The Jeep Wagoneer S, Jeep’s all-electric SUV, hasn’t had the smoothest start. Despite its powerful performance, sales were slow last year, with dealers offering heavy discounts. This month, a recall has been issued for a significant portion of the SUV’s production run, spanning from its launch in March of last year through January of this year. However, there’s a positive side: the fix is straightforward, and preliminary data indicates that the Wagoneer S is selling better than it did last year.
Jeep, a brand synonymous with off-road SUVs, traces its roots back to World War II when these vehicles were known as ‘jeeps’ (derived from GP, or General Purpose vehicles). Willys-Overland Motors popularized the concept, and the brand has maintained a reputation for off-road focus. Today, iconic models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are mainstays, and the Wrangler 4xe holds the title of best-selling plug-in hybrid in America. Jeep was founded in 1943 by Willys-Overland Motors, and its headquarters is in Toledo, Ohio. The brand is now owned by Stellantis.
Headlight Adjustment Recall
The recall affects 2024 and 2025 model year Wagoneer S SUVs manufactured between March 21 of last year and January 29 of this year. The issue involves the headlights, which were built with incorrectly accessible adjusters. The vertical adjusters were covered, hindering access, while the horizontal adjusters presented the opposite problem. Consequently, many of these SUVs may have improperly adjusted headlights, potentially blinding oncoming drivers and increasing the risk of accidents.
The remedy is simple: owners can bring their SUVs to a dealership to have the correct covers installed and the headlights properly adjusted. The work will be performed at no cost to the owner. Customers with questions about the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403, referencing recall code 23C.
Wagoneer S Sales on the Rise?
One interesting aspect of this recall is the number of vehicles affected, totaling 3,919. At the end of last year, Stellantis reported only 231 Wagoneer S sales in the US. Canadian sales weren’t much higher, with a reported 13 units sold. This implies that Jeep is experiencing a sales upturn with its first all-electric vehicle in the US. Both Stellantis and its dealers likely welcome this development.
Last year, significant discounts were offered on the Wagoneer S to clear inventory, with some reaching $13,000. While these markdowns may be driving sales, potentially affecting average transaction prices, moving inventory is still a positive step. The introduction of a cheaper Limited trim level and the availability of federal EV tax credits could also contribute to increased sales figures.
