Jeep recalls over 300,000 vehicles due to potential battery fire risk

Jeep recall overview:

• Who: Stellantis is recalling more than 320,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles.
• Why: The recall is due to a potential fire risk linked to the high-voltage battery pack.
• Where: The recall affects vehicles in the United States and Canada.

Stellantis has initiated a recall of more than 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid SUVs in the United States and Canada due to a potential fire hazard. 

The recall targets Jeep Wrangler 4xe models from 2020 to 2025 and Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2022 to 2026, following an internal review that identified a risk associated with the high-voltage battery pack.

The issue stems from a defect in the lithium-ion cells of the battery pack, which could lead to a fire when the vehicle is parked or in motion. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a component within the lithium-ion cells could be defective, potentially causing a short circuit due to separator damage. 

This defect can result in thermal runaway, a dangerous condition where the battery burns uncontrollably. Stellantis is aware of one injury and 19 fires linked to this issue.

Owners urged to park vehicles outside and away from structures

The NHTSA has advised owners of the affected vehicles to park them outdoors and away from structures until the Jeep recall is resolved. 

It also recommended avoiding charging the vehicles, as a charged battery may pose a higher fire risk. “The risk of fire may be higher with a charged battery than with a depleted one,” the recall notice says. 

This recall follows a previous notice in September, when Stellantis attempted to address the issue with a software update or a complete battery pack replacement. However, these measures proved ineffective in detecting the battery pack defects, according to the NHTSA.

Stellantis is currently working on a solution to address the battery defect. The company has not yet provided a definitive remedy but is expected to announce further steps soon. 

For more information about the Jeep recall, consumers can visit the NHTSA website or contact Stellantis directly for updates and guidance on how to proceed with their vehicles.

Stellantis says it has received reports of one injury and 19 fires related to the recall so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the Jeep recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Meanwhile, Jeep is facing a class action lawsuit claiming its 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler, 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee models have a defect in the power steering pump electrical connector or high-voltage battery that can result in spontaneous underhood fires.

Are you affected by the Jeep recall? Let us know in the comments.

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