Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

A recent recall for the Jeep Grand Cherokee involving the vehicle’s headrest has found that 1%, or 1,214, of the 121,398 recalled vehicles are affected by the headrest defect.
According to recent information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect can be somewhat difficult to detect, so knowing what to look out for could be critical in addressing the problem.
To help you stay informed about the Jeep Grand Cherokee headrest defect recall, our team has prepared this article. Continue reading to find out more!
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What’s Wrong with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Headrest?
The NHTSA’s Safety Recall Report states that the headrest in the second row were manufactured with a faulty internal locking mechanism, meaning the headrests do not stay upright when placed that way.
This can potentially lead to injury in particular types of accidents, especially when passengers are relying on the headrests for cushioning or support.
The only way to determine if a vehicle contains this defect is to notice the headrest failing to lock upright; however, the Safety Recall Report does not say whether this defect would happen every time or only occasionally. This could make it difficult for vehicle owners and consumers to detect.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee Models Are Affected?
Two models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are affected: the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which is the version of the vehicle with an extra row of seating.
All of the affected vehicles are either 2023 models or 2024 models; before 2023 and after 2024, the faulty mechanism was no longer being used in manufacturing.
If you own a 2023 or 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee or Grand Cherokee L, your vehicle is included in the recall and you should take it to an authorized dealer as soon as possible so they can begin the remedy process.
Has Jeep Released Other Grand Cherokee Headrest Recalls?
At least one other recall has been issued for the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s headrest, although it was issued for a slightly different reason than this current one.
In the other recall, Jeep headrests (as well as Chrysler and Dodge headrests) were alleged to be “activating” unnecessarily.
Some headrests in vehicles come with a safety feature that ideally reduces whiplash in the event of a collision.
Unfortunately, if that safety feature deploys prematurely, it can strike passengers in the back of the head and distract or injure them.
This problem is likely slightly more dangerous than the ongoing recall with the headrests not locking, but both can be distractions at best and harmful at worse.
Any headrest issues can have a significant impact on driver and passenger comfort and safety and should be taken seriously once discovered, even if no recall has been issued.
What Steps Should I Take If My Vehicle Is Included?
If you discover that your vehicle is part of an ongoing recall, it’s important to act promptly to ensure your safety and preserve your rights as a consumer.
The first step is to verify the recall through reliable sources. This can be done by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which will display any outstanding recalls.
You may also receive a recall notice in the mail from the manufacturer. Once a recall is confirmed, review the details to understand what part or system is affected, the nature of the defect, and whether it poses an immediate safety risk.
If the issue is serious, avoid driving the vehicle until it has been repaired; for example, if the back seats of a Jeep Grand Cherokee are rarely used, it might be less dangerous to drive with the headrest defect than if there are passengers there frequently.
Next, contact your local dealership that sells and services your vehicle’s make. Recalls are typically handled at no cost to you, as manufacturers are legally obligated to fix safety-related defects free of charge.
Schedule an appointment as soon as possible, especially if the recall affects something critical like the brakes, steering, airbags, or engine.
During busy recall periods, repair parts may be on backorder, so acting quickly can help you get ahead of potential delays.
Keep records of your appointment, any repair work done, and communication with the dealership—these can be helpful if issues persist or if legal action becomes necessary.
After your vehicle has been repaired, monitor its performance closely. While many recall repairs resolve the defect, some vehicles may continue to experience issues related to the original problem or develop new concerns as a result.
If the defect persists after multiple repair attempts or the vehicle remains out of service for an extended period, this may indicate a more serious and ongoing problem.
This is where lemon law can come into play. Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that turn out to be defective and cannot be adequately repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.
If your vehicle continues to suffer from recall-related issues or other serious defects even after repeated service visits, you may be entitled to compensation, a vehicle replacement, or a full refund.
Each state has its own lemon law requirements, but most cover new vehicles and some extend protections to used or certified pre-owned vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Consulting a lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether your situation qualifies.
Taking legal action through lemon law not only helps you recover your losses but also holds manufacturers accountable for releasing unsafe or unreliable vehicles into the marketplace.
Need Lemon Law Help? Call the Experts!
If you’re dealing with ongoing vehicle issues—even after a recall repair—don’t wait. Contact The Lemon Law Experts today for a free consultation.
Our team has worked with thousands of clients just like you and has experience bringing successful claims to manufacturers.
We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Let us take the stress off your shoulders and fight for the resolution you’re entitled to.
If you are dealing with what you believe to be a lemon, contact us today by visiting our website or calling us at (877) 885-5366!
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Part 573 Safety Recall Report. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V472-6161.pdf. Accessed July 28, 2025.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Jeep Notification Letter Recall 25V472. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V472-9278.pdf. Accessed July 28, 2025.