Due to a possible fire hazard that can happen even when the cars are powered off, Jeep is starting a recall of almost 194,000 PHEVs globally. Stellantis, parent company of Jeep, revealed this after noticing a hazard connected with the high-voltage batteries used in certain Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models made between 2021 and 2024.
At least 13 car fire occurrences that the corporation thinks are linked to this defect have been reported. Two of these incidents resulted in injuries, according to Stellantis. Internal damage to the battery packs under consideration, which Samsung SDI offers, could result from problems with the separators inside the battery cells. Even while the car is parked and not actively charging, thermal runaway and fire danger may result from this damage.
Jeep has suggested owners stop charging their cars right away and park them outside, away from any structures or buildings, until a repair solution is found to lessen the danger of extra events. Owners are also recommended to reduce the state of charge on their batteries as a temporary safety measure.
About 154,000 cars in the United States, roughly 14,000 in Canada, roughly 700 in Mexico, and roughly 26,000 units across many global markets are affected by the recall. Among the affected SUVs are the 2021–2024 Wrangler 4xe and the 2022–2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe. By a software upgrade, Stellantis hopes to fix the problem; if need be, they would replace the battery packs entirely. Official recall notices are anticipated in the next weeks for owners.
This is not the first worry expressed about Jeep’s hybrid series. Despite an earlier recall intended to fix that particular problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started an inquiry into nearly 94,000 Wrangler 4xe cars in June based on reports of sudden power loss. The inquiry is still in progress.
