Jeep has recently been hit with a significant recall that could pose a serious safety threat. The recall, stemming from a series of 13 fires involving parked, turned-off Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models, has prompted Stellantis, the parent company, to issue a widespread warning.
The affected vehicles, numbering around 154,032 in the United States alone, are the same plug-in hybrids that have consistently topped sales charts in the American market. The fact that all 13 fires occurred under these specific conditions—parked and turned off—has raised significant alarm. This is especially worrisome as it mirrors the typical scenario where a vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, potentially putting occupants at risk.
Stellantis has advised owners to park their vehicles outside, away from structures or other vehicles, until the issue is resolved. Additionally, customers have been instructed to avoid recharging the battery, as the risk of fire is reduced when the battery charge level is low. While this allows owners to continue using their vehicles, it eliminates the benefit of electric-only driving.
The exact nature of the defect remains undisclosed, but Stellantis has revealed that it was discovered during a routine review of customer data. The recall impacts a range of model years, including the 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. However, the company estimates that only a small percentage (approximately 5%) of these vehicles are likely to have the defect.
While Stellantis has assured customers that a solution is forthcoming, the recall has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the brand's reputation. The global nature of the issue, with recalls affecting vehicles in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets, underscores the seriousness of the problem. As more details emerge, it will be crucial to monitor Stellantis' response and the effectiveness of the remedy it provides.