AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Chrysler has announced a recall of certain Jeep models – but the group of vehicles involved might not be what first comes to mind, given this week’s earlier news involving the the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The automaker said Thursday it is recalling around 435,000 later-model units in the U.S. in two separate actions, impacting three Jeep models — the Compass, Patriot and Wrangler — representing the bulk of a worldwide recall affecting about 630,000 units of these models worldwide.

Earlier this week, of course, Chrysler denied a request a from the NHTSA  for a 2.7-million-unit recall of Grand Cherokees from model years 1993 to 2004 and Liberty vehicles from model years 2002 to 2007.

NHTSA’s recall request called into question certain models in regards to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity.

Thursday’s recall announcements, meanwhile, involve three entirely different Jeep models, and deal with different issues and model years altogether.

Breaking down the numbers in Thursday’s recalls, the larger of two actions involves roughly 254,400  Compass and Patriot vehicles in the U.S. from the 2010 through 2012 model years. The recall is meant to upgrade software controlling the restraint-system function in certain types of accidents, the automaker said in a statement.

“The upgrade was deemed necessary after it was discovered that seatbelt pre-tensioners and side-curtain airbags may not function properly during slow-developing rollovers,” officials noted. “The affected models … are equipped with sensor-activated restraint systems that deploy when a rollover appears imminent.”

Chrysler said customers can receive software upgrades at no cost. Those needing the fix will be contacted directly.

Outside the U.S., there are roughly 45,400 units impacted in Canada and 109,400 units beyond the NAFTA region.

In the second action, the automaker is recalling around 181,000 model-year 2012 and 2013 Jeep Wrangler units in the U.S. to prevent premature wear to a transmission oil cooler line.

“A power-steering component may rub against the line and compromise transmission function. The issue was discovered during routine testing,” Chrysler said.

Explaining the repair, the company said it will involve, “installation of a newly designed power-steering component that affords separation from the transmission oil cooler line. If the line shows no signs of damage, it will be fitted with a protective sleeve as an additional precaution. If there is evidence of wear, the line will be replaced.”

Again, Chrysler will notify affected customers, who will have the fix done for free. Breaking down the international numbers, there are 18,400 units impacted in Canada; 3,300 in Mexico; and 18,400 in non-NAFTA markets.

The automaker said it is unaware of any injuries, accidents or complaints associated with either issue.

Joe Overby can be reached at joverby@autoremarketing.com. Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing on both LinkedIn and Twitter.