Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) announced on April 12, 2018 they will recall 106 recently-built Jeep Wrangler vehicles containing left rear frames susceptible to corrosion.
The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they will recall 106 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles built between Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, 2017.
The affected vehicles have reduced corrosion protection on the driver’s side rear under body ladder rail. This can, in certain circumstances, eventually cause corrosion that can loosen the left rear seat mount or reduce the rear floor pan’s strength. Either condition could let those parts buckle during a crash, increasing injury risk.
FCA opened an investigation on Oct. 24, 2017 after finding driver’s side rear under body ladder rail parts that appeared different from other, similar parts. Company officials met with engineers to discuss the effects reduced galvanized coating on those parts could have. Engineers reviewed data throughout the end of 2017, and reviewed their data on Jan. 26, 2018. They later confirmed in February 2018 corrosion in the subject parts could cause deleterious effects.
FCA decided on April 5, 2018 to conduct a safety recall.
FCA is still developing a remedy for the defect. The recall is expected to begin June 1, 2018. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is U27. Concerned owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.