Jeep Recalls 375,000 Hybrids Over Fire Risk; Charging, Parking Advisory Issued
Stellantis announced a significant recall affecting 375,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs globally. This comes in response to 19 reported incidents of fires linked to battery failures. The company strongly advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are implemented.
Recall Details
- Models Affected: 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- Total Vehicles Recalled: 375,000
- Vehicles in the U.S.: Approximately 320,000
- Reported Fires: 19 incidents
- Injuries Linked: 1 injury
Safety Advisory
Stellantis is urging owners not to charge their vehicles until a solution is confirmed. They recommend avoiding parking near structures due to the heightened fire risk. A recall remedy is expected soon.
Investigation Findings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was notified of the fire incidents. An investigation by Stellantis and battery supplier Samsung SDI revealed that a defect identified in a previous recall may be responsible for the fires. This was also observed in a prior recall of 154,000 hybrid Jeep EVs, which was linked to two injuries.
Root Cause Analysis
Samsung SDI indicated that the primary cause is likely damage to battery separators, compounded by complex interactions among battery cells.
Prior Recalls and Concerns
In addition to the current recall, Stellantis had previously addressed the safety of over 298,000 vehicles in October, citing potential risks related to rollaway incidents. Vehicles that had received software updates during prior recalls in 2023 and 2024 will require further fixes.
Conclusion
As Stellantis navigates these safety issues, owners of the affected Jeep models should remain vigilant. They must adhere to guidelines from the manufacturer to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Further updates regarding the recall response will be communicated promptly.
