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This is not how new Jeep owners wanted to start the year. It is also probably not what Jeep had in mind either. There are current reports that FCA, (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’), new generation Jeep Wrangler JL has defects in some of its frame welds. Not only will this report from the FCA cause an auto recall on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL and some 2019 Wrangler JL models, but there will be a sales stoppage recall of new models too. The main problems causing these auto part recalls seem to stem from misplaced welds more than specific defective vehicle parts.
One reason many people purchase Jeep Wranglers is they believe that rollover bars will help keep them more protected in the case of an accident. The rollover bar is intended to keep the cab of the vehicle intact and the driver and passengers from being hurt as a result of smashed cab in the event of rollover, whether the vehicle is being driven off-road, or in a highway accident. This recall would indicate that poor welds could cause the track bar to separate from the vehicle frame and that these welding problems have already causes steering issues which can and have cause accidents.
It is estimated that around 18,000 of the SUV JL Wranglers may be affected by the recall, and at least some of the Jeeps have not been sold and remain sitting on dealer lots. While current owners of those potentially dangerous vehicles are being reached, FCA has reportedly ordered dealers to stop all sales of the recalled vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired prior to their sale.
The specific problem on the affected Wrangler JL is that front track bracket’s weld is not located where it should be. The weld should be in the seam, but on some vehicles, the weld is off the seam which will create less strength in the weld and less support for the cab. It is the potential separation of the front track bar bracket that may cause the steering in the vehicles to be unreliable. If that is the case, it is unlikely the driver will realize anything is wrong until the steering becomes unreliable while the vehicle is being driven thus adding to the potential for an accident.
Although there has been no official recall issued from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, their website does have well over 100 complaints about the 2018 model of the Wrangler JL. There are more than 130 complaints about steering issues, and there are more than a dozen complaints about the structure of the vehicle involved in this 2018 Jeep Wrangler recall.
In addition to these two main issues, there have been other problems found on the 2018 Wrangler JL which include the voltage regulator, steering shaft, and the cruise control on these vehicles. Other problems include transmission park rods which may have been installed incorrectly, and a potential problem with corrosion on the left rear frame. Each of these issues has also been recognized as potentially increasing the risk of crash for these vehicles involved n the 2018 Jeep recall.
What to Do if You Have a 2018 or 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL
Although most owners have yet to have an official recall notice sent to them about the Wrangler JL issues, dealers have been informed. Owners should visit their dealership to see if the vehicle they are driving is affected by the mechanical issues or auto recalls, and if so, to get those problems fixed prior to an accident occurring.
For many people, the reason they purchase a Jeep Wrangler is to drive off and take a beating. A strong rollover bar is not just in the case of accidents, but it is intended to help support the frame during jarring rides. A misplaced weld can make that added stability go away with just one jarring hit, thus putting the vehicle in danger of wrecking.
Injuries and the Jeep Wrangler JL
The main concern right now is that drivers will not be informed about the potential malfunctioning of the Jeep Wrangler JL rollover bar. Not only will drivers of the vehicle put themselves and their passengers at risk of an accident, the weld may fail while they are on a road. This could put other drivers at risk as well. If the weld of the rollover bar fails while the Jeep Wrangler is being driven on a road, serious risk of injury or death are possible. It is important that if you or someone you know has been injured due to a malfunctioning of the weld of the rollover bar, or if an accident has occurred because of problems with steering, people should contact accident lawyer experts at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia of McAllen for a free consultation.