NHTSA Complaint #11654127 — 2021 JEEP WRANGLER

Since purchasing my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the vehicle’s radio system has been defective, creating a significant safety hazard. The original radio (Radio 1) had a short that drained the battery and was replaced by a dealer. The replacement radio (Radio 2) has never functioned properly: the Bluetooth system fails to stay paired, requiring manual re-pairing every time the vehicle is started. Multiple software updates have been attempted, but the issue persists unchanged. This defect prevents reliable hands-free phone operation, which is critical for safe driving. My wife uses this vehicle daily to transport our children to school, and the lack of a functional hands-free system forces her to either forgo phone use entirely or risk distracted driving, violating Georgia’s hands-free law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241), which prohibits holding a phone while driving. This malfunction endangers my family and other road users, as it compromises the driver’s ability to communicate safely in emergencies or navigate without distraction. Repair History: * Initial Defect: Radio 1 shorted and drained the battery; replaced with Radio 2 (date unknown, within first year of ownership). * Ongoing Issue: Radio 2’s Bluetooth has required re-pairing every drive since installation, despite multiple dealer visits and software updates. * Recent Action: Dropped off vehicle on April 11, 2025, at Rick Hendrick Duluth (mileage: 48,177). Dealer staff (Heather Kratky and Matt Otis) stated Jeep has not authorized a fix and considers the issue unresolvable, leaving the defect unaddressed. * Mopar Escalation: Escalated to Mopar. Safety Impact: The persistent Bluetooth failure eliminates hands-free capability, a standard safety feature in modern vehicles. This defect directly contributes to distracted driving risks, particularly in a family vehicle used for school transportation.