2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler Battery Heater Part Return

This manufacturer communication, identified by NHTSA ID 11014891, is a Quality Inspection Request (QIR) issued by MOPAR to Jeep dealerships. The communication specifically addresses the MODULE - BATTERY HEATER for 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. It instructs dealers to identify and return certain suspect parts from their inventory or those in transit.

This QIR is a dealer-level action and does not constitute a recall or require immediate action from vehicle owners. The primary goal is to manage dealership stock of potentially non-conforming parts before they are installed in vehicles, ensuring that only compliant parts are used for service or new vehicle preparation related to the Jeep Wrangler battery heater.

Understanding the Quality Inspection Request (QIR)

A Quality Inspection Request (QIR) is an internal communication from a manufacturer to its dealerships. It serves as an alert for dealers to inspect and potentially return specific parts that have been identified as suspect due to potential quality concerns. Unlike a recall, which directly impacts vehicles already sold to consumers, a QIR typically focuses on managing inventory at the dealership level to prevent the installation of non-conforming parts.

This particular QIR, titled "MODULE - BATTERY HEATER," targets specific batches of the Jeep Wrangler battery heater module, part number 68443445AC.

The Suspect Battery Heater Module

The affected component is the MODULE - BATTERY HEATER, identified by part number 68443445AC. This module is manufactured by Webasto Thermo & Comfort SE, a prominent supplier of heating and cooling solutions. The battery heater is a critical component, especially in colder climates, designed to maintain optimal battery temperature for performance and longevity.

Identifying Suspect Parts by Serial Number

The communication provides detailed guidance for dealerships to identify suspect MODULE - BATTERY HEATER units. This identification relies heavily on the serial number found on the part itself. The QIR includes images illustrating the serial number location on the Webasto unit.

There are two primary criteria for identifying suspect parts:

• General Cutoff: Parts built before serial number 23 are considered suspect. For example, a serial number like 0B2280972755 (shown in the QIR with 0B22 highlighted) or 0B2230972755 (shown with 22 highlighted) indicates a part built in 2022, and thus falls under this general cutoff.
• Specific 2023 Prefixes: A comprehensive list of specific serial number prefixes from the 2023 manufacturing year are also identified as suspect. These include:
  • 0B23, 1A23, 2A23, 3A23, 4A23
  • 0C23, 1B23, 2B23, 3B23, 4B23
  • 0D23, 1C23, 2C23, 3C23, 4C23
  • 4D23, 1D23, 2D23, 3D23, 4D23
  • 0F23, 1E23, 2E23, 3E23
  • 0G23, 1F23, 2F23, 3F23
  • 0H23, 1G23, 2G23, 3G23
  • 0I23, 1H23, 2H23, 3H23
  • 0J23, 1I23, 2I23, 3I23

All parts bearing these serial numbers, whether from the general cutoff or the specific 2023 prefixes, are to be considered suspect and must be returned by dealerships.

Dealer Instructions and Timeline

Jeep dealerships that were identified as having stock of the suspect MODULE - BATTERY HEATER (part number 68443445AC) or having these parts in transit were instructed to check their inventory immediately. The communication explicitly states: "Please check and return suspect stock of part number: 68443445AC."

Suspect parts were required to be returned to their facing depot using Return Code 02. The deadline for these returns was March 11, 2025. Dealers were also advised to "place new orders" for replacement parts to ensure continuity of service and to "Return any open orders in process too" if they contained suspect parts. Direct questions regarding returns could be sent via email to [email protected].

Important Warnings for Owners

This Quality Inspection Request (NHTSA ID 11014891) is an internal communication for dealerships and is not a recall. Owners of 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles will NOT receive a direct notification regarding this particular communication. It pertains to managing dealer inventory rather than a vehicle recall or a service action requiring owner intervention.

No immediate action is required from vehicle owners. The purpose of this QIR is to prevent potentially non-conforming parts from being installed in vehicles. If you have concerns about the Jeep Wrangler battery heater in your vehicle, you may contact your authorized Jeep dealership for more information.

Source: NHTSA ID 11014891