Could your Jeep be affected by a recall tied to fires and injury? What to know
More than 1 million Jeep vehicles are being recalled following a series of fires, some of which occurred while the vehicles were parked and turned off, and a federal investigation.
Owners of model year 2021-25 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles have been urged to park them outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until they are inspected and, if necessary, repaired due to a risk of fire, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The recall, issued by Jeep manufacturer Stellantis, which operates in the US as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, affects 1.08 million vehicles with a faulty electrical connection in the power steering wiring. The issue could heat flammable materials and potentially cause a fire, even when the vehicle is turned off.
The NHTSA is aware of more than 50 fires and one injury that may be linked to the electrical issue, the agency said in a news release. Based on nine owner reports and multiple field reports, most of the fires occurred while the ignition was off and appeared to originate on the passenger-side front of the engine compartment.
The agency opened an investigation into the possible defect in September 2024, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Starting Thursday, owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering the vehicle identification number or license plate number on the NHTSA website. They can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Stellantis plans to notify affected customers by first-class mail, with notices expected to be mailed around July 9, informing owners when they can schedule repairs.
