me four days earlier, after approximately 2.5 months at Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Muskegon, MI for a timing chain replacement. After the fire, I found that the coolant reservoir hose had come off its fitting, and the hose barb appears to have been broken and the hose pushed back on. Several under-hood trim fasteners were also missing. My best assessment is that coolant sprayed onto the hot turbo/exhaust components and ignited. The vehicle has not been altered since the fire and is available for inspection at Watson's in Ludington, MI. I reported the fire to the manufacturer. They directed me to take it to the local dealer, then instructed the dealer not to inspect or work on it. The case was escalated internally, but as of 10/15/2026 no manufacturer inspection has occurred and no one has contacted me. The cause has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. The fire occurred within the vehicle's Certified Pre-Owned warranty period. As of this filing, the manufacturer has not provided towing, rental, or any other assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11771426

Incident

Oct 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the instrument panel cluster suddenly went black. The contact pulled to the side of the road and waited for a family member to follow closely behind to ensure a safe drive, as essential driving information was no longer visible. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster had failed and required a complete assembly replacement. The vehicle was pending repair. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System); however, the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11770770

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

FCA US sent me a written warranty extension (15 years/150,000 miles) for the instrument panel cluster on my vehicle, covering a blank EVIC display with no digital speedometer, fuel level, temperature, odometer, or PRNDL. My vehicle has this condition intermittently. As I was traveling approximately 55 mph my power steering, antilock brakes, speedometer, fuel gauge, traction control, all-wheel drive, and emergency brake warning lights came on/off. I actually lost power steering and was unable to turn the vehicle off. I reached out to Jeep and advised them of this and that I received the letter for the instrument panel cluster XZ1 and I thought this was related. I read the letter to them word for word, and they had the dealership perform the recall on my clutch. I didn't know until all of the same things happened again and I checked the receipt to confirm the work performed. I reached out to Jeep the same day and that was more than a week ago. I now have a new service transmission light. My vehicle is not safe to drive and they still don't even know why I called. My case number with Jeep is 98166358.

NHTSA ID

11770524

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH northbound on the Hutchinson River Parkway, the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was uncontrollable and started drifting towards the left before crashing into the highway barrier. The message “Electronic Driver Assist” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the body shop. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and the contact spoke with a customer representative, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the investigating team would reach out in 2 to 4 days. An inspector had been assigned by Geico Insurance Company. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

NHTSA ID

11767339

Incident

Sep 27, 2026

Mileage

59,000 mi

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Blank XZ1 Warranty Extension Customers may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● A blank electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) in the IPC. No information is displayed for the fuel level, temperature gauge, odometer, outside temperature, PRNDL and optional digital speedometer Fig. 1. IMPORTANT! The speedometer and tachometer continue to function normally Fig. 1. This bulletin involves replacing the IPC.

Flash: Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● C147B-92 - Front Axle Disconnect Sensor Performance or Incorrect Operation Customers may comment on one or more of the following: ● 4WD system warning lights, service messages, or flashing indicators are displayed in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). ● The vehicle does not engage 4WD properly. This bulletin involves reprogramming the DTCM with the latest available software.

Flash: Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● C147B-92 - Front Axle Disconnect Sensor Performance or Incorrect Operation Customers may comment on one or more of the following: ● 4WD system warning lights, service messages, or flashing indicators are displayed in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). ● The vehicle does not engage 4WD properly. This bulletin involves reprogramming the DTCM with the latest available software.

The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)

Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.

Turbocharger Kit Please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo replacement may not be required. If the turbo is being inspected for: Noise/Rattle: Inspect heat shield fasteners for looseness and check the wastegate actuator/linkage for binding. The actuator kit is serviced separately. Oil Leak: Inspect the turbo oil feed O-ring area for leaks. O-ring is serviced separately.