Chrysler (FCA US LLC) filed a federal safety recall covering 97,349 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs in the United States on September 17 after determining that the pivot bolts securing the roof rack crossbars may not have been torqued properly during vehicle assembly. The bolts are loose enough that the crossbar itself can detach from the vehicle.
What can go wrong
Over time, these loose fasteners can back out completely. If the crossbars separate from the roof rails while the vehicle is in motion, they create a road hazard for surrounding traffic.
Drivers may get an early warning: owners may hear a rattling noise or notice that a bolt is missing.
The issue involves the connection between the crossbars and their mounting points, which may not provide the intended level of retention. The problem can develop gradually as normal driving forces cause the bolts to loosen over time. Both filings identify Minth, Plastic Trim International as the supplier of the suspect assemblies.
Vehicles affected
The recall covers 2022 through 2026 model year Grand Wagoneer, 2023 through 2026 Grand Wagoneer L, 2022 through 2025 Wagoneer, and 2023 through 2025 Wagoneer L.
The Wagoneer accounts for the largest share at 54,249 vehicles in the suspect population.
Those model-year ranges do not mean that every SUV built during those years has the defect. Owners need to check their vehicle identification number to confirm whether their vehicle falls within the campaign, since the 97,349 total reflects only the units FCA US identified during its investigation. The recall is listed under NHTSA campaign number 26V584000.
The fix and owner notification timeline
Authorized Chrysler and Jeep dealers will inspect and replace the roof rack crossbar pivot bolts free of charge.
The process is two-stage: interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed October 8, 2026. A second notice will follow when the final remedy is available, depending on parts and service availability. The initial letter and the actual service appointment may therefore arrive at different times.
Stellantis notified dealers on September 17, with vehicle identification numbers involved in the recall scheduled to become searchable on the NHTSA portal the same day. Owners can visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their VIN to confirm whether their specific vehicle is included in the campaign, or call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall 81D.
Broader context for SUV buyers
This is not the first time the Wagoneer lineup has drawn federal attention for parts that can detach. About a year ago, 123,396 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles were recalled because the quarter trim on the driver and passenger windows may not have been properly secured, which can allow it to detach and create a road hazard for other vehicles.
Buyers of large SUVs should also be aware that seat safety recalls are not limited to a single brand. A recent seat safety recall affecting Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid SUVs serves as a reminder that occupant protection issues span multiple nameplates, with dealers required to inspect and address faults free of charge.
Roof rack systems are a common aftermarket draw for Wagoneer buyers who use the vehicles for overlanding or cargo hauling. A detaching crossbar at highway speed poses a threat not only to the SUV’s occupants but to any vehicle traveling behind it.
Owners who notice a rattling sound from the roof area or spot a gap where a bolt should be are advised not to load the rack until the dealer inspection is completed.
