Overview of the Recall
INEOS has announced a recall of 7,022 Grenadier models due to a potential safety issue with the door handle mechanism. The defect could lead to the doors of affected vehicles opening unexpectedly while in motion. According to the recall documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the root of the issue lies in an insufficient application of grease in the door-button mechanism.
Details of the Mechanism Failure
The lack of adequate grease on the mechanism may cause the exterior door buttons to remain pressed down, which can prevent the doors from latching fully. This malfunction could pose significant safety risks as it may result in the doors swinging open unexpectedly. To address this concern, INEOS has confirmed that all affected vehicles will have their complete door-button assemblies replaced free of charge. The newly designed components will incorporate improved guidance mechanisms and a revised grease application process to mitigate this issue.
Warnings and Notifications
In the case that the doors are not correctly latched, drivers and passengers will receive a series of warnings. The recall documents indicate the following: a distinctive sound when closing the doors, a visible sign of a depressed latch, and both visual and audible alerts if the vehicle moves while doors are unlatched. INEOS has already notified dealers regarding this recall and plans to send owner-notification letters between March 31 and May 4. Owners are encouraged to verify if their Grenadier is affected by visiting the NHTSA website.