Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep SUVs and trucks worldwide due to fire concerns and is urging owners to park outdoors, away from buildings or other vehicles, until repairs are completed.
Stellantis said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday that the recall affects 2021 through 2025 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Jeep Gladiator trucks due to an electrical connection issue with the electro-hydraulic power steering pump wiring.
The automaker said that in rare cases, the issue could cause combustible materials to overheat, potentially causing a vehicle fire.
Stellantis added that loose electrical connections could cause the connections to melt and ultimately lead to a vehicle fire. The company’s brands also include Fiat, Chrysler and Peugeot.
At least 72 fires may be related to problem
Stellantis said there have been at least 72 fires and one injury that may be related to the problem, based on customer assistance records and field reports.
Stellantis said the recall includes nearly 1.08 million vehicles in the United States, 106,000 vehicles in Canada, 23,000 vehicles in Mexico and about 125,000 vehicles in other markets around the world.
NHTSA launched an investigation into nearly 800,000 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles in September 2024 over engine fire issues, saying hydraulic power steering pump lines could overheat and cause vehicle fires even if the ignition is in the “off” position when the vehicle is parked.
Increase in accidents
Stellantis said in its filing that it investigated fires in some Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles in 2023 and early 2024 but closed the investigation due to low fire rates. In August 2024, the department reopened its investigation after receiving an increase in incidents originating from suspicious power connections.
The company said it conducted extensive work over more than a year to determine the root cause through vehicle buybacks, parts returns and analysis, CT scans and X-rays, materials analysis, investigating vehicle designs and other testing before determining in late May that the issue posed an unreasonable risk to safety.
Stellantis said Tuesday that the recall will involve inspection and possible repair or replacement of wiring harnesses or the electro-hydraulic power steering pump. The company said it is working to expedite the availability of remedies and expects to have the recall issues fixed no later than July.
The most important insurance news, in your inbox every weekday.
Get the insurance industry’s trusted newsletter
