Jeep Recalls 121,000 Grand Cherokee for Headrest Defect

Jeep is recalling more than 121,000 vehicles across the U.S. due to a manufacturing defect affecting second-row headrests in its 2023–2024 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs. The issue? Faulty locking mechanisms that prevent the headrests from securing properly in the upright position—posing a serious safety compliance risk.

Key Points You Need to Know

• Recall affects 2023–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L
• Over 121,000 units, including 764 Mopar OE replacement headrests, are involved
• Headrests may fail to lock upright, violating federal safety regulations
• Recalled headrests don’t meet the required 750 mm minimum height in folded position
• Owners will be notified in September 2025
• Repairs will be free of charge once replacement parts are available

What’s Behind the Recall?

The issue lies with a component that may seem minor but is vital for safety: the second-row headrest. In the affected Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models, built between May 16, 2023, and May 2, 2024, the locking mechanism inside some headrests can fail to engage, leaving them stuck in a folded-down position.

While this might not sound serious at first, the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) mandates specific minimum headrest height requirements. If a headrest remains folded, it may fall below the 750 mm minimum height, putting rear passengers at greater risk of whiplash or neck injury in a collision.

What Makes the Headrests Different?

Jeep engineered a convenient folding mechanism where the headrests automatically drop forward when the rear seat-fold handle is pulled—allowing the seats to lie flatter for increased cargo space. This eliminates the need to manually remove the headrests.

But that convenience becomes a safety hazard if the headrests can’t return and lock into place after being folded. Jeep refers to this defect as an “interference condition”, meaning something in the assembly blocks or hinders proper function.

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Scope of the Recall

The recall includes two of Jeep’s most popular models:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee (2023–2024)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L (2023–2024)

Additionally, 764 Mopar OE replacement headrests—possibly sold and installed as replacements for this very problem—are also being recalled.

What Owners Should Expect

Jeep will first notify its dealership network between July 24–25, 2025. However, owners won’t be notified until September, due to a current shortage of updated headrest components. Once parts are available, authorized dealers will inspect and replace any defective headrests free of charge.

If you own one of the affected models and your rear headrest won’t stay upright, it’s advisable to contact your local dealership for inspection once Jeep begins rolling out parts.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Base Technical Specifications

Why This Recall Matters

Vehicle recalls related to headrests are not common, but they underscore how critical ergonomics and passive safety systems are to crash protection. The headrest is not merely a comfort feature—it is designed to protect passengers’ cervical spine during rear impacts.

This issue is especially important in SUVs like the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L, which are often chosen by families and regularly carry multiple passengers in the second row.

Moving Forward: What Jeep Owners Should Do

If you drive a 2023 or 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee / L, and have noticed that your rear headrest doesn’t lock upright, it’s best to check with a dealership—even before receiving the recall notice in September. Jeep’s recall campaign will eventually address this issue for free, but staying ahead can improve peace of mind for your passengers’ safety.

Jeep continues to investigate and resolve quality concerns as part of Stellantis’ broader safety and compliance strategies, with this recall reinforcing the importance of adhering to U.S. federal safety standards.