Jeep Recalls Over 150,000 Wrangler and Cherokee 4Xe Models Due to Fire Risk

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issues a new recall for over 154,000 Wrangler and 4Xe models due to fire risk with the latest recall shining a spotlight on a growing problem for Stellantis as it struggles to contain rapidly rising number of vehicle recalls

The NHTSA announced a new recall for 154,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4Xe models

Stellantis is no stranger to recalls with the company having a rough 2024 when it comes to the number of recalls that it has been forced to issue for safety issues including some involving its best-selling vehicles. These recalls come on top of other problems for the company with Stellantis also struggling with cratering sales and tension with the UAW and dealerships.

The latest recall it was forced to issue is poised to land a potent gut punch to Jeep with the NHTSA issuing a new recall covering over 150,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4Xe models due to a fire risk that might occur when the vehicles are driven or even when they are parked.

Fire risk poses a danger to consumers

The recall focuses on a fire risk associated with the failure of the onboard high-voltage battery.

According to the recall issued by the NHTSA, the notice affects 154,000 2020-2024 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4Xe models with the total number being split between 118,230 Jeep Wranglers and another 35,802 Grand Cherokees. The problem is found within the high-voltage battery which can fail and potentially cause the vehicle to catch fire if the battery completely fails. No fatalities have been associated with the recall but the NHTSA reported that two injuries have been directly attributed to the problem.

The agency first received reports of the problem back in September with the agency initially investigating over 781,000 vehicles in regards to the issue with the Office of Defects Investigation receiving nine reports of fires and one injury with the bulk of the incidents happening in vehicles that had low mileage. The recall on these 4Xe models is troubling since the 4Xe lineup is poised to be a crucial part of Jeep’s electrification strategy with these plug-in hybrids being a key cog in Jeep’s sales strategy especially, as the brand attempts to integrate more hybrid technology into its lineup of vehicles. The last thing it needs is any lingering issues that could drive consumers away from the 4Xe family.

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Not the first time 4Xe lineup has been investigated

The recall comes at a bad time for Jeep with the 4Xe lineuo being seen as a key driver of its electrification strategy.

This latest recall is the most serious one yet for the 4Xe model family but in the case of the Wrangler 4Xe it’s the second time that the model has been recalled with the off-roader being the target of a prior notice last year that affected 45,000 2021-2024 models and addressed a separate fire risk that could appear on those affected vehicles due to internal failures in the battery pack.

Jeep’s plan to service these vehicles will mirror what it did for that prior recall with the company either performing a software update on the battery pack control module or replace the entire battery pack assembly if necessary to remedy the problem. Jeep will begin mailing notices to affected Wrangler and Grand Cherokee owners on October 17th with dealerships making the necessary repairs free of charge. In the meantime, owners should stop charging their vehicles and to park them outside to reduce the risk of damage to a garage or other structure if a fire occurs.