Safety Advisory for Jeep Owners
For many, the Jeep brand is synonymous with rugged durability and off-road capability. However, a significant safety issue has emerged affecting nearly 1.1 million vehicles, prompting Jeep to issue an urgent warning: owners of specific 2021–2025 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators should park their vehicles outside and away from structures due to a potential fire hazard, even when the ignition is turned off.
Scope of the Recall
This widespread recall encompasses a massive range of vehicles, covering virtually every engine and transmission configuration sold globally. The affected models include:
- Jeep Wrangler (JL): Approximately 787,887 units.
- Jeep Gladiator (JT): The remainder of the roughly 1,076,999 total affected vehicles.
The recall affects both left- and right-hand drive models. Fortunately, not all vehicles are impacted. Jeeps manufactured after December 2, 2024, are considered safe, as the defect was addressed on the production line. Additionally, older Wrangler models produced before June 24, 2020, and Gladiators built before August 18, 2020, utilize different components that are not subject to this specific risk.
The Cause: An Electrical Vulnerability
The fire risk stems from an unexpected source: the electrohydraulic power steering pump. Investigators discovered that the electrical connection between the wiring harness and the circuit board suffers from high resistance due to a manufacturing defect in the connector header, which was built with loose tolerances.
«That looseness causes an increase in resistance that can generate enough heat to melt the connector and, because power steering fluid can catch fire when heated enough, lead to a catastrophic burning of your JT or JL.»
Even with the key removed and the engine off, the heat retained by the metal and plastic components can cause the connector to smolder, potentially igniting the power steering fluid.
Current Status and Repair Plans
According to data provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 47 incidents potentially linked to this melting connector between July 2019 and March 2026. While no fatalities have been reported, there is one known instance of a potential injury.
Currently, the recommended procedure involves dealers inspecting the connection for signs of overheating or melting and performing repairs or replacements as needed. However, Stellantis is still in the process of developing a permanent solution to ensure the long-term safety of these vehicles.
Official notification letters are scheduled to be sent to owners starting July 9, 2026. Owners are encouraged to verify their vehicle's status by checking their VIN on official safety recall databases after July 11, 2026.