22E019 – Equipment Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear – Mopar

SEOCONTENT-START

FCA US LLC Recall Part Number/Model Compatibility
Z26 – 2021-2022 WD/WK – Steering Rack Bar Heat Treat
Submitted on March 14, 2022
The chart below shows the vehicle make/model/model year(s) in which the recalled components COULD be used/installed as aftermarket or service parts. This list does not represent vehicle models or model years in which the recalled components were used for initial vehicle production.
Dodge Durango & Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK)
STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY PART NUMBERS BY MAKE/MODEL/MODEL YEAR(S)
201620172018201920202021202220162017201820192020202120222016201720182019202020212022201620172018201920202021202268524926AAGEAR – RACK AND PINIONX68499163AA GEAR – RACK AND PINIONXXXXXXXXXXXXX68499166AAGEAR – RACK AND PINIONXXXXXXXXXMake / Model / Model YearPart NumberPart Name/DescriptionJeep Grand Cherokee W2Jeep Grand Cherokee W3Dodge Durango WDGrand Cherokee WK

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© Copyright 2022, FCA US LLC, All Rights Reserved (djt)
May 2022
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall Z26 / NHTSA 22E-019
Steering Gear
Steering gear assembly part numbers 68524908AA, 68524926AA
and 68572913AA.
Some of the steering gear assemblies above may have been built with a rack bar
manufactured with hardness below specification that may bend or yield in certain
circumstances. If the rack bar yields, it could bind within the steering rack,
possibly resulting in sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering
control and/or the inability to maintain directional steering control, which can
cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy Available
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle
inventory. Dealers should complete this campaign service on these vehicles
before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in used
vehicle inventory and those vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be
determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 2
If the steering gear has not been installed, exchange it.
If the steering gear has been installed, replace it using the following procedure.
Part Number Qty. Description
One of the following Steering Rack & Pinion Gear Assemblies:
68524908AA 1 Steering Rack & Pinion Gear Assembly
(WD 2WD 5.7L)
(WK WD 4WD 3.6L)
68524926AA 1 Steering Rack & Pinion Gear Assembly
(WD 6.4 SRT Sales Code ESG)
(WD 5.7L high perf suspension Sales Code EZH)
68572913AA 1 Steering Rack & Pinion Gear Assembly
(WK LHD 3.6L)
06510206AA 1 Pinch Bolt
06511398AA 2 Nut, Upper Ball Joint
06511398AA 2 Nut, Outer Tie Rod
06512099AA 2 Clevis Nut
06512111AA 2 Clevis Bolt
04809863AC 2 Washer, Half Shaft Outer
06102240AA 1 Bolt and Washer,
(axle tube bushing bracket bolt and nut)
06104717AA 1 Nut, Lock (axle tube bushing bracket bolt and nut)
06509298AA 2 Nut, Axle Half Shaft to hub and bearing
06511930AA 2 Bolt, Front axle differential
(cover bushing bolt & pinion nose bolt)
68087448AC 3 Bolt kit, front prop to pinion flange
06512761AA 2 Rivet, Spat Attaching – (WD only as applicable)
Repair
Parts Information
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 3
No parts return required for this campaign.
Render the steering gear unusable and discard.
The following special tools are required to perform this repair:
➢ 9360 Remover, Tie Rod
➢ 8984C Fixture
➢ 8534C Driveline Support or Equivalent
➢ C-4150A Press, Ball Joint
➢ 10270 Protector, Half Shaft, Drive
➢ 8677 Ball Joint Remover
Parts Return
Special Tools
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 4
A. Removal
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner body.
3. Disconnect the throttle body wire harness connector and disengage the wire
harness clip from the throttle body.
4. Remove the four bolts and the throttle body and set aside.
5. Support the engine using Fixture, Engine
Lifting 8984C Fixture, Driveline Support
8534C or equivalent (Figure 1).
6. Raise and support the vehicle.
7. Remove the front wheels and tires.
8. Remove the bolts (2) and remove the
transmission skid plate (1) (Figure 2).
Service Procedure
Figure 1 – Engine Lifting
Fixture
Figure 2 – Transmission Skid
Plate
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 5
9. Remove the front suspension skid plate (2)
by loosening the front bolts (1), removing
the rear bolts (3), then the skid plate
(Figure 3).
10. Remove the front skid plate (2) on standard
models by removing the front (1) and rear
(3) bolts, then removing the front skid plate
(Figure 4).
11. For Trackhawk models, remove the outer
spat rivet (1) (Figure 5).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 3 – Front Suspension
Skid Plate
Figure 4 – Front Skid Plate
Figure 5 – Outer Spat Limit
(Trackhawk Models)
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 6
12. For Trackhawk models, remove the four
fasteners (1) from each wheel well
(Figure 6).
13. For Trackhawk models,
remove the two rear
fasteners (1) and the 11
front fasteners (2) then
remove the skid plate
(Figure 7).
14. Remove the engine mount nuts (2)
(Figure 8).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 6 – Wheel Well
Fasteners (Trackhawk Models)
Figure 7 – Skid Plate Fasteners (Trackhawk
Models)
Figure 8 – Engine Mount Nuts
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 7
15. Remove the catalytic converter heat shield from the frame.
CAUTION: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) is centered to the
vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column
module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in SCCM
damage.
16. Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead position with the steering wheel
centered and locked with a steering wheel lock.
17. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch
bolt (1) and disconnect the coupler (2) from
the steering shaft. Discard the steering
shaft coupler pinch bolt (Figure 9).
18. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor
electrical connector (1), the wheel speed
sensor wiring routing clips (2, 3), and
remove the wheel speed sensor wiring (4)
from the brake flex hose bracket (Figure
10).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 9 – Steering Shaft
Coupler Pinch Bolt
Figure 10 – Wheel Speed
Sensor Connections
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 8
19. Disconnect the sensor wire routing clips
from the brake hose and remove the wheel
speed sensor wiring (3) from the knuckle
(4) (Figure 11).
20. Remove the front wheel sensor mounting
bolt (2) and remove the sensor (1) from the
knuckle (4) (Figure 11).
21. Remove both brake calipers and hang to the
side.
22. Remove the brake rotor.
23. Support the outside of the lower control arms with a suitable holding fixture and
raise to normal ride height.
24. Remove the upper ball joint nuts (4) and
DISCARD (Figure 12).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 11 – Wheel Speed
Sensor
Figure 12 – Ball Joint Nut
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 9
25. Separate the upper ball joints (2) from the
knuckles (3) using Press, Ball Joint C-
4150A (1) (Figure 13).
26. Remove the shock clevis bracket to lower
control arm nut/bolts and DISCARD.
27. Mark (3) the front driveshaft (1) and pinion
flange (2) for installation reference if
applicable (Figure 14).
28. Remove the driveshaft (1) from the pinion
flange (2) if applicable (Figure 14).
29. Disconnect the steering gear wire harness
connectors.
30. Remove the bolts (1) from the rear
brackets (Figure 15).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 15 – Bracket
Figure 14 – Driveshaft & Pinion
Flange
Figure 13 – Ball Joint Press
4150A
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 10
31. Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the location of the cradle on the
underbody.
32. Support the cradle with suitable lifting device.
33. Remove the four cradle bolts (3) and
separate the cradle crossmember (1) and
brackets (2) from the vehicle (Figure 16).
CAUTION: Remove axle vent tube prior
to removing axle. Failure to remove vent
tube will allow axle fluid to saturate the
vent and cause reduced or improper axle
venting resulting in axle damage.
34. Remove axle vent tube from axle.
NOTE: Always install a NEW hub nut. The original hub nut is one-time
use only and should be discarded when removed.
35. Remove halfshaft hub/bearing nut (1) and
DISCARD (Figure 17).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 16 – Cradle
Figure 17 – Hub/Bearing Nut
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 11
36. Remove tie rod end nut (1) (Figure 18).
37. Separate the outer tie rod end (3) from the
knuckle (2) with Ball Joint Remover 8677
(1) (Figure 19).
38. Lean the knuckle (2) out and push halfshaft
(1) out of the hub/bearing. Discard the
coated washer between the outer CV joint
and the hub (Figure 20).
39. Pry halfshaft from axle/axle tube with pry
bar. There are notches present on the inner
CV joint housing to pry against, use care
not to damage halfshaft seal.
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 18 – Tie Rod End Nut
Figure 19 – Ball Joint Remover
8677
Figure 20 – Halfshaft from
Hub/Bearing
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 12
40. Remove and DISCARD the front axle
cover bushing bolt (2) and front axle pinion
nose bushing bolt (1) from the crossmember
(Figure 21).
41. Remove and DISCARD the nut and bolt (1)
from front axle tube bushing (2) bracket
(Figure 22).
42. Remove the bolts (3) from frame dampener
(4) (Figure 22).
43. To remove the axle (1), tilt the front side of
the axle downward while maneuvering the
axle bracket. Then lower the axle and slide
it to the RH side of the vehicle to clear the
front axle cover mounting bracket
(Figure 23).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 21 – Front Axle
Bushing Bolts
Figure 22 – Front Axle Tube
Bushing Nut & Bolt
Figure 23 – Front Axle
Removal
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 13
44. Remove the two steering gear bolts (2)
(Figure 24).
45. Remove the one steering gear bolt (4)
(Figure 24).
46. Remove the steering gear (3) (Figure 24).
B. Installation
CAUTION: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) is centered to the
vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column
module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in SCCM
damage.
1. Drill out the rivets with a 9/64 drill bit, transfer the steering gear heat shield,
secure the heat shield with the NEW self-tapping screws provided with the new
steering gear.
2. Position the NEW steering gear (3) to the crossmember cradle (Figure 24).
3. Install the two steering gear bolts (2) and tighten to 250N·m (184 ft. lbs.).
4. Insert both outer tie rod end studs into the steering knuckles.
5. Install the two outer tie rod end nuts (5) and tighten them to 54N·m + 110° (40
ft. lbs. + 110°) (Figure 24).
6. Lift the axle into the cradle (if applicable).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 24 – Steering Gear
Bolts
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 14
7. Install NEW front axle tube bushing
mounting fasteners (1) in the RH axle
bracket (2) and tighten to 61N·m (45 ft.
lbs.) (Figure 25).
8. Install frame dampener (4) and bolts (3) and
tighten to 61N·m (45 ft. lbs.).
9. Install a NEW front axle cover bushing bolt
(2) and a NEW front axle pinion nose
bushing bolt (1) and tighten to 118N·m (87
ft. lbs.) (Figure 26).
10. Install front axle vent tube and ensure
orientation is correct. Vent Tube needs to be
fully seated to vent nipple and then can be
orientated to correct position.
11. Using axle seal protector 10270 (1), install
halfshafts in the axle. Verify halfshaft has
engaged (Figure 27).
NOTE: Use care when removing seal
protector
Service Procedure [Continued]
Figure 25 – Front Axle
Fasteners
Figure 26 – Front Axle
Fasteners
Figure 27 – Axle Seal Protector
10270
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 15
12. Install NEW coated washer on the outer C/V joint shaft.
13. Install halfshaft (1) through the hub/bearing (2) (Figure 20).
14. Raise the engine cradle into position guiding the engine mounts into the engine
mount brackets.
15. Align the engine cradle to the marks made during removal.
16. Install the engine cradle stiffener brackets and install the four engine cradle
support bolts.
17. Tighten the four engine cradle support bolts to 180 N·m (133ft. lbs.)
(Figure 16).
18. Install and tighten the six engine cradle stiffener bracket bolts to 20N·m (15ft.
lbs.) (Figure 15).
19. Connect the steering gear wire harness connectors.
20. Install the driveshaft with reference marks aligned (Figure 14).
NOTE: Clean the driveshaft bolts and apply Mopar Lock and Seal
Adhesive or equivalent to the threads before installation.
21. Install the front driveshaft bolts and tighten to 55N·m (41ft. lbs.).
22. Support the outside of the lower control arm with a suitable holding fixture, and
raise to normal ride height.
23. Tighten the NEW front shock clevis bracket to lower control arm nut/bolt to
150 Nm + 45° (111ft. lbs. +45°).
24. Insert both outer tie rod end studs into the steering knuckles.
25. Install the two outer tie rod end nuts (5) and tighten them to 54Nm + 110° (40ft.
lbs. +110°) (Figure 24).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 16
26. Install the NEW upper ball joint nuts (4) and tighten to 165Nm (122ft. lbs.)
(Figure 12).
Caution: The steering gear must be centered prior to installing the coupler
to prevent clockspring damage.
27. Connect the steering shaft coupler to the steering shaft, install a NEW coupler
pinch bolt and tighten to 45N·m (33ft. lbs.).
28. Lower the engine fully onto the engine mounts.
29. Remove the engine support tool (Figure 1).
30. Tighten the engine mount nuts to 61N·m (45ft. lbs.) (Figure 8).
31. Install the brake calipers and tighten to 55N·m (41ft. lbs.).
32. Position the wheel speed sensor in the knuckle, install the mounting bolt, and
tighten to 10.7 N·m (95 in. lbs.).
33. Attach the sensor wire routing clips to the brake hose.
34. Attach the wheel speed sensor wiring to the knuckle.
35. For Trackhawk models, install the two rear fasteners (1) and the 11 front
fasteners (2) with the front skid plate (Figure 7).
36. For Trackhawk models, install the four fasteners (1) from each wheel well
(Figure 6).
37. For Trackhawk models, install NEW outer spat rivet (1) (Figure 5).
38. Install the front skid plate on standard models by installing the front (1) and rear
(3) bolts and tightening to 55 N⋅m (41 ft. lbs.) (Figure 4).
39. Install the front suspension skid plate by sliding under the front bolts (1),
installing the rear bolts and tightening to 28 N⋅m (21 ft. lbs.) (Figure 3).
Service Procedure [Continued]
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 17
40. Install the transmission skid plate (1) and bolts (2). Tighten bolts to 55 N⋅m
(41 ft. lbs.) (Figure 2).
41. Install the wheels and tires.
42. If removed, Install the throttle body and tighten the four bolts in a criss-cross
pattern. For 3.6L engines, tighten to 9Nm (80 in. lbs.). For all other engines,
tighten to 12Nm (9 ft. lbs.).
43. Perform wheel alignment, paying special attention to thrust angle. If engine
cradle crossmember needs to be shifted to align thrust angle, Reference to 02
Front/Wheel Alignment- Standard Procedure.
44. Return the vehicle to the customer.
Service Procedure [Continued]
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 18
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the
DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims paid
will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide dealer
payments.
Use the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Exchange Steering Gear – Dealership
Processing Fee 19-Z2-61-81 0.0 hours
Replace Steering Gear 19-Z2-61-82 3.2 hours
(WD, WK 3.6L Models)
Replace Steering Gear 19-Z2-61-83 4.3 hours
(WD, WK 5.7L or 6.4L Models)
Replace Steering Gear 19-Z2-61-84 5.9 hours
(WD, WK 6.2L Models)
Related Operation
Front End Alignment 02-00-01-50 1.0 hour
Dealer Ship Handling Fee for Safety Recall Z26 95-19-30-50
Optional Equipment
Air Suspension Equipped 19-00-05-61 0.3 hours
All Wheel Drive/Four Wheel Drive Equipped 19-00-05-64 0.7 hours
Skid Plate Equipped 19-00-05-69 0.2 hours
Add the cost of the campaign parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to
your claim.
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing
Section, for complete claim processing instructions.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 19
To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select “Global Recall System” on
the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.
All involved vehicle owners known to FCA are being notified of the service
requirement by mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service
with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall
System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete
vehicles. The owner’s name, address and phone number are listed if known.
Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim
submission.
To use this system, click on the “Service” tab and then click on “Global Recall
System.” Your dealer’s VIN list for each campaign displayed can be sorted by:
those vehicles that were unsold at campaign launch, those with a phone number,
city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers should perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail
delivery. Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to
schedule appointments for this repair.
VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was
obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is
permitted for this notification only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Dealer Notification
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
Safety Recall Z26 – Steering Gear Page 20
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please
contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Service / Field Operations
FCA US LLC
Additional Information
Z26/NHTSA 22E-019
YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS
1. RECOMMENDED OPTION
Call your authorized Chrysler /
Dodge / Jeep® / RAM Dealership
2. Call the FCA Recall Assistance
Center at 1-800-853-1403. An
agent can confirm part availability
and help schedule an appointment
DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS
Please reference Safety Recall Z26.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Steering Gear
Dear [Name],
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain steering
gear assemblies part numbers 68524908AA, 68524926AA and 68572913AA.
It is extremely important to take steps now to repair your vehicle to ensure the safety of you and
your passengers.
WHY DOES MY ITEM OF EQUIPMENT NEED REPAIRS?
FCA US records indicate that you may have purchased a replacement steering gear assembly
for your vehicle [1]. The steering gear assembly may have been built with a rack bar
manufactured with hardness below specification that may bend or yield in certain circumstances.
If the rack bar yields, it could bind within the steering rack, possibly resulting in sudden
greater effort required to maintain directional steering control and/or the inability to
maintain directional steering control, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior
warning.
HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE?
FCA US will repair your steering gear [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, return an
uninstalled steering gear assembly to your dealer for exchange. If the steering gear has been
installed, your dealer will replace the steering gear in-vehicle. The estimated repair time for
installed steering gear assemblies is 8 hours. In addition, your dealer will require your vehicle
for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit. We recommend that you
schedule a service appointment after May 27, 2022 to minimize your inconvenience. Please
bring this letter with you to your dealership.
TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE REPAIR,
CALL YOUR CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER TODAY
WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED?
If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you
may visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit your reimbursement request online. [3]
Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within
60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement,
you may still need to have the recall repair performed.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you
for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Assistance/Field Operations
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC
[1] If you no longer own this vehicle, please help us update our records. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 to update your information.
[2] If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or you can call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-
9153), or go to safercar.gov.
[3] You can also mail in your original receipts and proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement consideration: FCA Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8004,
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Recall Reimbursement.
Note to lessors receiving this recall notice: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
Mr. Mrs. Customer
1234 Main Street
Hometown, MI 48371

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Z26/NHTSA 22E-019
YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS
1. RECOMMENDED OPTION
Call your authorized Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep® / RAM Dealership
2. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403. An agent can confirm part availability and help schedule an appointment
DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS
Please reference Safety Recall Z26.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Steering Gear
Dear [Name],
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain steering gear assemblies part numbers 68524908AA, 68524926AA and 68572913AA.
It is extremely important to take steps now to repair your vehicle to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
WHY DOES MY ITEM OF EQUIPMENT NEED REPAIRS?
FCA US records indicate that you may have purchased a replacement steering gear assembly for your vehicle [1]. The steering gear assembly may have been built with a rack bar manufactured with hardness below specification that may bend or yield in certain circumstances. If the rack bar yields, it could bind within the steering rack, possibly resulting in sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering control and/or the inability to maintain directional steering control, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE?
FCA US will repair your steering gear [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, return an uninstalled steering gear assembly to your dealer for exchange. If the steering gear has been installed, your dealer will replace the steering gear in-vehicle. The estimated repair time for installed steering gear assemblies is 8 hours. In addition, your dealer will require your vehicle for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit. We recommend that you schedule a service appointment after May 27, 2022 to minimize your inconvenience. Please bring this letter with you to your dealership.
TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE REPAIR,
CALL YOUR CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER TODAY
WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED?
If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit your reimbursement request online. [3] Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement, you may still need to have the recall repair performed.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Assistance/Field Operations
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC
[1] If you no longer own this vehicle, please help us update our records. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 to update your information.
[2] If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or you can call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-
9153), or go to safercar.gov.
[3] You can also mail in your original receipts and proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement consideration: FCA Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8004,
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Recall Reimbursement.
Note to lessors receiving this recall notice: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
Mr. Mrs. Customer
1234 Main Street
Hometown, MI 48371

**************************************************************************************************************

03/15/2022
_____________________________________________________________________
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – Z26
FCA US LLC (FCA US) has announced a safety recall on certain:
Mopar Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric 68499166AA
Mopar Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric 68499163AA
Mopar Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric 68498478AA
REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL
Some of the above steering gears may have been built with a rack bar manufactured with hardness below specification, and may in certain circumstances, result in bending or yielding. If the steering gear rack bar yields, it could cause a rack bar to bind within the steering rack, possibly resulting in sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering control and/or the inability to maintain directional steering control.
A sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering control and/or the inability to maintain directional steering control can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
SERVICE ACTION
FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected parts to replace or repurchase the steering gear assembly. The remedy for this condition is not currently available. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established communication methods. This recall is estimated to launch in 1st Quarter of 2022.
We ask that you please take the time to ensure that your personnel are aware of this communication and are prepared to execute a customer friendly process for inquiries regarding involved vehicles.
Customer Services Field Operations
FCA US LLC

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-019
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Submission Date : MAR 14, 2022
NHTSA Recall No. : 22E-019
Manufacturer Recall No. : Z26
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Address : 800 Chrysler Drive
CIMS 482-00-91 Auburn Hills MI
48326-2757
Company phone : 1-800-853-1403
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 53
Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Equipment Information :
Brand / Trade 1 : Mopar
Model : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Part No. : 68498478AA
Size : NR
Function : EPS Gear Assy
Descriptive Information : Some steering gear assemblies may have been manufactured with a steering gear
rack bar with hardness below specification, which could potentially result in the
bar bending or yielding.
The suspect part population includes steering gear assemblies built December
21, 2021, through January 5, 2022, and was determined using supplier
traceability records of the suspect parts.
Similar steering gear assemblies not included in the recall were manufactured
before or after the suspect period, or with properly hardened parts.
The total affected parts for this part number is 4.
Production Dates : DEC 21, 2021 – JAN 05, 2022
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-019 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Brand / Trade 2 : Mopar
Model : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Part No. : 68499163AA
Size : NR
Function : EPS Gear Assy
Descriptive Information : Some steering gear assemblies may have been manufactured with a steering gear
rack bar with hardness below specification, which could potentially result in the
bar bending or yielding.
The suspect part population includes steering gear assemblies built December
21, 2021, through January 5, 2022, and was determined using supplier
traceability records of the suspect parts.
Similar steering gear assemblies not included in the recall were manufactured
before or after the suspect period, or with properly hardened parts.
The total affected parts for this part number is 19.
Production Dates : DEC 21, 2021 – JAN 05, 2022
Brand / Trade 3 : Mopar
Model : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Part No. : 68499166AA
Size : NR
Function : EPS Gear Assy
Descriptive Information : Some steering gear assemblies may have been manufactured with a steering gear
rack bar with hardness below specification, which could potentially result in the
bar bending or yielding.
The suspect part population includes steering gear assemblies built December
21, 2021, through January 5, 2022, and was determined using supplier
traceability records of the suspect parts.
Similar steering gear assemblies not included in the recall were manufactured
before or after the suspect period, or with properly hardened parts.
The total affected parts for this part number is 30.
Production Dates : DEC 21, 2021 – JAN 05, 2022
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-019 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A steering gear rack bar manufactured with hardness below specification may,
in certain circumstances, result in bending or yielding. If the steering gear rack
bar yields, it could cause a rack bar to bind within the steering rack, possibly
resulting in a sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering
control and/or the inability to maintain directional steering control.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : A sudden greater effort required to maintain directional steering control and/
or the inability to maintain directional steering control can cause a vehicle
crash without prior warning.
Description of the Cause : NR
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
None
Involved Components :
Component Name : Electric Power Steering Gear Assembly
Component Description : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Component Part Number : 68498478AA
Component Name : Electric Power Steering Gear Assembly
Component Description : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Component Part Number : 68499163AA
Component Name : Electric Power Steering Gear Assembly
Component Description : Gear Assembly – Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
Component Part Number : 68499166AA
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : Nexteer Automotive
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-019 Page 4
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Address : 3900 Holland Road
Saginaw Michigan 48601-9494
Country : United States
Chronology :
• On January 6, 2022, the supplier notified FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Supplier Quality of a potential issue related
to an incomplete steering gear rack bar hardening process.
• On February 4, 2022, the FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened
an investigation based on information provided by FCA US Current Production Quality.
• From February 4, 2022, to February 23, 2022, FCA US TSRC reviewed FCA US and supplier records and met
with FCA US engineering to review the issue and understand the part processing and delivery history.
• As of March 3, 2022, FCA US has identified zero customer assistance records, zero warranty claims, and zero
field reports potentially relating to this issue for all markets.
• As of March 3, 2022, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially relating to this issue for all
markets.
• On March 7, 2022, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary
safety equipment recall of the affected parts.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected parts to
replace or repurchase the steering gear assembly.
FCA US has a longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who
have incurred the cost of repairing a problem that subsequently becomes
the subject of a field action. To ensure consistency, FCA US, as part of the
owner letter, will request that customers send the original receipt and/or
other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the
expense.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
The remedy steering gear assembly will be produced with a properly
hardened steering gear rack bar.
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
NR
Recall Schedule :
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-019 Page 5
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Recall Schedule : **03/14/2022: FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on
or about 05/03/2022.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 03, 2022 – MAY 03, 2022
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 03, 2022 – MAY 03, 2022
Purchaser Information :
The following manufacturers purchased this defective/noncompliant equipment for possible use or
installation in new motor vehicles or new items of motor vehicle equipment:
Name : NR
Address : NR
NR
Country : NR
Company Phone : NR
* NR – Not Reported

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