A relatively small number of 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2021-22 Dodge Durangos are being recalled because the steering rack bar may not have been hardened enough, which can cause it to bind; that can make steering difficult or impossible.
The fix is to replace the entire steering gear assembly on Stellantis’ dime. The recall notices should be sent out around May 3, 2022, for recall Z18 (NHTSA 22V154).
Only 172 Durangos sold the US are affected, and all were made from December 23, 2021 to January 15, 2022—less than one month. 759 Grand Cherokees were also affected (all the older WK version); in this case, only two weeks’ production were involved, from January 2, 2022 to January 15, 2022. A small number of vehicles sold outside the United States will also be covered by similar recalls.
The investigation started on January 6, when Nexteer Automotive notified Stellantis of a possible issue with the hardening process. The investigation began a month later. There have so far been no incidents at all relating to this issue—no complaints, no warranty claims, and no field reports.
