Jeep Recalling 340,000 SUVs Over Software Problems

author: FutureCar Staff    

George might have been proclaiming this year as the summer of himself, but it certainly hasn't been the summer of Jeep. The automaker has been plagued with multiple recalls, causing significant inconvenience. The most recent recalls involve over 340,000 SUVs, which will need to be taken to Jeep dealers for updates.

According to Autoblog, Jeep has initiated two recalls due to software issues. Certain Jeep models have faulty software in the rear-view camera system, known as the Central Vision Processing/Park Assist Module. This flaw prevents the camera image from displaying on the screen, rendering the system useless. The affected models include the 2022-2023 Grand Cherokee, the 2021-2023 Grand Cherokee L, and the 2022-2024 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, totaling 162,713 units. Jeep believes that 100% of the recalled vehicles are affected by this problem, as stated in the NHTSA report.

Unfortunately, the software issues also extend to the compact Jeep Compass. The NHTSA reports that 181,999 units from the 2022 and 2023 model years are affected by a problem in the Body Control Module's software, which prevents the adjustment of instrument cluster lighting. While it may seem like a minor issue, it raises concerns about the readability of the cluster under certain conditions.

To address these recalls, customers will need to visit the dealership for software updates. Jeep will be sending out letters to notify customers starting from October 3. It would have been much more convenient for Jeep if they had implemented over-the-air updates. Unfortunately, these recalls are just the latest in a series of problems for the company. Jeep had to recall over 330,000 SUVs in June due to suspension issues, and they also faced recalls for airbags and steering column problems in May.

These costly recalls come at a challenging time for Jeep, as they are experiencing difficulties in trading. In June, more than half of their lineup was oversupplied, and even their popular Wrangler is facing tough competition from the Ford Bronco. The average transaction prices for Jeep vehicles exceeded $53,913 over the summer, which suggests that high pricing may be affecting the demand for their products.

In any case, Jeep's recall issues serve as a reminder that it is often more cost-effective to build things correctly from the start. Let's hope that these issues are resolved quickly, so we don't witness a wave of Grand Cherokee owners accidentally flattening mailboxes while attempting to reverse into the street without functional cameras. Although, that would undeniably be quite amusing.

FutureCar Staff