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Campaign 17V640 Posted October 10, 2017 363,930 units

2011-2013 Jeep Liberty/200/Avenger Recall 17V640: ORC Fault

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 17V640 covers 363,930 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty, 200, and Avenger vehicles for an ORC fault. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.

Jeep recall 17V640 covers 363,930 2011-2013 Liberty, 200, and Avenger vehicles because the occupant restraint controller can fail and keep the active headrests from deploying in a rear-end crash. That defect increases injury risk for front-seat occupants, and Jeep dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The occupant restraint controller, or ORC, is the module that manages parts of the crash protection system in these 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty, 200, and Avenger vehicles. In this recall, it is tied to the active headrests, which are designed to move forward during a rear-end crash to help support the head and neck.

The problem is inside the ORC circuit board. An R198 jumper resistor in the controller can fail from electrical overstress, which means the part receives an electrical load beyond what it is built to tolerate. When that resistor fails, the controller loses the function needed to deploy the active headrests in a rear-end crash. Corrected ORCs removed that resistor from the circuit board design.

If the failure is present, the airbag warranty lamp will be on. Treat that lamp as the warning sign and have the recall status checked by VIN.

Who's affected?

Spans Liberty, 200, and Avenger vehicles, with seat assembly and front air bag components listed for each model year in scope.

2011 Jeep Liberty seat assembly
2011 Jeep Liberty front air bag
2012 Chrysler 200 seat assembly
2012 Chrysler 200 front air bag
2012 Dodge Avenger seat assembly
Units affected363,930

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

If the active headrests fail to deploy in certain rear-end crashes, front seat occupants face a higher risk of injury. An airbag warranty lamp means the failure is present, so schedule service promptly and mention the lamp when you call. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty, 200, or Avenger is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free occupant restraint controller inspection and replacement that fixes the active-headrest deployment fault.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V640 when you call.
  4. Drive with normal care until the repair is complete, and keep front-seat occupants aware that the active headrests are the recalled part.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Jeep technician checks the occupant restraint controller, or ORC, and replaces it when the recall inspection shows replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. FCA's reimbursement plan covers owners who already paid to repair this same problem before the recall notice. To claim repayment, send FCA the original receipt or other proof of payment so the company can confirm the expense.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

October 10, 2017 NHTSA published the recall
November 29, 2017 Dealer notification began
November 29, 2017 Dealer notification ended
November 29, 2017 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
December 4, 2017 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 17V640?

Recall 17V640 covers 363,930 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty, Chrysler 200, and Dodge Avenger vehicles with an occupant restraint controller problem. A failed controller can stop the active headrests from deploying in certain rear-end crashes, increasing injury risk for front seat occupants. Dealers will replace the ORC as needed for free.

What should I do if my 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty, Chrysler 200, or Dodge Avenger is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V640. If it is, contact a franchised dealer for your vehicle brand and schedule the occupant restraint controller inspection and replacement as needed. Reference recall number 17V640 or FCA recall T56 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 17V640 is free. Dealers will replace the occupant restraint controller as needed, with parts and labor covered under the recall.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is increased injury in certain rear-end crashes. If the occupant restraint controller fails, the active headrests do not deploy as intended for front seat occupants. The recall repair addresses that defect by replacing the ORC as needed.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Liberty, 200, or Avenger is included, then call a franchised dealer for your vehicle brand with recall number 17V640 or FCA recall T56.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V640000
Jeep customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #17V640
NHTSA recall # (full)17V640000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →