Stellantis has initiated a recall of over 32,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) spanning model years 2021-2024 due to a potential fire risk. The decision follows an internal review of customer data, revealing eight instances of vehicle fires involving the mentioned PHEVs when parked and turned off. Notably, six of the incidents occurred while the Jeeps were connected to chargers, while two were not charging at the time.
Stellantis has not disclosed the specific nature of the issue leading to the fires, but the company has identified a remedy. The proposed solution involves installing new software, and in cases where a particular error code is observed, the battery pack will be replaced. While the total recall population comprises 32,125 units in the U.S., with an additional 10,000 units affected in Canada and overseas, it is estimated that only 1% of this total figure is susceptible to the problem.
Fortunately, Stellantis has reported no accidents or injuries resulting from the identified issue. Owners of the affected vehicles have been advised by the company that they can continue driving their Jeeps but are cautioned against charging the hybrid battery and parking in or near structures or other vehicles until the necessary software update is completed. The urgency for resolution is underscored by the inconvenience faced by owners, who not only experience a disruption in regular driving but also lose out on 22 miles of all-electric driving capability, reverting to the same 20 miles per gallon combined as a non-hybrid Wrangler with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine.
Stellantis has committed to notifying affected customers when the service window becomes available, but the specific timing of these notifications has not been disclosed. In the interim, concerned owners can visit Stellantis’s recall page or contact the automaker’s customer service line at 800-853-1403, referencing internal recall number B9A.
Unusually, Stellantis is managing this recall independently, and information regarding the issue and its discovery is not available on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, as the automaker appears to be handling the situation internally.
