2021-2024 Jeep/RAM Windshield Wiper Blade Quality Issue

Mopar has initiated a Quality Inspection Request (QIR) concerning certain windshield wiper blades, a proactive measure to ensure the quality and safety of components within their supply chain. This communication, dated June 20, 2024, targets specific part numbers for inspection and return by dealerships. The request highlights the importance of maintaining high standards for vehicle components, especially those critical for driver visibility and safety, such as the windshield wiper blade.

This quality check affects a range of 2021-2024 Jeep and RAM vehicles, including the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. It's essential for owners of these vehicles to understand the implications of such a request, even though it's primarily directed at dealer inventory.

What is a Quality Inspection Request (QIR)?

A Quality Inspection Request, or QIR, is an internal communication from the manufacturer to its dealerships. It instructs them to inspect existing inventory for potentially non-compliant parts. Unlike a recall, which typically addresses vehicles already sold to consumers and requires them to bring their vehicle in for a repair, a QIR focuses on preventing potentially problematic parts from being installed or sold in the first place.

This type of request is a critical step in a manufacturer's quality control process. It ensures that only components meeting strict specifications are used for service or new vehicle assembly. For this particular request, Mopar is targeting windshield wiper blades that may have been manufactured with a quality concern, aiming to identify and remove these parts from the supply chain before they reach customers. This proactive approach helps to mitigate potential issues before they manifest as performance problems or safety concerns on the road.

Affected Windshield Wiper Blades

The Quality Inspection Request specifically identifies two part numbers for windshield wiper blades: 68293017AE and 68383600AB. It is crucial to note that not all wiper blades with these part numbers are affected. The concern is limited to those blades that were manufactured before August 25, 2022. This date is a key identifier for determining whether a specific part falls under the scope of this quality check.

These wiper blades are used across a broad range of vehicles, including the 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and various RAM truck models such as the 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The widespread application of these parts underscores the importance of this quality control initiative. Ensuring the integrity of every windshield wiper blade is paramount for maintaining clear visibility in adverse weather conditions, directly impacting driving safety.

Identifying Suspect Parts: The Manufacturing Date Code

To help dealerships identify the suspect wiper blades, the Mopar communication includes detailed instructions and visual aids for locating the manufacturing date code. This code is typically found on the part's packaging or directly on the blade assembly itself, often near the part number or a barcode. The document provides an image illustrating a sample label for a wiper blade, though the part shown in the example is explicitly stated as