Jeep recalls 78,000 top-selling cars over tire fears – and no warning light is triggered by the flaw

Jeep recalls 78,000 top-selling cars over tire fears – and no warning light is triggered by the flaw

Jeep, a brand synonymous with off-road prowess and American automotive heritage, has initiated a recall affecting certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler models. This recall centers around a potential malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a critical safety feature designed to alert drivers to suboptimal tire inflation.

The core issue lies in the TPMS's failure to illuminate the warning light when tire pressure deviates from the recommended levels. This seemingly minor oversight can have significant consequences, potentially leading to drivers unknowingly operating their vehicles with underinflated tires. Underinflated tires can negatively impact vehicle handling, increase stopping distances, and even elevate the risk of tire failure, particularly at higher speeds or under heavy loads.

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, believes that a pinched remote start antenna cable may be the culprit behind the TPMS malfunction. This pinched cable could interfere with the proper functioning of the TPMS, preventing it from accurately detecting and reporting tire pressure issues. Addressing this potential defect is paramount to ensuring driver safety and maintaining the Wrangler's reputation for reliability.

To rectify this issue, Jeep will be conducting inspections and replacing the necessary components in affected vehicles, free of charge to owners. The company plans to notify affected owners via mail, with notification letters expected to be dispatched by September 2, 2025. This proactive approach underscores Jeep's commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Yellow Jeep Wrangler Rubicon driving on a dirt road.

For Jeep Wrangler owners with questions or concerns regarding this recall, Chrysler's customer service line is available at 1-800-853-1403. When contacting customer service, owners should reference recall number 56C for efficient assistance. Jeep encourages owners to reach out with any inquiries to ensure their vehicles are promptly inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

The Jeep Wrangler, typically celebrated for its exceptional off-road capabilities and fun-to-drive nature, boasts modern technology and safety enhancements. It's a vehicle designed for adventure, capable of tackling challenging terrains while providing a comfortable and secure driving experience. However, even the most capable vehicles can be susceptible to unforeseen issues, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and timely recalls.

While the latest Wrangler models have faced some criticism regarding their purchase and running costs, the nameplate remains an iconic symbol for many automotive enthusiasts. It continues to be recognized as one of the best 4x4s on the market, offering a blend of ruggedness, versatility, and modern features. This recall serves as a reminder that even beloved vehicles require vigilant attention to safety and reliability.

Beyond the Jeep Wrangler recall, Stellantis has faced other recent recall campaigns. For instance, over 219,000 Dodge and Ram vehicles were recalled due to issues with the rearview camera display. This particular flaw presented a significant safety hazard, as drivers unknowingly risked backing up without a clear view of their surroundings. The potential for accidents and injuries was substantial, prompting swift action from the automaker.

Jeep Grand Cherokee interior, showing the steering wheel and dashboard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a safety recall affecting 141,906 Ram ProMaster vans and 77,671 Dodge Journey SUVs. The affected Ram models were manufactured between May 2019 and November 2021, while the Dodge SUVs were produced between May 2019 and December 2020. Both models experienced a "loss of rearview camera image," displaying a blank, black, or blue screen instead of the expected rearview feed.

In a separate development, Stellantis announced the revival of its high-performance sub-brand, SRT (Street and Racing Technology). This move signals a renewed focus on delivering exhilarating performance vehicles across the Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler lineups. Tim Kuniskis, Ram's CEO and Stellantis' head of American brands, will oversee the SRT project, promising exciting new models that push the boundaries of automotive performance.

SRT, originally debuted with the iconic Dodge Viper in 1989, is a performance division within Stellantis renowned for crafting high-performance vehicles. The return of SRT is highly anticipated by automotive enthusiasts, who eagerly await the next generation of high-powered vehicles bearing the SRT badge.

"We're getting the band back together," Kuniskis stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of SRT in Stellantis's future product roadmap. "SRT is another box we needed to check as we head into a product launch cadence, enabling more performance than we've ever seen before." This statement underscores the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge performance and driving excitement.

Yellow Jeep Wrangler Rubicon driving on a dirt road.

Kuniskis further added, "We're working with our product development and organization to select the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics to build a team worthy of the SRT name." This meticulous approach to talent acquisition highlights the company's dedication to ensuring that the SRT team possesses the expertise and passion necessary to create exceptional performance vehicles.

Meanwhile, Ford has also faced a significant number of recalls this year, impacting millions of vehicles across various models. These recalls span a range of issues, from instrument panel malfunctions to axle faults and potential fuel leaks. The sheer volume of recalls has raised concerns among consumers and underscored the importance of rigorous quality control in the automotive industry.

One notable recall involved approximately 355,000 Ford models, including the F-550 SC, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and the 2025 F-150, due to issues with the instrument safety panel. This particular defect could potentially compromise the functionality of vital vehicle systems, raising safety concerns for drivers and passengers.

Another recall affected over 103,000 F-150s due to an axle fault. Axle issues can have severe consequences, potentially leading to loss of control and increasing the risk of accidents. Addressing this defect is crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of the F-150, a popular and widely used pickup truck.

Jeep logo on a vehicle.

Ford also announced a recall affecting approximately 700,000 vehicles due to the risk of fuel leaks. Fuel leaks pose a significant fire hazard and can endanger both the vehicle occupants and surrounding areas. Promptly addressing this issue is paramount to preventing potential accidents and injuries.

In the same month, over 850,000 Ford cars were identified as potentially having a software glitch affecting the rearview cameras. Similar to the Stellantis recall, this software glitch could impair the driver's ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of collisions while backing up. Software-related issues are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, highlighting the need for robust testing and validation processes.

Further recalls were announced over various issues, including brake malfunctions. Brake malfunctions can severely compromise vehicle safety, potentially leading to increased stopping distances or even complete brake failure. Ensuring the proper functioning of braking systems is critical for preventing accidents and protecting vehicle occupants.

In April, Ford recalled 148,000 cars, adding to the already substantial number of vehicles affected by recalls this year. The sheer volume and diverse nature of these recalls underscore the challenges faced by automakers in ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.