Loose Steering Wheel Stitching Thread

[azamani]

I've had my Wrangler JL Sport S (first Jeep ever) for almost a month now and absolutely love it! Only flaw I've noticed so far is on the left hand side of the steering wheel, in the corner right above the "up" arrow for the options menu, the stitching has appeared to come loose and isn't continuing the crisscross pattern. It extends for about 1.5" and isn't really affecting anything. There's just a small piece of thread hanging loose, not attached to anything.

My only concern is if I don't find a way to tuck the loose thread away the stitching may continue to unravel. Has anyone else dealt with this or have any suggestions to fix? I really didn't want to have to go to the dealership for such a minor thing...

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

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[IPvFletch]

You could try to melt it with a lighter, so it doesn't unravel more, but yeah, maybe the dealer could fix it under warranty. It shouldn't just come loose like that. What if it began to come off whilst your were driving, it could endanger lives...

 

[azamani]

Thanks, the lighter method was the first thing I thought of too but was a little worried trying that inside a brand new car in case something turns out to be more flammable than expected (I know I'm being overcautious at this point). I've tried using tweezers to tie a small knot but that turned out to be too difficult with the amount of slack I'm dealing with.

Really not a big deal, it's more for the aesthetics as the leather doesn't look as tight in that little section of the steering wheel.

I'll probably just mention it to the dealer when I'm in for an oil change. Thanks again.

 

[cabnfvr]

... the stitching has appeared to come loose ......Any input is appreciated, thanks!

If it really isn't an issue (i.e. dealer or replacement not required) then try this. Thread a piece of sewing string into a needle, tie a slip loop into the end of the string, loop the loose piece of stitching and see if you can pull it through a few good stitches to capture it. You could also put a drop of super glue on a small stick and dab it into place.

 

[azamani]

Awesome, I'll definitely try the glue method first. The thread is so fine I don't want to mess with it too much but super glue on a cotton swab or toothpick should do the job. Appreciate it!

 

[viper88]

Awesome, I'll definitely try the glue method first. The thread is so fine I don't want to mess with it too much but super glue on a cotton swab or toothpick should do the job. Appreciate it!

The steering wheel is probably not cheap. I would think it is a warranty issue. As incompetent as some dealers are I would take it in and have it documented. Let them inspect it first. That way they will not say you did something and not warranty it.

 

[ShaunTheJeep]

I did notice the leather and stitching isn't as tight as other cars I've had... Wonder how it'll hold up over time or if that would be considered cosmetic if it gives out. Lighter method tho? I would not recommend taking a lighter to your leather. The glue idea is good to stop it unraveling for now, but you've got 1.5" loose so hopefully you or someone you know is adept with a needle and thread and can sew it down properly. If you were in Chicago we'd be happy to do it for ya, I'm sure my wife could make that look like new... Curved needle + leather thread = $10 at Joann to fix it right. My vision of an automotive tech fixing this is not good...

 

[azamani]

Totally agree, I noticed it the first week after driving it home but kind of forgot about it until recently (3 weeks later). Luckily nothing has changed or gotten worse. I think I'll at least mention it to the dealer so they're aware and if it progresses they'll have it documented.

Very kind of you but luckily my aunt lives here in Houston too and is a pro at sewing

 

[viper88]

Totally agree, I noticed it the first week after driving it home but kind of forgot about it until recently (3 weeks later). Luckily nothing has changed or gotten worse. I think I'll at least mention it to the dealer so they're aware and if it progresses they'll have it documented.

Very kind of you but luckily my aunt lives here in Houston too and is a pro at sewing

It's totally cool ShaunTheJeep offered help with this. He rocks! Maybe take it to a automotive upholstery shop if the dealer is clueless or if FCA refuses to help. Definitely document it with the dealer before doing anything. Good Luck.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@azamani

I encourage you not to fool with it yourself.

This problem should be mentioned the next time you take the JL to the dealership service department. Only takes a few minutes to have them document the issue..

At the very least, you want it documented that there is an issue, a concern. Do decide before your warranty expires if the steering wheel threading issue needs a remedy.

IF you fool with it yourself, you take a chance that what you do may be apparent to the dealer and that it will affect your replacement under warranty.

 

[JeepCares]

I've had my Wrangler JL Sport S (first Jeep ever) for almost a month now and absolutely love it! Only flaw I've noticed so far is on the left hand side of the steering wheel, in the corner right above the "up" arrow for the options menu, the stitching has appeared to come loose and isn't continuing the crisscross pattern. It extends for about 1.5" and isn't really affecting anything. There's just a small piece of thread hanging loose, not attached to anything.

My only concern is if I don't find a way to tuck the loose thread away the stitching may continue to unravel. Has anyone else dealt with this or have any suggestions to fix? I really didn't want to have to go to the dealership for such a minor thing...

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

Hi azamani,
Sorry to hear about this happening to your new Jeep! If you do decide to have the dealer look at this, at least to have it documented, you can let us know by sending us a private message and we'd be happy to offer you any assistance you may need.
Lydia,
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[MrSahara19]

Hi azamani,
Sorry to hear about this happening to your new Jeep! If you do decide to have the dealer look at this, at least to have it documented, you can let us know by sending us a private message and we'd be happy to offer you any assistance you may need.
Lydia,
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Having the same issue myself happening a month into ownership, however mine is somewhat worse and a small section right by bottom left side is now missing with a thread dangling as evidence it came loose and and unraveled just noticed it today - seems as if the stitching is very loosely done all over the steering wheel when further inspected ...

 

[JeepCares]

Having the same issue myself happening a month into ownership, however mine is somewhat worse and a small section right by bottom left side is now missing with a thread dangling as evidence it came loose and and unraveled just noticed it today - seems as if the stitching is very loosely done all over the steering wheel when further inspected ...

Hi MrSahara19,

We're sorry to hear this! Have you had a chance to visit your dealer to address this? If not, we recommend doing so. I am happy to provide you with additional assistance during that process as well. Please send us a private message if you plan to go this route.

Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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