Recall 14V438 affects 649,353 2005-2007 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee vehicles for an ignition-switch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 649,353 2005-2007 Commander and Grand Cherokee vehicles because a driver's knee can knock the ignition key out of the run position and shut off the engine. That loss of power can depower air bags, power steering, and power braking, increasing crash or injury risk; the Jeep dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The ignition switch on the 2005-2007 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee works with a metal key and a Wireless Ignition Module, the switch assembly that reads the key and holds it in the run position. In normal driving, that position keeps the engine powered and keeps safety systems, including the airbag system, operating as designed.
On affected vehicles, the key sits where the driver's knee can hit it. A knee strike can knock the key out of the run position and turn off the engine while the vehicle is moving. When that happens, the loss of power can affect safe operation of the airbag system. The replacement switch changes the key motion so the operator must push the key in before turning the vehicle off.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue depends on the driver's knee contacting the key, so it happens at the moment the key is bumped, not after a wear pattern or dashboard warning.
Who's affected?
Commander coverage starts with 2006, while Grand Cherokee coverage starts with 2005; both run through 2007 for this ignition-switch recall.
| 2007 Jeep Commander | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2006 Jeep Commander | electrical system |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | electrical system |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | electrical system |
| 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee | electrical system |
| Units affected | 649,353 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the ignition key moves into OFF or ACCESSORY while driving, the engine shuts off. Air bags, power steering, and power braking then lose power, increasing crash risk and injury risk in a crash. Drive cautiously and contact a dealer if the key feels loose or the engine shuts off unexpectedly. Repair will be free at any franchised Jeep dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2007 Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask whether the free ignition-switch repair is open for your VIN.
- Remove all items from the key ring and use only the vehicle key until the ignition-switch repair is complete.
- Adjust the driver's seat so your knee has clearance from the ignition key while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V438 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Until the final repair is available, keep the key ring light and leave only the vehicle key attached. Set the driver's seat so your knee has clearance from the ignition key. Once the repair opens, a Jeep technician will replace the ignition switch so the driver's knee is less able to knock the key out of the run position. The final dealer repair will be free, including parts and labor.
Timeline
| July 21, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 4, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| September 5, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 11, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 11, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 9, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V438?
Recall 14V438 covers 649,353 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles with an ignition switch defect. A driver's knee can move the key out of the run position, turning off the engine and reducing air bag, power steering, and power braking function.
What should I do if my 2005-2007 Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jeep is included in recall 14V438. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask for the ignition switch replacement. Reference recall number 14V438 or Jeep recall P41 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Jeep dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 14V438.
What is the safety risk with recall 14V438?
The engine can shut off if the ignition key moves into the off or accessory position. That can reduce air bag, power steering, and power braking function, increasing crash risk and injury risk in a crash. Until repaired, keep extra items off the key ring and allow clearance between your knee and the key.
What if I bought my Jeep used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Commander or Grand Cherokee is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer with recall number 14V438 or Jeep recall P41.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V438000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V438 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V438000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →