Source – autonews.com
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, announced on Monday the recall of 194,000 plug-in hybrid electric Jeep SUVs globally due to fire risks. The recall comes after reports of 13 vehicle fires and the automaker is urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other cars and structures until repairs are made. The affected vehicles include the Jeep Wrangler 4xe from model years 2020 through 2024, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe from 2022 through 2024.
The company stated that the fires occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off. Stellantis has identified the issue as related to a battery component, which poses a fire risk in some of the plug-in hybrid models. They estimate that approximately 5% of the recalled vehicles may have the defect, and owners have been advised not to recharge their vehicle batteries until the issue is resolved.
Scope of the Recall and Safety Precautions
The recall affects a large number of vehicles in North America, including 154,000 in the United States, 14,000 in Canada, and 700 in Mexico. Additionally, nearly 26,000 vehicles are being recalled from outside of North America. Stellantis emphasized that the risk of fire is lower when the vehicle’s battery charge is depleted, urging owners to refrain from recharging the SUVs until they can be serviced.
Owners are also being instructed to park their vehicles away from buildings and other cars, as a precautionary measure. The fires reported thus far occurred when the vehicles were off and stationary, heightening concerns about safety in residential areas. Fortunately, only two injuries have been associated with the incidents, but the company remains cautious in its approach to managing the recall.
The automaker noted that a remedy for the defect is near completion, and affected customers will be contacted to schedule repair services. Stellantis assures customers that it is working quickly to resolve the issue and to ensure the safety of those driving the plug-in hybrid models.
Investigation and Response
The decision to recall the vehicles was triggered by a routine review of customer data that led Stellantis to launch an internal investigation. Through this process, they identified the 13 fire incidents, which prompted immediate action. The automaker has committed to keeping customers informed as they work on a solution, and owners of the affected vehicles will be notified once repairs can be scheduled at dealerships.
The recall impacts Stellantis’ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) line, an important part of its push toward greener, more fuel-efficient models. Despite the setback, the company is hopeful that it will maintain the confidence of its customers once the issue is addressed.
Stellantis, known for its Jeep brand, has taken swift steps to manage this recall, ensuring that owners are aware of the potential danger and providing clear instructions for mitigating risks while awaiting repairs. With the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, this recall highlights the importance of battery safety and proper manufacturing oversight.
