Jeep Recalls More Than 154,000 Hybrid SUVs Over Battery Fire Risk
Automaker is urging owners of recalled Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid SUVs to stop charging the vehicles and park away from structures to reduce risks of injury and property damage.
Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall of 154,032 newer model Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler vehicles, due to a high voltage battery defect that may increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee recall on October 1, warning owners to park outside and away from structures, and not to recharge their vehicles until they are repaired.
According to the recall notice, certain Cherokee and Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (“PHEVs”) may have been built with battery packs containing cells that are susceptible to separator damage, which could result in a fire while the vehicle is in motion, or parked and in the turned off position.
While the automaker has not become aware of any accidents related to the issue, there have been two reported injuries, 13 customer assistance records, one warranty claim and 13 field reports filed involving Jeep battery fires.
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Learn MoreIncluded in the recall are approximately 118,230 model year 2020 through 2024 Jeep Wrangler manufactured from July 1, 2020 through November 16, 2023, and 35,802 model year 2022 through 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles manufactured from May 17, 2021 through November 16, 2023.
Chrysler first became aware of the issue in June 2024, after receiving two reports of fires originating from the high voltage (“HV”) battery in Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
From April to July 2024, the manufacturer received reports of at least one additional fire originating from the HV battery in certain Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Further analysis of the battery packs revealed a connection to ineffective remedy software, which is unable to detect certain abnormalities within the battery, increasing the risk of a fire.
In August 2024, the manufacturer determined that the software issue was most likely the result of separator damage, combined with other complex interactions within the battery packs. However, an investigation into the root cause of the Jeep hybrid battery problems is still ongoing.
Owners should begin receiving notification letters about the Jeep recall in October 2024, with instructions on how to schedule a repair at their local dealer and how to receive reimbursement. Dealers will revise the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) software followed by a HV battery replacement if needed.
Customers with additional questions or concerns may contact the parent company of FCA US LLC, Stellantis, at 1-800-853-1403 or visit mopar.com/recalls for more information.
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