The U.S. arm of the Stellantis group has issued a recall for a number of 2022 Ram 1500, 2021 Jeep Wrangler, and 2022 Jeep Gladiator models because of an potential problem related to the front seat belt retractors.
The car manufacturer has revealed that certain front seat belt retractors may have been built with an incorrectly welded micro gas generator. If this has happened, it can lead to a pretensioner system failure, resulting in reduced occupant restraint during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notice reveals that FCA US’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization opened a safety investigation of suspect front seat belt assemblies on select Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Gladiator models on May 31, 2022. It was soon discovered that incorrectly performed friction welder maintenance at the supplier led to the production of the faulty seatbelt retractor assemblies.
While the company has not identified any customer assistance records, warranty claims, or field reports related to the issue, nor is it aware of any accidents or injuries related to it, a recall has been announced.
A total of 2,802 vehicles are involved, consisting of 900 Ram 1500 models built between November 22, 2021 and December 23, 2021, 1,280 Jeep Wrangler models built between December 1, 2021 and December 20, 2021, and a total of 622 Jeep Gladiators manufactured from November 22, 2021 to December 9, 2021.
The issue will be resolved by dealers replacing the front seat belt retractors. Owners will be notified on or around December 2, 2022.
