Jeep Cherokee Turn Signal Malfunction Prompts Recall, 12K Vehicles Affected

BCS Automotive Interface Solutions is the supplier of the SCCM, which bears part number 68455810AA. Documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that FCA US LLC was notified of a potential issue related to the Cherokee's turn signal lever on July 20, 2022. More specifically, the lever may not latch or remain latched for right-hand turns.

For some reason or another, the Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization started looking into this matter in September 2022. Warranty parts were studied between May 2022 through November 2022, and the investigation continued through February 2024. Not long after, TSRC finally acknowledged the described issue.

In addition to increasing the risk of a crash due to inadvertent self-canceling, said concern also goes against the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. As per FMVSS 108 S9.1.1, the turn signal operating unit must self-cancel by steering wheel rotation. S9.1.1 also requires the turn signal operating unit to be capable of cancellation by a manually operated control.

Affected vehicles were assembled between February 21, 2022 and June 6, 2022 for model year 2022. FCA US LLC estimates that 10 percent of the recall population may be in for new steering column control modules. Jeep dealers will be informed about said recall on or about May 17. That's also when owners will be notified via first-class mail.

The North American division of Stellantis determined that the SCCM's detent spring prevents the turn signal lever from latching or staying latched for right turns. FCA US LLC hasn't said whether BCS Automotive Interface Solutions or a Tier 2 supplier produced the second-rate detent springs.

Although nothing other than the Cherokee's eventual return has been by Stellantis, it should be noted that the Compass will get a ground-up redesign in the second half of 2025. The next-generation Compass will ride on the STLA Medium platform, which supports hybridized and full-electric setups. While it may be natural to assume that Cherokee will be refashioned on the STLA Medium, bear in mind that Stellantis could very well surprise us with the STLA Large platform.

Whatever the future holds for the Cherokee, prospective customers are currently presented with a choice between Altitude Lux at $37,695 or Trailhawk at $41,295 before destination. Both of them are 4x4 by default, or – better said – AWD. The only engine-tranny combo available is a 2.0-liter turbo connected to a nine-speed auto, with said lump belting out 270 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).

Jeep's all-wheel-drive system for the Cherokee differs slightly between trim levels. The Trailhawk is the one to have if you intend to venture off the beaten path, for it rocks a mechanical rear axle lock and Rock Mode for the Selec-Terrain rotary dial.