NHTSA Investigates Jeep: Wrangler & Gladiator Fire Risks
Published: September 11th, 2024.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models after multiple reports of engine compartment fires. The probe covers more than 781,000 vehicles from the 2021 to 2023 model years, raising significant safety concerns for owners of these popular off-road vehicles. This investigation could eventually lead to a recall, requiring Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, to address the issue in many cars.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received nine complaints from vehicle owners, including injury reports and one fatality. Many incidents occurred when the vehicle’s ignition was off, heightening the risk for unsuspecting owners. Preliminary findings suggest that the fires may stem from the power steering pump’s electrical connector on the engine compartment's passenger side.
This issue has been identified in both the JL-series Wrangler and JT-series Gladiator, prompting NHTSA to collaborate with FCA US LLC, the American arm of Stellantis, to determine the cause, extent, and frequency of the problem. If the vehicles pose a significant safety hazard, the investigation’s outcome could lead to a recall.
Many of the reported fires have occurred while the Jeeps were parked with the ignition off, raising alarm among owners. One such incident in New Jersey involved a 2021 Wrangler that began smoking and burst into flames within ten minutes, forcing the occupants to evacuate quickly. Another case in Arizona saw a 2021 Wrangler with less than 2,000 miles on it catch fire while driving. Meanwhile, a 2022 Gladiator parked for over two weeks in Washington ignited without any prior warning signs. These unsettling incidents highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the issue, underscoring the urgency of the NHTSA’s ongoing investigation.
The risk of fires occurring when the ignition is off is especially concerning, as it could result in sudden and unexpected danger to the vehicle’s occupants and surrounding property. Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, advises Jeep owners to park their cars outdoors until the issue is resolved. “If I owned one of these vehicles, I certainly wouldn’t want to park it in a garage,” Brooks said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the fires.
This investigation comes at a difficult time for Stellantis, which has already announced a recall of nearly 1.5 million Ram trucks due to software issues that could disable electronic stability control. Declining sales figures further compound Jeep's ongoing reliability challenges. In the first half of 2024, sales of the Wrangler and Gladiator dropped by 9% and 14% compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting broader consumer concerns about the vehicles’ dependability and rising costs.
Jeep’s current lineup is also facing stiff competition. The starting price for the 2024 Wrangler is $31,995, while Ford’s Bronco, a key rival, has seen its prices climb significantly. Both brands have been criticized for escalating costs that outpace many consumers’ expectations, especially given the perceived lack of improvements in reliability and performance.
What's next for owners?
As the NHTSA’s investigation unfolds, it remains unclear how long it will take or what corrective actions may be required. Stellantis has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation but has not confirmed if the suspected electrical connector was redesigned in the latest 2024 models of the Wrangler and Gladiator, which recently underwent a mid-cycle refresh.
For now, Jeep owners are advised to stay vigilant, monitor the situation closely, and keep an eye on the NHTSA website for updates as the investigation progresses. The findings from this inquiry could significantly impact Jeep’s reputation and the broader automotive landscape, underscoring the critical importance of vehicle safety and manufacturer accountability.