Stellantis Recalls Over 320,000 Jeep Hybrids Due to Fire Hazard

Stellantis has announced a significant recall affecting more than 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada. This action comes after concerns were raised regarding a potential fire risk associated with the high-voltage battery packs in specific models. The recall targets the 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe models.

The recall was made public in a joint statement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which indicated that a defect in the lithium-ion cells of the battery pack could lead to fires, whether the vehicles are in motion or parked. Reports from September highlighted this issue, prompting Stellantis to initially attempt a resolution through a software update and complete battery pack replacements. Unfortunately, these measures have proven ineffective.

Details of the Fire Risk

The NHTSA’s internal review identified a component within the lithium-ion cells that might cause failure. Specifically, damage to the separator could lead to short circuits and thermal leaks, creating a heightened risk of uncontrollable fires. As a precaution, the NHTSA has advised affected vehicle owners to park their SUVs outdoors and away from structures, and to refrain from charging the batteries until a definitive solution is implemented. The NHTSA stated, “The risk of fire may be higher with a charged battery than with a depleted one.”

The recall follows reports of one injury and 19 fires linked to the defect, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Although Stellantis is not currently facing legal action regarding this recall, it is involved in a separate class-action lawsuit concerning defects in its 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler, 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator, and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

Next Steps for Affected Owners

Stellantis and the NHTSA are working together to identify a lasting solution to this issue and anticipate making an announcement soon. For the present, owners can access further information through the NHTSA’s official website or by directly contacting Stellantis.

In light of this development, it is crucial for Jeep owners to remain vigilant and adhere to safety recommendations until the problem is resolved. While the recall is part of a broader trend of safety measures within the automotive industry, the scale of this particular action highlights ongoing challenges manufacturers face in ensuring vehicle safety.

As the situation evolves, updates will be provided to affected individuals, ensuring they are informed about the necessary actions that need to be taken regarding their vehicles.