Yahoo Autos Nearly 200K Jeep PHEVs Being Recalled Due to Battery Fire Risk
Stellantis has been having a bit of a rough year in 2024 — and it doesn't look like it's getting better just yet. On Monday, the automaker announced that nearly 200000 plug-in hybrid Jeeps are being recalled due to a risk that the batteries could catch fire.
More specifically, 2020–2024 model year examples of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2024 model year versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe subject to the recall. Models produced after November 16, 2023 are not affected, however.
The automotive conglomerate confirmed that 154032 U.S.-market vehicles are covered by the recall. Other markets affected include 14308 Jeeps in Canada, 673 in Mexico, and an additional 25502 4xes outside North America. Stellantis estimates that around five percent of the recalled models may be affected; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, says it believes only one percent of U.S.-market models suffer from the problem.
The potential problem: a combusting lithium-ion battery, to which at least 13 fires have been attributed. NHTSA filings explain that the issue stems from cells that are susceptible to separator damage. Stellantis has yet to find an official remedy, but the company says that a solution is imminent, and that owners should refrain from charging their vehicles in the meantime, because the risk of fire is significantly reduced when the battery is depleted. Owners are encouraged to park their 4xe models away from structures and other vehicles for now, too.
"Affected customers will be notified when they may schedule service," a release from Stellantis said. Affected owners can contact call customer care at 1-800-853-1403 or visit mopar.com/recalls for more information.
This recall comes on the backs of a federal probe into mysterious fires that are plaguing certain Wranglers and Gladiators. Initial reports suggest that the fires are stemming from a shorting power steering pump connector. Hundreds of thousands of BMWs were also recalled recently over fire risks stemming from a shorting water pump connector.
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