A substantial recall impacting over 121,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles, encompassing both the standard and L variants, has been announced. This measure stems from a manufacturing flaw in the second-row head restraints, which do not consistently lock into their fully upright position, thereby contravening established federal safety standards. While seemingly a minor mechanical issue, its widespread nature across a highly popular vehicle model necessitates this voluntary corrective action by Stellantis, the manufacturer. The company is committed to rectifying the problem by inspecting affected vehicles and replacing any non-compliant headrest units.

This recall underscores the continuous commitment of automotive manufacturers to ensure vehicle safety, even for defects that may not pose an immediate or severe hazard but still fall short of regulatory compliance. The proactive steps taken by Stellantis, including identifying the specific production batches and supplier of the faulty parts, demonstrate a methodical approach to addressing quality control. Owners of the affected Jeep models are advised to stay informed through official notifications, as remedial actions will be implemented to restore these vehicles to full compliance with safety specifications.

Second-Row Headrest Malfunction Sparks Widespread Recall

Jeep has initiated a recall for more than 121,000 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L units due to a defect in their second-row headrests. The core of the problem lies in the internal locking mechanism of these head restraints; when the backrests are folded down, this mechanism can become jammed, preventing the headrest from securely locking in its upright position. This failure is a direct violation of federal safety regulations, which mandate a minimum height of 29.5 inches for headrests to ensure occupant protection. The recall applies to 2023-2024 Grand Cherokee models manufactured between May 16, 2023, and May 2, 2024, as well as 2023-2024 Grand Cherokee L models produced from May 16, 2023, through January 30, 2024. This specific manufacturing window points to a targeted issue rather than a broad design flaw, with the problematic components traced back to a single supplier, Grammer Industries Inc.

The impact of this issue is significant due to the immense popularity of the Grand Cherokee line, which has consistently been Jeep's best-selling vehicle in the American market. In 2024 alone, over 216,000 units were sold, with nearly 100,000 delivered in the first half of 2025. Such high sales volumes mean that even a seemingly minor defect can affect a substantial number of vehicle owners, highlighting the critical importance of timely recalls to maintain consumer safety and trust. Although no specific warnings or alerts are present within the vehicles themselves to indicate the headrest issue, Stellantis, through its North American division FCA US, is proactively managing the situation. They have already engaged with dealerships and plan to notify affected owners starting September 5, 2025, ensuring that all necessary inspections and repairs are carried out promptly to bring these vehicles into compliance with safety standards.

Streamlined Resolution for Affected Jeep Owners

Stellantis is implementing a clear and straightforward plan to resolve the headrest issue in the recalled Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The company's North American arm, FCA US, will conduct comprehensive inspections of the second-row headrests in all identified units. If a headrest is found to be defective and fails to lock properly, it will be replaced with a new component that meets all regulatory requirements and is free from the identified flaw. This ensures that the repaired vehicles will fully comply with federal safety height regulations for head restraints, restoring the intended level of occupant protection. The replacement parts are distinct from the original faulty batches and have undergone rigorous checks to prevent recurrence of the issue.

The recall process has been meticulously planned to minimize inconvenience for affected owners. Dealerships have already been briefed and equipped to handle the inspections and replacements. Owners will receive official notifications in a phased rollout, beginning on September 5, 2025. It is crucial for owners to heed these notifications or utilize VIN search tools to determine if their vehicle is part of the recall, as there are no in-car warnings for this particular defect. Furthermore, FCA US has confirmed that it will offer reimbursement to eligible owners who may have previously incurred costs related to this issue under its standard reimbursement policy. This comprehensive approach underscores the manufacturer's commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, ensuring that all affected vehicles are brought up to the highest safety standards without undue burden on owners.