2018 Jeep Wrangler JL frame weld defect gives rise to safety recall

The new generation Jeep Wrangler JL from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has a problem. Some Wrangler JL chassis welds may separate the SUV's track bar, resulting in immediate steering problems and potential accidents, Japolnik said.

It is still unclear which model of Wrangler JL or how many vehicles are involved in the recall, as to date, the FCA has not made any public statement. We will go back and update this article in more detail as the news unfolds.

In a JL Wrangler forum update on Friday, October 5, 2018, a member of the "Lablue" profile name wrote: "The FCA has launched the UA5 callback for the link bar weld problem. This concerns about 18,000 JL Wranglers. The question concerns about 4% of the recalled vehicles, says FCA. Some of the defective JLs that have not yet been sold, the FCA ordered the dealers to stop selling the recalled Wranglers until the vehicles are inspected and repaired, if necessary. "

Lablue also released what it calls an advanced communication on the FCA safety recall regarding a JL Jeep Wrangler safety recall from 2018 to 2019 and a stop sale order of the vehicles included in the recall .

In the subtitle "Reason for this Safety Reminder," the official-looking document states, "Some of the vehicles above could have been built with a front track bar support weld located out of the sewing, which could lead to separation of the frame attachment. Separation of the front track bar support from the frame may result in reduced steering response, which may result in a vehicle accident without notice. "

Japolnik said that a spokesman for the FCA had confirmed that "recall notices were pending" regarding weld failures of the link bar support.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not issued a recall regarding Wrangler JL 2018 for chassis welds. However, by searching the NHTSA website for Wrangler JL 2018 complaints, there are 133 pilotage complaints and 13 structural complaints.

If you have 2018 Wrangler JL, you can check if your vehicle is part of the recall on the Mopar Recalls search site. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if your Jeep is concerned. Since this situation is still evolving, even if you are checking today and you do not see a reminder of your VIN, it would be wise to check again in a few days after FCA has issued an expected public statement.