Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled in Australia over airbag deployment fault

Airbag software fault triggers recall of 1394 SUVs

Stellantis Australia is recalling 1394 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee large SUV, all produced in 2023, to rectify a fault that could delay the deployment of the side airbags. According to CarExpert, which reported the recall notice, a software issue in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module may cause the front door airbag pressure sensors to remain active. The recall notice states this could result in delayed deployment of the side airbags, and warns that in the event of an accident, airbags not deploying as intended could increase the risk of injury. ¹

The affected vehicles are from the fifth-generation WL Grand Cherokee, which was introduced locally in 2022. Stellantis Australia has published a vehicle identification number (VIN) list alongside the original recall notice so owners can check whether their vehicle is included. ¹

Free fix and how owners can arrange it

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest authorised Jeep dealership as soon as possible to arrange a free software update. According to the recall notice reported by CarExpert, owners can also contact Stellantis Australia on 1300 133 079, by email at [email protected], or through the automaker's customer care portal. ¹

A familiar pattern of recalls

The Australian recall history of the current-generation Grand Cherokee is extensive. CarExpert notes the fifth-generation WL Grand Cherokee was last recalled in 2024 to rectify components damaged during manufacturing that could cause steering failure in vehicles produced between 2021 and 2023. Before that, Grand Cherokees from various model years were subject to five recalls in 2023 covering issues including tail-light, suspension, steering and fuel pump defects, spanning both the WL and the previous-generation WK2. ¹

US recall of more than 328,000 SUVs over coil springs

In the United States, FCA US, Stellantis' subsidiary, is recalling more than 328,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs over rear coil springs that can detach while driving, according to documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and reported by WardsAuto. The recall replaces two previous recalls for the same issue and covers model year 2022-2023 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles, along with 2021-2023 Grand Cherokee L vehicles, variously built between December 2020 and May 2023. WardsAuto reports FCA US estimates just 0.1 per cent of the recalled models have the defect, and dealers will replace both rear coil spring lower isolators free of charge once a remedy is available, with interim owner notification letters planned from September 29. ²

The WardsAuto report traces a lengthy history: a first recall in June 2023 covered roughly 331,000 SUVs over springs possibly installed incorrectly during assembly, followed by a second recall approved on January 22 this year covering more than 80,000 vehicles after springs could have been incorrectly installed during repairs under the original recall. The recall report, as cited by WardsAuto, notes the problem is not due to a part defect but to an assembly or repair error, even though the lower coil spring isolators were sourced from Michigan-based supplier Airboss. After further NHTSA questionnaires and meetings, FCA US opened a new investigation in July and its Vehicle Regulations Committee approved the new recall on August 26. As of August 6, the company was aware of 29 customer records and 406 warranty claims potentially related to the issue, and was not aware of any relevant accidents or injuries, according to the recall report cited by WardsAuto. ²

Grand Cherokee context in Australia

The Grand Cherokee was discontinued in Australia in 2025, according to CarExpert, but remained Jeep's best-selling model in the United States in the first nine months of 2026. The fifth-generation model went on sale in Australia in early 2023, with CarExpert's showroom data listing five variants from the Night Eagle to the Summit Reserve, priced from $70,725 to $138,628 drive-away, with 3.6-litre V6 petrol and 2.0-litre turbo plug-in hybrid powertrains, an eight-speed automatic and 4x4 across the range. VFACTS-based sales data published by CarExpert shows 645 examples sold in 2024 and 673 in 2025, with 18 sales year-to-date in 2026. ¹³