Recently, multiple thousands of vehicle recalls were declared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The biggest among these recalls involves more than 220,000 PACCAR trucks as well as more than 2,000 Jeep Renegade SUVs. Vehicle owners can check whether their vehicles are part of the announcement via the NHTSA website or through their vehicle identification number (VIN). Here’s a thoughtful analysis of the recalls issued from December 8 to December 14.
Jeep Renegade Recall: Reverse Light Visibility Issue
Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, has recalled 2,135 units of the Renegade produced from 2021 to 2023. “It says NHTSA that these vehicles might have an improper bumper reverse light assembly, which doesn’t meet requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, lamps and reflective devices.
The reverse light assembly defect has reduced visibility while parallel driving, which increases accidents. All functioning reverse lights are very critical for alerting the drivers to approaching objects or other vehicles. Stellants have submitted that it presents potential safety risks since visibility reduction can also lead to crashes.
Their dealers will then be inspecting and replacing bumper reverse lights as necessary. All repairs will be done free of charge for the vehicle owners. From January 30, 2025, recall notification letters will be sent out. For any further assistance, owners can call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and refer to recall number D7B.
Recalled Jeep Renegade Models:
- 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade
PACCAR Truck Recall: Safety System Malfunction
PACCAR has now engaged its owners to recall 220,972 units of the popular Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks manufactured between the years of production 2021-2025 because of this safety issue regarding the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
As reported by the NHTSA, an electrical noise issue and weak signal in the power line carrier can prevent the trucks‘ electronic control units (ECUs) from functioning when the commands are not properly processed. This failure will affect important safety systems.
- Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during braking.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Enhances vehicle stability during sharp turns or on slippery roads.
- Automatic Traction Control: Improves grip in low-traction situations.
- Collision Mitigation System: Aids in avoiding frontal crashes.
- Active Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain safe distances.
These are just a few of the hazards that arise due to malfunctioning systems from this particular recall category. So at the very high priority, resolving this recall would save lives.
PACCAR is going to correct the problem by reprogramming the ECU software without charging truck owners. Notifications for the recall will be sent by February 7, 2025, to the affected vehicle owners. Kenworth customers can contact 1-425-828-5888, and Peterbilt customers can call 1-940-591-4220. Recall numbers 24KWL and 24PBL have been issued by PACCAR.
Recalled PACCAR Truck Models:
- Kenworth: C500b (2024-2025), T280 (2023-2025), T370 (2022-2023), T380 (2021-2025), T440 (2021-2023), T480 (2022-2025), T680 (2021-2025), T800b (2021-2025), T880 (2021-2025), W900b (2021-2025), W990 (2021-2025).
- Peterbilt: 337 (2021-2023), 348 (2021-2023), 365 (2022-2025), 367 (2022-2025), 389 (2021-2025), 520 (2022-2025), 536 (2024-2025), 537 (2023-2025), 548 (2021-2025), 567 (2021-2025), 579 (2021-2025), 589 (2024-2025).
How to Check for Recalls
If your car is not in their records and you suspect a recall, go to the NHTSA recall database or the USA TODAY automotive recall database. You can check if the vehicle is subject to any recall and what to do next by entering the VIN.
Jeep and PACCAR both put a lot of emphasis on these safety issues and how quickly they can be addressed to alleviate risk. Vehicle owners need to take the initiative to have their vehicles repaired in a timely manner for operating safety.
