Recall alert: Nearly 155,000 Jeeps, Rams, Audis and VWs could endanger drivers

October 24, 2022

By Kim Komando

You can be the most careful driver on the road, but mechanical issues can strip your control and plunge you into danger. That’s why we always blow the whistle when manufacturers recall vehicles that can jeopardize your next ride. You guessed it. There’s a new list of recalled cars to check.

We’ll tell you which models have hazardous defects and how to deal with these issues quickly and safely. Car recalls happen all the time, and while they aren’t always dangerous, you should still stay abreast of technical mishaps. Tap or click here for five ways to determine if your car has a recall.

Bottom line: A well-timed trip to a mechanic could save your life. These particular recalls are especially hazardous because some models have complex machinery issues. Here are the latest vehicle recalls.

Audi and Volkswagen

These manufacturers are recalling 74,067 vehicles for potential engine issues. Damaged engine connecting rod bearings could lead to engine failure. That means you could deal with oil leaks the next time you drive.

Think of it as a dangerous snowball effect. If your oil leaks, your car could burst into flames while driving. Combustion is a real threat if you have any of these affected vehicles:

• 2021 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback
• 2022 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback
• 2022 Volkswagen Atlas
• 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
• 2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback
• 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
• 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

If you own one of these models, take your vehicle to a dealer. Mechanics will inspect your engine to determine if your car is at risk of combustion. Then, they’ll replace your engine for free if necessary.

You’ll get notifications in the mail at the beginning of December if you own an affected vehicle. However, you can also check online to see if you’re at risk.

First, you’ll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the lower left of your car’s windshield. This 17-character number is also on your car’s registration card. It might even be on your insurance card.

Once you have your VIN, head to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) online. It has a page devoted to safety issues and recalls. Enter for VIN to find out if you’re at risk.

Or you can click the button below to go to the tool directly:

RELATED: 200K Hyundai and Audi vehicles recalled – Is yours on the list?

Jeeps and Rams

This huge recall involves 79,937 Jeeps and Rams. Your automobile could have an issue with its fuel pump, seat belt retractor or battery pack fuse. In other words, you should be sweating if you have a Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator or Ram 1500.

To be more specific, there are three separate recalls you should know about. Below, we collected the models that are in danger and the campaign numbers you should know about.

If you want, contact the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and mention the campaign numbers below for more information.

Use this table to find out which cars are being recalled, what the issues are and which campaign numbers you might be involved in. Below the table are a few more resources you should know about.

Car make and model	Built between	Issues	Campaign numbers	Recall number
Jeep Wrangler	Aug. 20, 2019 to Nov. 2, 2021	Pump failure and cutoff of the supply from fuel to the engine	22V-767	Z96
Jeep Gladiator	June 4, 2020 to May 13, 2022	Pump failure and cutoff of the supply from fuel to the engine	22V-767	Z96
Ram 1500	May 29, 2019 to Jan. 21, 2022	Pump failure and cutoff of the supply from fuel to the engine	22V-767	Z96

How this could hurt you

Mechanical debris on your fuel system could cause pump failure. This could cut off the flow of fuel to your car’s engine. Strange noises from the pump or a check engine light might tip you off.

Then again, not all cars show obvious signs, which means your vehicle could suddenly sputter to a stop. You might not know it is out of gas until you’re in the middle of the highway and screech to a halt.

The manufacturers are expected to send notifications through the mail by Dec. 2. If you have any one of these cars, you need to visit your dealer to have it checked.

Another huge recall alert you should know about

You’re not in the clear just yet. Your car could still be in danger, even if it isn’t involved in the above recalls.

Car make and model	Built between	Issues	Campaign number	Recall number
Jeep Wrangler	Dec. 1, 2021 to Dec. 20, 2021	Front seat belt retractors improperly welded	22V-766	Z95
Jeep Gladiator	Nov. 22, 2021 and Dec. 9, 2021	Front seat belt retractors improperly welded	22V-766	Z95
Ram 1500	Nov. 22, 2021 and Dec. 23, 2021	Front seat belt retractors improperly welded	22V-766	Z95

If you get into an accident, a faulty retractor might be unable to restrain you. This means you could be seriously injured if you’re involved in a crash. Instead of adequately protecting you, your belt might make things worse.

Finally, there’s one more recall you need to know about:

Car make and model	Built between	Issues	Campaign number	Recall number
2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid	Jan. 13, 2022 to May 18, 2022	Incorrect fasteners securing high-voltage packs	22V-768	Z71
2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid	Jan. 13, 2022 to May 18, 2022	Incorrect fasteners securing high-voltage packs	22V-768	Z71

Now that you know about these recalls, here are the next steps you should take.

You can call one of these numbers:

• Chrysler customer service: 800-853-1403 (Give them the recall number above)
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236 (Give the campaign number above)

If you don’t get a letter in the mail, use the tool below to see if you’re at risk.

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