2016 Jeep Wrangler recalled for fault that stops airbag deployment

UK cars thought to be affected by a sensor wiring issue that renders airbags useless in event of a crash

Around 225,000 Jeep Wrangler models are being recalled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for an impact sensor fault that can prevent the airbag from working in an accident.

During a frontal impact the headlight can be pushed into the impact sensor’s wiring, rendering it useless before it is able to activate the deployment of airbags and tensioning of seatbelts.

FCA discovered the issue during its own internal tests and said there have been no known injuries to owners. The issue only relates to 2016 and 2017 model year cars, many of which haven’t actually left Jeep’s custody yet.

In total 224,789 cars are affected, the vast majority of which are in North America and Mexico. There are 20,948 affected cars in other global markets too, but Jeep is yet to confirm to Autocar if the UK is included in that figure.

At this stage it is thought that a small number of British-based Wranglers are likely to be affected. If this is the case, FCA will notify the owners of affected vehicles to arrange a free service appointment.