Flames & Faults: Stellantis Recalls 194,000 Jeep Hybrids
Published: October 2nd, 2024
Due to fire risks, Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, has issued a significant recall involving 194,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the popular Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models. The recall affects vehicles from 2020 through 2024 for the Wrangler and 2022 through 2024 for the Grand Cherokee. This comes after 13 reported vehicle fires occurred while the cars were parked and turned off. As a precaution, the company has urged owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other cars or buildings until repairs are made.
The issue is believed to be linked to a battery component, although Stellantis has not yet provided full details on the defect. The automaker estimates that approximately 5% of the recalled vehicles may have the defect. Jeep has also advised owners to refrain from recharging their vehicles in response to this risk, as the fire risk may increase when the battery is charged to a higher level. This measure is intended to reduce the likelihood of fires while owners await a solution.
The recall impacts a wide range of vehicles globally, with 154,000 affected in the United States, 14,000 in Canada, 700 in Mexico, and nearly 26,000 elsewhere. The fires, reported when the vehicles were off and parked, have understandably raised concerns among owners, particularly those who typically park their cars in garages or near homes.
This recall is a significant development for Jeep, as the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe have been two of the best-selling plug-in hybrid models in the U.S. These vehicles are marketed as environmentally friendly, high-performance options, but this recall may challenge Jeep’s push toward electrification.
Owners are encouraged to contact Jeep’s customer service line at 1-800-853-1403 or visit the Mopar website to check if their vehicle is included in the recall and for further information. Stellantis has reassured consumers that a remedy is in progress and that they will notify owners when repairs can be made.
Despite the recall, owners can continue to drive their vehicles but should follow the company’s guidance to park outside and avoid charging the battery. Given that the fires occurred when the vehicles were turned off, the automaker is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of its customers.
This recall is challenging for Stellantis, as the automaker is already dealing with supply chain disruptions and decreasing demand for new vehicles. Despite these setbacks, the company is actively working to address the issue and ensure customer safety. As the investigation progresses, Stellantis aims to quickly resolve the problem and reassure owners of their commitment to safe and reliable vehicles.