RHD Jeep Wrangler JK Recalled Over Clockspring Failure

Back on February 26 this year, the Auburn Hills-based automaker opened an investigation into a clockspring supplied by the folks at BCS Automotive Interface Solutions. The suspect component bears part number 05156106AG. According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail.

In case of a failed clockspring, the driver airbag may not deploy in certain types of crashes, therefore increasing the risk of injury. The North American division of Stellantis is aware of 21 customer assistance records (for all markets) potentially related to the aforementioned recall condition.

Fortunately, FCA US LLC isn't aware of any injuries attributed to the subject condition. As expected, retailers nationwide are required to replace the defective clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and the steering column shrouds.

Dealers and owners will be informed about this recall on or about May 3. Owners who had the steering column's clockspring replaced out of pocket are entitled to reimbursement as long as they can provide adequate proof of payment.

It should be noted that FCA US LLC recalled the right-hand-drive JK in 2016 as well over the very same problem. The recall population encompassed 7,180 units of the 2011 through 2016 model year Jeep Wrangler, with said 4x4s produced in the period from February 16, 2010 to May 2, 2016.

Succeeding the immensely popular TJ, the JK was unleashed in 2006 for the 2007 model year. This generation of the Wrangler was developed when Daimler-Benz and the Chrysler Corporation were best buds. The so-called merger of equals was anything but that, with Daimler selling 80.1% of Chrysler to a private equity firm back in 2007.

The JK was a bigger commercial success than the TJ due to the introduction of a four-door version. Marketed as the Unlimited, the four-door accounts for more than 90% of deliveries in the United States market. Be that as it may, the two-door is better suited for going off the beaten path due to its shorter wheelbase (95.4 inches/2,423 millimeters compared to the four-door's 116 in/2,946 mm).

Jeep continued JK production through model year 2018, which is the first model year of the JL. As opposed to its predecessor, the JL received a free-breathing V8 in the form of the 6.4-liter HEMI. Said engine will be discontinued after the 2024 model year, leaving only the Hurricane and Pentastar.

In related news, the Jeep brand intends to replace the JL with the all-new J70 in 2028. The fifth-generation Wrangler has already been confirmed with BEV and REPB versions, with REPB meaning Range Electric Paradigm Breaker. To you and me, that would be range-extended electric vehicle.