Stellantis Recalls Nearly 1.1 Million Jeep SUVs Over Fire Risk

Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant behind brands like Jeep and Chrysler, has announced a major recall affecting nearly 1.08 million Jeep vehicles in the United States. The recall, which covers certain model years of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, stems from a potential fire hazard that could occur even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. This action, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlights the automaker's commitment to addressing safety concerns proactively.

Scope of the Recall

The recall specifically targets 2021 through 2025 model year Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. In addition to the U.S. market, approximately 253,000 vehicles in Canada, Mexico, and other markets outside North America are also included in the action. This makes it one of the larger vehicle safety campaigns in recent years for Stellantis.

The Technical Issue

According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the problem lies in an electrical connection issue within the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. Stellantis stated that, in rare circumstances, this defect can cause combustible materials to overheat, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. A key concern is that the issue can trigger a fire "even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition switched off," as noted by the NHTSA.

The automaker has emphasized that it is working diligently to develop a remedy and anticipates a solution being available by July. In the interim, owners are advised to park their vehicles away from structures or other vehicles as a precautionary measure.

Owner Notification and Next Steps

Stellantis has confirmed that affected customers will be notified via first-class mail with instructions on when they can schedule service. The company is prioritizing the safety of its customers and is coordinating with dealerships to handle repairs once the remedy is finalized. Owners are encouraged to pay close attention to official communications from the company and to follow the interim parking recommendations.

Broader Context of Automotive Recalls

This recall is part of a broader pattern in the automotive industry where complex electrical systems are increasingly linked to safety defects. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the potential for issues like electrical shorts, battery fires, or software glitches grows. Stellantis's quick response to this issue reflects best practices in modern vehicle safety management, where early detection and transparent communication with regulators and customers are critical.

For Jeep owners, especially those with Wrangler or Gladiator models from the 2021 to 2025 model years, it is essential to check if their vehicle is part of this recall and to follow the guidance provided by Stellantis and the NHTSA.

For more information, refer to the official announcement from the NHTSA filing and Stellantis's press releases.