Recall 16V686 affects 100 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for loose rear tow hook brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 100 2017 Grand Cherokee SUVs under recall 16V686 because the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket was not properly secured. A loose bracket can detach in traffic or during vehicle recovery, creating a road hazard or loss of control; Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket on the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the metal mounting point behind the rear bumper area. It gives a tow hook or tow eye a solid place to attach when the SUV is being pulled, recovered, or secured for service. The bracket needs to stay tight against the vehicle structure so the load goes through the mounting points as designed.
On affected Grand Cherokee SUVs, that rear bracket is loose. A loose bracket does not hold the tow hook or tow eye in the correct position under load. Instead of acting as a fixed anchor, the bracket shifts against its mounting area, which reduces the attachment's strength when it is used.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not necessarily hear a noise, see a warning light, or feel a change in normal driving before the loose bracket becomes a problem during towing or recovery.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 100 |
Not every 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose tow hook bracket can detach while the Jeep is being driven and become a road hazard. If it detaches during vehicle recovery, the towed vehicle can lose control. Schedule the recall repair soon, and avoid using the tow hook for recovery until the bolts are checked. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free tow-hook-bracket bolt check and tightening that secures the loose rear tow hook or tow eye bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V686 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear tow hook or tow eye for recovery until the dealer confirms the bracket bolts are tight.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician checks both tow hook bracket bolts and confirms they are tightened correctly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for a related tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket repair before the owner letter, Jeep's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Bring that paperwork when you talk with the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 6, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V686?
Recall 16V686 covers 100 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs with a rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket that is loose. The bracket can detach during driving or vehicle recovery, increasing crash risk. Jeep dealers will confirm both tow hook bracket bolts are tightened for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 16V686. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask for the S73 recall repair. The dealer will inspect the tow hook bracket bolts and tighten them if needed at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. For recall 16V686, a franchised Jeep dealer will confirm both tow hook bracket bolts are properly tightened free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee before the repair?
Recall 16V686 does not tell owners to stop driving, but the loose bracket creates a real crash risk. If the bracket detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard. If it detaches during vehicle recovery, control of the towed vehicle can be lost.
What if I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is included, then give the dealer recall number 16V686 or Jeep recall number S73 when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V686000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V686 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V686000 |
Source documents
-
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 →