Summary
- Stellantis Jeep is recalling over 150,000 plug-in hybrid Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs in the United States due to a battery fire risk
- The affected vehicles have recorded 13 fires, and the cause is still unknown
- The recall affects nearly 200,000 vehicles globally with the majority being U.S.-market vehicles
- An internal investigation found that 5% of the affected vehicles may have the defect
- The company advises owners to park outside and away from structures and to refrain from recharging until a fix is found.
Article
Jeep, a division of Stellantis, has announced a recall of over 150,000 plug-in hybrid Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs in the United States due to a potential battery fire risk. While the cause of the fires is still unknown, 13 incidents have been reported. The affected vehicles include certain model-year 2020-2024 Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe, with just 5% of them potentially having the defect. The automaker advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until a fix is found. The recall has not yet been published on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website, but Stellantis has reassured customers that a remedy is imminent and that they will be notified when they can schedule service.
Last year, Jeep issued a similar recall for 44,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids worldwide after an internal investigation revealed eight fires related to the battery. In that case, a software flash was identified as the fix, but if a specific error code is detected, the entire battery pack will be replaced at no cost to the owners. Additionally, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, another vehicle produced by Stellantis, was recalled earlier this year due to a potential battery fire risk. These recalls highlight the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly to ensure the well-being of customers and prevent further incidents.
The latest generation Jeep Wrangler was introduced as a plug-in hybrid variant in late 2020, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine and an electric motor generator unit that can power the vehicle for up to 22 miles on battery alone. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which debuted a year later, shares the same powertrain as the Wrangler but offers an extended all-electric range of 25 miles on a full charge, according to EPA ratings. These models showcase Jeep’s commitment to offering innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions while prioritizing safety and performance.
In response to the battery fire risk issue, Jeep is working diligently to identify the cause of the fires and develop a solution to rectify the problem. Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, has assured customers that a remedy is in progress and that affected owners will receive notifications regarding scheduling service appointments. In the meantime, owners are advised to refrain from recharging their vehicles and to park away from structures or other vehicles as a precautionary measure. This proactive approach underscores the company’s dedication to ensuring customer safety and satisfaction.
As the recall for the plug-in hybrid Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control measures in the automotive industry. With technology advancements continuing to drive innovation in vehicle design, ensuring the safety and reliability of these complex systems is paramount. By addressing potential risks promptly and transparently, automakers like Jeep can uphold their commitment to providing high-quality products and maintaining customer trust. As the investigation into the battery fire risk progresses, Jeep remains focused on delivering safe and dependable vehicles to its customers.
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