You'd Expect a Recall Solution to Ensure Jeep's Suspension Stays Secured | Carscoops

      The NHTSA is looking into the effectiveness of Jeep’s recall repair following reports of multiple suspension failures after the fix.

      Jeep had previously recalled 330,000 Grand Cherokees due to issues with the rear spring.

      Owners have reported failures even after undergoing the recall repair.

      Back in 2023, Jeep issued a recall affecting over 330,000 Grand Cherokees from the 2021 to 2023 model years due to a defect in the rear suspension that could lead to a coil spring detaching. This action was intended to address a one-time assembly problem.

      However, it seems that the same issue is arising once more, as numerous owners have encountered the very failure that the recall aimed to prevent.

      According to the NHTSA, since the recall was initiated, they have recorded 20 consumer complaints regarding rear coil spring detachments on vehicles that were expected to have been repaired. These complaints are in addition to the 21 incidents previously documented before the recall's implementation.

      A Fix That Did Not Hold for Some

      Jeep initially attributed the problem to a manufacturing error rather than a defective part. As a result, dealerships were instructed to inspect the rear suspension and, if necessary, reinstall any coil springs that may have been improperly positioned during the assembly process at the factory.

      This assumption is now being questioned. The new complaints have prompted NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation to initiate a formal Recall Query, a rare action taken when the effectiveness of a prior remedy is in doubt.

      As part of this process, investigators will now examine complaint records, field data, and Jeep’s technical findings to assess whether the original fix was properly designed or if an important aspect was overlooked.

      If the investigation determines that the repair strategy was flawed or inadequate, Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, may be compelled to issue a new recall and implement a more effective solution. For now, the investigation remains open, and owners can only hope that the issue does not worsen with additional incidents on the road.

      A fallen coil spring is not merely a typical failure; it can disrupt the vehicle's handling and increase the likelihood of an accident, as the detached suspension component could become a projectile, posing a danger to other drivers.