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Stellantis NV is recalling more than 320,000 of its popular Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States due to a significant fire risk associated with their high-voltage batteries. The recall, confirmed by U.S. traffic safety regulators, affects certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models.
The automaker has identified a defect where the high-voltage battery pack may contain internal contaminants. This can lead to a short circuit, causing the battery to overheat and potentially catch fire, even when the vehicle is turned off. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler, a subsidiary of Stellantis, is aware of 19 reports and one injury that may be related to this issue. The company stated that a routine review of customer data prompted the internal investigation that uncovered the problem.
As a precautionary measure, Stellantis has issued an urgent advisory to all affected owners. The company strongly recommends that owners refrain from charging their vehicles until the necessary repairs are completed. Furthermore, owners are advised to park their Jeeps outdoors and away from structures or other vehicles to minimize potential damage in the event of a fire. These safety instructions were highlighted by multiple news outlets.
The company has outlined a remediation plan that involves dealers inspecting the high-voltage battery. Some vehicles may receive a software update that allows the system to monitor the battery for conditions indicative of a failure, while others may require a full battery pack replacement. All inspections and necessary repairs will be performed free of charge. The details of the Jeep hybrid recall are being communicated to owners, with official notification letters expected to be mailed out in the coming weeks. This recall underscores the ongoing challenges automakers face with battery technology in the growing electric and hybrid vehicle market, as reported by the Associated Press.
