Recall 16V290 affects 388,532 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles for clockspring contamination that can disable the driver's air bag. Free repair at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep recall 16V290 covers 388,532 2007-2010 Wrangler JK vehicles because dust can contaminate the clockspring assembly and make the driver's frontal air bag circuit fail. If the circuit fails in a crash, the air bag can fail to deploy, increasing injury risk; the Jeep dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The clockspring assembly in a 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler sits behind the steering wheel. It is a rotating electrical connector that keeps the driver airbag circuit connected while the wheel turns. That connection lets the airbag control system talk to the driver airbag without twisting or breaking the wiring.
On affected Wranglers, dust can get into the clockspring assembly, especially after use in very dusty conditions or with the top or doors removed. Dust contamination can compromise the airbag circuit. If that circuit fails, the driver airbag can fail to deploy in a crash.
The warning sign is the airbag warning lamp on the instrument panel. If that light comes on, treat it as a sign that the driver airbag system needs dealer attention before the vehicle is relied on for crash protection.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 model years tied to the same driver-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2007 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2008 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2009 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| 2010 Jeep Wrangler | front air bag |
| Units affected | 388,532 |
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 alerts the driver when the driver airbag system is compromised. Schedule the recall repair soon, especially if that lamp is on. Repair will be free at any franchised Jeep dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Jeep dealer to ask whether the free clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 16V290 when you call the dealer or Jeep customer service.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, give the dealer your VIN and recall number.
- Drive with care until the repair is complete, since the driver frontal air bag circuit can fail and stop the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Jeep technician replaces the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud. The parts and labor are covered by the recall. The source remedy says the recall began on December 14, 2016, but the current remedy status is not marked available in this input, so confirm repair scheduling with a Jeep dealer before you plan the visit. If you already paid for a clockspring related repair, the manufacturer's reimbursement practice covers documented expenses. Send the original receipt or other proof of payment as directed in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 11, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V290?
Recall 16V290 covers 388,532 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles with a clockspring assembly that can become contaminated with dust and cause the driver air bag circuit to fail. Jeep dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Wrangler is included in recall 16V290. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud replacement. Reference recall number 16V290 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Jeep dealer will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud free of charge for an included 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the driver frontal air bag circuit can fail. If that happens, the driver air bag can fail to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall repair addresses the clockspring and related steering-column parts.
What if I bought my Jeep Wrangler used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Wrangler is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall number 16V290.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V290000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V290 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V290000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 →