Jeep's battery fire risk prompts urgent recall of over 375,000 hybrid SUVs

Massive Jeep Recall: Over 375,000 Hybrids at Risk of Fire

Stellantis, the automotive giant behind Jeep, has initiated a sweeping service campaign affecting a staggering 375,000 hybrid SUVs. The recall specifically targets Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, a move driven by a concerning risk of battery fires. In a move that underscores the seriousness of the situation, the manufacturer is advising owners to refrain from charging their vehicles and to park them outdoors, away from buildings and other cars.

Details of the Affected Vehicles and Scope

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall encompasses Jeep Wrangler 4xe models manufactured between 2020 and 2025, and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2022 to 2026. The geographic distribution of affected vehicles is substantial: approximately 320,065 units in the United States, 20,753 in Canada, and 2,653 in Mexico. An additional 32,238 vehicles across other global markets, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, are also part of this extensive recall.

The Root of the Problem: Battery Concerns

The crux of the issue lies within the high-voltage battery packs, manufactured by Samsung SDI. This is not the first time these particular batteries have raised red flags; they were also implicated in a previous recall of 154,000 plug-in hybrid Jeeps in 2024 due to a similar defect. Disturbingly, Stellantis has confirmed that even vehicles that underwent repairs during the earlier campaign may still require further attention, either a replacement or an updated fix. The company has documented 19 instances of fires, with nine of these occurring in vehicles that had already participated in last year's recall program, a statistic that is bound to send shivers down the spines of concerned owners.

Urgent Safety Recommendations for Owners

Until a definitive solution is rolled out, Stellantis is imploring drivers to abstain from charging their hybrid Jeeps. Furthermore, the advice to park these vehicles at a safe distance from structures and other automobiles is paramount. The company explains that the risk of ignition is significantly reduced when the battery is in a discharged state. This cautious approach, while inconvenient, is designed to mitigate the potential for catastrophic incidents.

Resolution and Next Steps

Jeep representatives have assured the public that a solution is in the pipeline and is nearing readiness. Owners will be formally notified once the software update or repair becomes officially available. At that point, they will be able to schedule service appointments with authorized dealerships. For those with immediate concerns or questions, Jeep offers a dedicated hotline and encourages VIN checks on the recalls.mopar.com website for specific information regarding their vehicle.

A Troubling Trend: Second Major Recall in Weeks

This latest large-scale recall is not an isolated incident for Jeep. It follows closely on the heels of another significant recall announced in late October, which involved nearly 25,000 Wrangler 4xe models. That earlier recall was attributed to a software glitch that could render the vehicles inoperable, leading to situations where some Jeeps became unresponsive and required towing to a dealership. The frequency of these recalls, particularly concerning safety-critical components like batteries and software, is undoubtedly a cause for concern among the brand's loyal customer base.