Jeep is recalling over 194,000 of their top-selling hybrids because of a potential fire risk.
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Jeep, and its former parent company FCA, is recalling 194,245 of its popular 4xe plug-in hybrids for a potential fire risk. Owners are also being warned to park outside and away from homes and structures because of the risk. The recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affects 2022-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xes and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xes. Yesterday, Jeep confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe continue to be the two top selling hybrids in the U.S.
What is Causing the Problem
According to Jeep, “A routine company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 13 fires. All vehicles were parked and turned off. The company estimates 5% of affected vehicles may have the defect.”
The company goes on to say that the fire risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted. Jeep is advising owners to stop recharging. “Out of an abundance of caution, the company is also advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained.”
How Jeep Will Fix the Problem
Jeep says in its Safety Recall Report, that a repair solution is imminent. According to Jeep, “In rare circumstances, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage. Separator damage, combined with other complex interactions within the cells, may lead to a vehicle fire.” There are two injuries reported because of the fires but no accidents.
Owners will be notified by mail starting October 17. Dealers will update the battery software. In some cases, the entire battery will be replaced. The NHTSA recall number is 24V-720. The FCA number for the recall is 95B. Customers with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to call customer care at 1-800-853-1403 or visit mopar.com/recalls for more information.
The recall involves an estimated 154,032 Jeep 4xes in the U.S. It also includes 14,038 SUVs from Canada, 673 vehicles in Mexico and 25,502 PHEVS sold outside North America.
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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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