Toronto, Ontario — Stellantis is recalling around 45,000 Jeep Wrangler 4XE SUVs due to a fire risk related to vehicle charging.
The 4XE variant is the plug-in hybrid version of the SUV model. In the U.S., just over 32,000 vehicles are affected, while in Canada, the recall impacts 3,856 SUVs so far; a little over 9,000 models are affected elsewhere in the world.
The recall is the result of an internal investigation prompted by a routine examination of customer experience reports.
This investigation revealed eight cases of vehicle fires that, in all instances, occured when the Wrangler 4XE was parked. In six cases, the vehicles were also plugged in for charging.
The affected models are the 2021 to 2024 model years.
No other Wrangler or other 4XE model from the Jeep lineup is affected by the recall, and Jeep has not disclosed the exact source of the fire risk.
However, a software update has been proposed as a potential solution. Notably, once installed, if an error code is detected, the battery pack in the affected vehicle will be replaced.
Stellantis says the vehicles can still be driven. However, it also advises owners to not charge their SUVs for the time being until the issue is resolved. The automaker also suggests owners not park their Wrangler 4XE near structures or other vehicles.
According to the manufacturer, only 1 percent of the recalled vehicles might pose a problem. Owners will be notified when they can visit the dealership to have the issue corrected
