Jeep Recalls Over 32,000 Grand Cherokees in US for Shifter Fault
A wiring harness issue can cause the shifter to lock in Park or Neutral on certain 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees, prompting a voluntary recall across several markets.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a voluntary recall for 32,267 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs in the United States after discovering a fault in the wiring harness terminal. This defect can cause the gear shifter to become stuck in either Park or Neutral, leaving drivers unable to move the vehicle out of these positions once it has come to a complete stop. The recall specifically targets certain 2016 model year Grand Cherokees.
Details of the Recall
The issue has been traced to some wiring harnesses supplied during assembly, which may have been incorrectly crimped. If the terminal loses its electrical connection, the shifter may lock in place, creating inconvenience for owners. FCA has stated that, so far, there have been no reported accidents or injuries resulting from this defect. The company emphasises that this recall is not related to any previous shifter or rollaway recalls involving the Grand Cherokee.
Scope of the Recall
While the majority of affected vehicles are in the United States, the recall also extends to other regions. An estimated 2,095 vehicles in Canada, 538 in Mexico, and 2,472 in markets outside North America are included. FCA will notify owners when they can schedule a service appointment to have their vehicles inspected and repaired if necessary. Until repairs are completed, FCA advises drivers to use the parking brake whenever leaving their vehicles to prevent any unintended movement.
Advice for Owners
Owners of affected Jeep Grand Cherokees should wait for official notification from FCA regarding when to bring their vehicles in for service. In the meantime, it is recommended that drivers always use the parking brake when leaving their SUV, as a precautionary measure. This step can help ensure the vehicle remains stationary even if the shifter becomes stuck in Park or Neutral.
Other Recent Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalls
This shifter-related recall is separate from other recent safety campaigns involving the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Last month, FCA issued a recall for some 2015–2016 model year Grand Cherokees due to a potential issue with the left front brake caliper. In that case, the caliper could crack if it was manufactured from the wrong material, posing a safety risk.
Additionally, FCA’s largest recent recall campaign involved about 1.1 million cars and SUVs worldwide. This included some Jeep Grand Cherokees from earlier model years, as well as other vehicles, due to the risk of rollaway if drivers failed to select Park before exiting. That campaign addressed a different technical issue and affected a broader range of vehicles.
Summary Table: Affected Vehicles by Region
| Region | Number of Vehicles |
|---|---|
| United States | 32,267 |
| Canada | 2,095 |
| Mexico | 538 |
| Other markets | 2,472 |
