Wirtz Law Blog

Child safety is a top priority for any parent, and securing your child properly is essential when traveling in a vehicle. Unfortunately, a recent recall involving the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has brought attention to a critical safety concern.

The vehicle was found to have defective child seat tethers, which can pose a significant risk to children in the event of a car accident. These tethers, part of the LATCH system designed to secure child car seats, may not be welded securely to seat frames. 

What is the Issue?

On August 20, Jeep announced the recall of 243 Grand Cherokee L SUVs from the 2024 model year due to insufficient welds on the child seat tether anchors on the second-row seatback frames. This could compromise their ability to secure a child seat during a crash.

The issue was traced back to Magna International, the supplier of the second-row seatback frames, rather than Jeep’s parent company, FCA US LLC. Jeep became aware of the problem on March 8 after internal reviews by engineering and safety teams confirmed the defect in vehicles produced on specific dates. A malfunctioning welding machine at the factory was believed to be responsible for the inadequate welds.

The recall affects a small number of vehicles, but the consequences of leaving the issue unresolved could be dire. In a car accident, a poorly welded tether could fail, reducing the effectiveness of the car seat and potentially putting a child at risk of serious injury or worse.

What is Being Done to Address the Defective Tethers?

Jeep is taking steps to remedy the problem at no cost to affected vehicle owners. Instead of replacing the tether anchors, Jeep plans to reinforce the original anchor structure on the seatback frame, ensuring it exceeds federally mandated strength requirements.

Because it can be difficult to determine which vehicles were produced with the defective welds, Jeep recommends that owners check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Mopar’s recall portal. For vehicles sold in the United States, the VIN will begin with the number 1, indicating they were manufactured domestically.

Keeping Children Safe

Child safety seats are designed to save lives if a car accident occurs. They are rigorously tested to ensure they provide the highest level of protection for young passengers. However, even the best car seat cannot perform as intended if the vehicle’s safety features, such as the LATCH system, are compromised.

This recall highlights the importance of being proactive regarding vehicle safety. Although manufacturers like Jeep work to notify all affected owners, there are instances where a recall notice may not reach a driver. Vehicle owners should regularly check for recalls that could affect their cars.

If your vehicle is part of the recall, schedule a repair appointment with your local Jeep dealership as soon as possible. Jeep dealers will fix the issue at no charge to you. In the meantime, if you are concerned about the safety of the child seat tethers in your car, consider using a different vehicle to transport your child until the repair is completed.

Even without a recall, check to see that your child’s car seat is installed correctly and that the tether anchors are secure and undamaged. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation. Look out for any wear or damage to the seat or the tether system. Taking these steps can give parents peace of mind regarding their child’s safety.

What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Defective Vehicle

While recalls are inconvenient, they are essential in addressing vehicle defects that could lead to serious injury or death. By staying informed and proactive, parents can help ensure their children are protected while on the road.

Sometimes, a vehicle may end up being a lemon. If you believe you have been sold a lemon, contact Wirtz Law APC. Our experienced California lemon law attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of vehicle recalls and defective vehicles. We are dedicated to helping consumers recover the compensation they deserve for being sold a lemon. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options for pursuing legal action.