Jeep is once again under scrutiny by the NHTSA, as they have been forced to open a new investigation after detecting that the latest mass vehicle recall may not have fully solved the problem. The issue was with the rear springs, and if you know anything about cars you will know this is a key suspension component. According to several drivers, these springs are still failing even after the vehicles have already been repaired at the dealership.
The investigation is being led by the NHTSA and affects more than 330,000 vehicles. The situation has once again raised doubts about whether recall campaigns really work or if they are only meant to “cover up” the problem.
Which models are affected?
The case focuses on the 2022 and 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, manufactured by Stellantis (formerly known as Fiat Chrysler). Back in 2023, these vehicles were recalled after it was discovered that the rear springs had been improperly installed at the factory. The cars were inspected at dealerships and, in theory, the issue was resolved. In theory, because here we are again talking about the same defect.
What are rear springs for?
Basically, these springs support the weight of the vehicle, help maintain stability, and absorb bumps, turns, and hard braking. If they fail, the vehicle can behave unpredictably and lose proper suspension support. If a spring comes loose while driving, you could lose total control of the vehicle.
But wasn’t it fixed?
That is what was said. The vehicles were recalled in 2023, but the NHTSA has received at least 20 complaints from owners who claim that after already going through a Jeep dealership repair, the rear spring came loose again. That has been enough for the Office of Defects Investigation to open a new case.
Was the applied solution sufficient?
That is exactly what the NHTSA now wants to clarify: whether the original repair was effective and this is just a coincidence, or if there is a deeper issue, either in the design or the assembly, that made the repair insufficient. They want to know why the failure continues to appear and whether the solution that was applied truly met safety standards.
What this means for drivers
For now, opening an investigation does not automatically mean a new recall, so you can stay calm about that, although it is still a serious matter. If it is confirmed that the risk remains, the NHTSA could require another repair campaign with stronger measures.
What affected owners should do
If you own a 2022 or 2023 Grand Cherokee, any unusual vibration, noise, or strange behavior from the rear of the vehicle should be reported to an official service center, especially if your vehicle was already listed in the NHTSA recall database.
Beyond Jeep
This case highlights a growing concern: recalls do not always solve the problem 100 percent. We know vehicles are becoming more complex, but a repair after a recall cannot leave defects like this behind. The solution has to actually work.
Stellantis under pressure
So far, Stellantis has not announced new measures, but pressure is mounting. What is at stake now is not just the investigation, but consumer trust and Jeep’s reputation.
Recalls must be taken seriously and monitored even after a vehicle has been repaired. A problem should not be considered closed until it truly is. For now, the investigation is more open than ever.