Over 300,000 Plug-In Hybrid Jeeps Face Fire Risk: Stellantis Issues Urgent Recall

The automaker warns of potential battery pack defects that could cause fires in the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models.

Stellantis has issued a major recall affecting more than 300,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada after identifying a fire risk linked to the high-voltage battery system.
The affected models include the Jeep Wrangler 4xe (2020–2025) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (2022–2026) – two of the group’s best-selling SUVs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both vehicles could catch fire while parked or in motion, prompting a swift response from both the manufacturer and vehicle owners.

Separator damage identified as the root cause

The U.S. safety agency explained that the issue appears to stem from damage to the separator inside the lithium-ion battery cells, a critical component that keeps the anode and cathode apart to prevent short circuits. If this separator fails, the two electrodes can come into direct contact, releasing an intense electrical current and heat that may trigger a thermal runaway event – a self-sustaining reaction that can cause fires difficult to extinguish. According to the report, Stellantis has confirmed one injury and 19 fires linked to the defect. The NHTSA added that the automaker is exploring temporary fixes, including software updates or full battery replacements, until a definitive solution is implemented.

Safety recommendations for Jeep owners

Authorities are advising owners not to charge their vehicles and to park them outdoors, away from homes or structures, until the recall process is completed. Both models are equipped with a 17.3 kWh high-voltage battery, offering around 21 miles (34 km) of electric-only range for the Wrangler 4xe and 26 miles (42 km) for the Grand Cherokee 4xe. While Stellantis has not publicly disclosed the battery supplier, industry sources such as The Korea Herald report that Samsung SDI provides the cells for Jeep’s plug-in hybrid lineup in North America.

Reputation challenges and the future of plug-in hybrids

This recall comes at a crucial time for Stellantis, whose sales rose 6% year-over-year in the third quarter, driven by the strong demand for the Wrangler 4xe – the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the United States.

However, this issue presents a new challenge for public trust in plug-in hybrid technology (PHEV), positioned as a key bridge in the transition toward full electrification.
To move forward, Stellantis must strengthen its commitment to quality, safety, and transparency, ensuring that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand with reliability and peace of mind for all drivers.