Jeep has recently announced a recall of over 320,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs in the United States after uncovering a potential risk of fire. The automaker advises owners to refrain from recharging their vehicles and to park them at a safe distance from any structures until the necessary repairs are completed. This recall involves specific models from 2020 to 2025 of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022 to 2026 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Previous recalls from the past have similarly involved hybrid or electric models, reflecting ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and reliability of such vehicles.
Jeep’s previous recall two months prior involved over 91,000 Grand Cherokee hybrids due to software issues that could lead to a loss of drive power. While those vehicles experienced a different mechanical fault, such repeated incidents underline the complexities found in hybrid vehicle systems. Such scenarios have led to a heightened sense of vigilance among regulators and manufacturers in ensuring vehicular safety. A proportion of that involved 91,000 units had only about 1% affected, which provides context to the current scenario’s overall scale.
What’s the Impact on Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Owners?
The potential fire hazard is present even when the ignition is off, leading Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, to advise owners to park their vehicles away from buildings and other vehicles.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the company is advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained,”
a Stellantis representative stated. The threat decreases significantly when the battery charge is depleted.
When Will Repairs Be Available?
In response to these events, a solution is anticipated soon, with Jeep conducting internal reviews of customer data to investigate the fires.
Stellantis expressed, “We are actively engaged in resolving the matter and will inform affected owners as soon as the fix is available.”
Owners will be updated about repair scheduling once a permanent solution is identified, aiming to mitigate such risks effectively.
Approximately 20,700 models in Canada, 2,600 in Mexico, and around 32,000 in other international markets are also impacted by this recall. The issue coincides as reminders about the intricacies involved in hybrid technology, particularly in global markets where regulatory environments vary significantly.
The affected Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, stemming from model years 2022 through 2026, are identified through complications where the battery pack control module microprocessor may overload. This can lead to a reset, making it difficult for the hybrid control processor to interpret signals accurately, as noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Jeep will likely focus on both immediate safety concerns and long-term product reliability strategies to prevent future issues. As hybrid and electric technologies become more prevalent, the balance between innovation and safety presents an ongoing task for manufacturers like Stellantis. For consumers, these recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about vehicle maintenance and the validity of recalls. Informed vigilance remains crucial, not just while technology evolves but also due to increasing market demands for sustainable solutions.
