Jeep News: NHTSA Investigating Wrangler Over Potential Improper Frame Welds

[Drew Dowdell]

The JL Generation of the Jeep Wrangler may have improper frame welds according to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The investigation started after a Wrangler owner complained about a frame that had been improperly welded at the factory. As a result of that improper weld, the owner found a number of other problems stemming from the original issue. 

While no findings have been released, there is enough evidence for the NHTSA to warrant further investigation and the agency has asked FCA for more information regarding the issue.  The NHTSA seemed to think that FCA's explanation "did not adequately address whether the frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structure integrity of the vehicles, and therefor may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety."

The investigation further aims to determine if the earlier reported 'death wobble' is related to the frame welding issues. FCA issued a fix for the 'death wobble' last month, but did not turn it into a full recall. Jeep will install a new steering damper, free of charge, to anyone who wishes to have the work completed. 

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[Potluck]

Like ford, jeep is another one you don't buy the first year of.

[G. David Felt]

Death Wobble is a request free fix? WRONG ANSWER FCA! ?

Improper Frame Welds reminds me of the Toyota mess on the FJ Cruiser with the Unibody braking after people took it to the sand dunes for play and the front ends broke or cracked and Toyota would cut off the front and insert rods of steel and re-weld it. Nope again wronge answer Toyota too. Sounds like FCA is cutting corners a bit too much.

[daves87rs]

That can’t be good off road.....

[USA-1]

Start heading down a trail..."hey you guys hear that creaking and snapping sound?" ?

[USA-1]

12 hours ago, dfelt said:

Death Wobble is a request free fix? WRONG ANSWER FCA! ?

Improper Frame Welds reminds me of the Toyota mess on the FJ Cruiser with the Unibody braking after people took it to the sand dunes for play and the front ends broke or cracked and Toyota would cut off the front and insert rods of steel and re-weld it. Nope again wronge answer Toyota too. Sounds like FCA is cutting corners a bit too much.

Like I say, Toyota has been "Resting on their Laurels" for far too long. Cut off the bottom of gas pedals for a quick fix not knowing exactly what was causing he unintended acceleration, finally finding or so they said, faulty throttle override software with the drive-by-wire system, never should have made it out of the plant that way. Had a nearly non existent QC Dept. at the time paying temp or barely trained workers $15/hr. to "inspect" the new vehicles as they rolled off the line ? ? 

[G. David Felt]

11 hours ago, USA-1 Vortec 6.2 said:

Start heading down a trail..."hey you guys hear that creaking and snapping sound?" ?

Ignore it!  That is just branches breaking against the Jeep!

Or is that the Jeep breaking against the branches? ?

FCA can never tell. ?

[A Horse With No Name]

On 9/25/2019 at 2:35 AM, USA-1 said:

Start heading down a trail..."hey you guys hear that creaking and snapping sound?" ?

I am getting old, that is just my back. 

On 9/25/2019 at 1:43 PM, David said:

Ignore it!  That is just branches breaking against the Jeep!

Or is that the Jeep breaking against the branches? ?

FCA can never tell. ?

Luckjily, they should have the bugs worked out before I buy one, unless I buy a Bronco instead. 

On 9/25/2019 at 12:45 AM, daves87rs said:

That can’t be good off road.....

All the more reason to ahve onboard welding capacity on your rig.