Recall 16V288 affects 7,196 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles for clockspring contamination and air bag circuit failure. Repair is free at a franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 7,196 2011-2016 right-hand-drive Wrangler vehicles under recall 16V288 because dust can contaminate the clockspring assembly and cause the air bag circuit to fail. If the circuit fails, the driver's frontal air bag can fail to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk; Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clockspring in a 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler is a rotating electrical connector inside the steering column. It lets wiring stay connected while the steering wheel turns. On these right hand drive Wranglers, that connection is part of the driver air bag circuit, which allows the air bag system to command deployment in a crash.
Dust can enter the clockspring assembly when the vehicle is used in extremely dusty conditions or driven extensively with the top or doors removed. Once dust gets inside, it can interfere with the electrical path for the driver air bag. If that circuit fails, the driver air bag can fail to deploy in a crash.
The warning sign is the airbag warning lamp. If that lamp comes on, treat it as notice that the driver air bag system has been compromised, not as a routine maintenance reminder.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2011-2016 Wrangler model years, all tied to the same front air bag inflator module.
| 2011 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2013 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2014 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2016 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2015 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| Units affected | 7,196 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed air bag circuit can keep the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. The airbag warning lamp signals a potentially compromised driver airbag system, so schedule service promptly if it turns on. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud replacement that fixes the dust-contaminated driver air bag circuit.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V288 and Jeep recall S40 when you call.
- Keep occupants properly belted until the repair is complete; this recall concerns the driver's frontal air bag circuit.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician replaces the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. If you've previously paid out of pocket for a related repair, the manufacturer's reimbursement process covers documented expenses. The owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 11, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 21, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V288?
Recall 16V288 covers 7,196 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles with right-hand drive. Dust can contaminate the clockspring assembly and cause the air bag circuit to fail, which can stop the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in a crash. Jeep dealers replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Wrangler is included in recall 16V288. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud replacement. Reference recall number 16V288 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Jeep dealers replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud free of charge under this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an air bag circuit failure. If the circuit fails, the driver's frontal air bag can fail to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The dealer repair addresses the clockspring assembly and related steering-column parts.
What if I bought my Jeep Wrangler used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Wrangler is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall number 16V288.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V288000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V288 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V288000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →