Jeep has initiated a massive recall for certain plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models—the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe—due to a fire risk in their battery packs. The issue, which could cause fires while the vehicles are parked or in motion, has prompted the company to advise affected owners to park their vehicles outside, away from any structures, and avoid charging them until repairs are made.
The recall encompasses 320,065 vehicles, including 228,221 Wrangler 4xe models from model years 2020 to 2025 and 91,844 Grand Cherokee 4xe models from model years 2022 to 2026. Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, has reported 19 fires related to the defect, with one incident resulting in injuries.
🔍 What’s Causing the Fires?
The root cause lies in the battery packs, where some cells contain “separator damage.” This damage allows lithium, which is highly flammable when exposed to air, to come into contact with oxygen, leading to combustion. While battery fires in electric and hybrid vehicles are not unprecedented, the scale of this recall underscores the severity of the issue.
Interestingly, Jeep was not entirely unaware of the problem. In September 2024, the company issued a recall and provided a software update for the high-voltage battery pack. However, this fix proved ineffective, as nine of the 19 fires reported in this latest recall occurred in vehicles that had already received the update.
⚠️ The Challenge of a Fix
The current challenge for Stellantis is that a software solution has already been tried and failed. As a result, the automaker may need to replace the entire battery packs in affected vehicles—a costly and time-consuming process. This situation mirrors that of General Motors, which had to replace batteries in all Chevrolet Bolts from 2017 to 2022 due to similar fire risks. Software updates were initially deployed, but physical replacements became necessary.
🚗 Broader Implications for Jeep and the EV Industry
The Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe are among the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S., praised for their performance and efficiency. For Stellantis, however, this recall may signal a shift away from electrification. CEO Carlos Tavares resigned in December 2024 amid broader challenges in the industry, and the recall could accelerate the company’s retreat from electric vehicle production. The cancellation of the upcoming Gladiator 4xe model may already reflect this trend.
💎 Conclusion
While plug-in hybrid technology offers significant environmental and performance benefits, this recall highlights the risks associated with battery safety. Jeep owners affected by this recall are urged to act immediately to avoid further danger. For Stellantis, resolving this issue will require substantial investment and careful planning to balance innovation with consumer safety
