Today's trail report

Two Jeep recalls open on NHTSA today — one for rear coil springs that can detach while driving

By The OffRoading.News Desk

Good morning. The day's most consequential item is a rear-suspension recall. NHTSA campaign 26V-562 covers certain 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles whose rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and, per NHTSA, "detach from the vehicle while driving." That is a part leaving the car at speed, so treat it seriously even though NHTSA lists no stop-ride order. Dealers will replace the rear coil spring lower isolators free of charge; interim notification letters are expected September 29, 2026, with further letters once the final remedy is ready. FCA's internal number is 89D, and this recall replaces earlier campaigns 26V051 and 23V413. Owners can reach FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Involved VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026. Do not assume your specific year and trim are affected — check your VIN against the campaign, because a covered 2022 tells you nothing about an uncovered year.

The second recall, NHTSA campaign 26V-559, is a software fault. It covers certain 2024–2025 Jeep Wagoneer; 2024–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee 4XE, and Grand Wagoneer; 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L; 2025–2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L; the 2026 Jeep Cherokee; and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L PHEV vehicles — where a tire pressure monitoring system error may fail to detect low pressure or illuminate the TPMS warning light, putting the vehicles out of compliance with FMVSS 138. Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software free of charge; letters are expected to begin September 29, 2026, under FCA number 54D. VINs are searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 9, 2026. Because the light may not warn you, check your pressures against the figure on your door placard or service manual rather than trusting the dashboard — and don't assume a covered nameplate means every year of it is included, because the model years differ line by line.

On trails and land use, Tread Lightly! published an impact report on the Knapp Creek Trail System Kiosk Project in Idaho, where partners installed a new trail information kiosk and signage on August 8, 2026, in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

On industry and products, Powersports Business reports the escalating U.S.–Canada trade dispute is adding tariff uncertainty for motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers; that Kubota is bringing autosteer technology to select RTVs and compact equipment; and that Turn 14 Distribution will exhibit off-road brands, including Nacho Offroad Lighting, Hawk Performance, and Dynojet, at the Sand Sports Super Show. UTV Action covered CFMOTO VanEperen Racing's competition debut in Z10 race cars at Crandon International Raceway on September 3–6. Off-Road.com reports Ontario Provincial Police data showing half of ATV riders killed over a ten-year span were not wearing helmets — a reminder to gear up every ride. New hardware in the day's coverage includes Moose Offroad's steel Bed Box Enclosure (Dirt Wheels), the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport's re-engineered suspension (The Drive), the 2027 KTM 690 Rally (Dirt Bike Magazine), and the Bronco Basecamp's move to Australia (Carscoops).