Not every recall affects a million vehicles.
Some recalls affect a much smaller group... but still deserve your immediate attention.
That is the case with this one.
FCA US has issued a safety recall for certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2026 Jeep Gladiator JT vehicles equipped with steel wheels, sales code WAA. The concern is that some of these steel wheels may have been produced with a thin wall condition. That can potentially lead to the wheel cracking and separating, which could compromise vehicle control without warning.
So, if you own a 2026 Wrangler or Gladiator with factory steel wheels, this is worth checking.
The Recall at a Glance
This recall is identified as:
NHTSA Recall Number: 26V456
Manufacturer Recall Number: 05D
Manufacturer: Chrysler / FCA US, LLC
Affected Component: Steel Wheel
Component Part Number: 5VH22RXFAB
Supplier: Maxion Wheels
According to the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report, the total number of potentially involved vehicles is 641, and the estimated percentage with the defect is listed as 100% within the suspect population.
The affected vehicles include:
| Vehicle | Model Year | Production Dates | Potentially Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Gladiator JT | 2026 | November 10, 2025 – November 15, 2025 | 35 |
| Jeep Wrangler JL | 2026 | November 10, 2025 – November 16, 2025 | 606 |
That means this is a very specific recall window. Similar vehicles built before or after the suspect period, or vehicles not built with the affected steel wheel, are not included in this recall.
What Is Actually Wrong?
The issue is with the factory steel wheel.
According to the recall documents, some 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles may have been built with a steel wheel that was produced with a thin wall condition.
In plain English, that means part of the wheel may not have enough material thickness where it needs it.
That can contribute to:
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Potential wheel cracking
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Potential wheel separation
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Compromised vehicle control
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A possible crash without prior warning
This is not about scratches, cosmetic wheel damage, or normal wear and tear.
This is a structural wheel concern.
Why This Recall Matters
A wheel is one of those parts most people do not think about until something goes wrong.
But if a wheel cracks or separates while driving, you may not get much warning. The recall documents state that compromised control of the vehicle can cause a crash without prior warning.
That is why this recall is serious even though the affected population is small.
It is not a “keep an eye on it” kind of issue.
It is a “check your VIN and talk to the dealer” kind of issue.
Is There Any Warning Before It Happens?
According to the NHTSA recall report, there is no warning identified for this condition.
That matters.
This is not a situation where owners should wait for a dashboard light, a noise, a vibration, or a visible crack before taking action. If your vehicle is part of the recall population, the issue needs to be handled through the recall process.
How Did We Get Here?
According to the NHTSA report, FCA US opened an investigation on December 9, 2025 through its Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization. The investigation focused on suspect vehicles equipped with steel wheels that may have been produced with the thin wall condition.
From December 2025 through June 2026, FCA US reviewed the issue with engineering and supplier quality teams to understand the potential failure mode and determine the suspect population.
As of June 24, 2026, FCA US reported that it was not aware of any customer assistance records, warranty claims, field reports, accidents, or injuries related to this issue in any market.
On July 9, 2026, FCA US determined through its Vehicle Regulations Committee that a safety defect exists in certain vehicles.
What Jeep Owners Should Do Right Now
First, check whether your Jeep is included in the recall.
You will need your 17-digit VIN.
You can check your VIN here:
NHTSA Recall Lookup:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Mopar Recall Lookup:
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html
The NHTSA report states that VINs are expected to be searchable beginning July 23, 2026.
Second, confirm whether your vehicle has the affected factory steel wheels. The FCA advanced communication identifies the affected vehicles as certain 2026 Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT models equipped with steel wheels under sales code WAA.
Third, contact your local authorized Jeep dealership and reference:
NHTSA Recall Number: 26V456
Manufacturer Recall Number: 05D
What To Do If Your Jeep Is On The Recall List
If your VIN shows that your Jeep is included in this recall, take it seriously.
The recall report lists the consumer advisory as Do Not Drive / Park Outside.
That means you should contact your Jeep dealer before continuing to drive the vehicle. Ask them how they want the vehicle handled, whether it should be towed, and when inspection or repair will be available.
This is especially important because the recall documents state there may be no warning before the issue occurs.
When you contact the dealer, ask about:
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Whether your VIN is included
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Whether your Jeep has the affected steel wheels
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Whether the remedy is available yet
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Whether the vehicle should be driven or towed
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When the inspection and repair can be scheduled
Do not assume that the vehicle is safe to keep driving just because it looks normal.
What Will the Dealer Do?
FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steel wheel and valve stem.
The FCA advanced communication states that the remedy was not currently available as of the July 17, 2026 communication, and that the recall was estimated to launch in the third quarter of 2026.
According to the NHTSA report, dealers were expected to be notified on or about July 23, 2026, and owner notification letters were expected to begin on or about September 4, 2026.
The repair should be handled through an authorized Jeep dealer.
Does This Affect Modified Jeeps?
This recall is tied to a factory steel wheel condition.
It is not specifically a suspension, bumper, armor, lift kit, steering upgrade, or tire issue.
That said, many Jeep owners modify their vehicles quickly after purchase. If your 2026 Wrangler or Gladiator has already had the factory wheels replaced, you should still check your VIN and talk to your dealer. The recall is VIN-based, and the dealer can confirm what action is required.
Do not assume you are clear just because the vehicle has aftermarket wheels now.
If you are a MetalCloak customer and you are not sure what you are looking at, or you have questions about your Jeep, feel free to reach out to MetalCloak for help. We are happy to help point you in the right direction.
The Bottom Line
This recall affects a small number of 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles, but the potential risk is serious.
If a steel wheel cracks or separates, vehicle control can be compromised without warning.
So here is the simple version:
Check your VIN.
Look for Recall 26V456 / 05D.
If your Jeep is on the list, contact your Jeep dealer before driving it.
Then get the inspection and repair handled as soon as the remedy is available.
Small recall or not... wheels matter.
