Imagine stepping outside to find your car engulfed in flames—a nightmare scenario that could become a reality for thousands of Jeep owners. Stellantis has issued an urgent recall for 375,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs worldwide due to a critical fire risk associated with battery failure. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a safety crisis that has already sparked 19 reported fires and one injury. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: Stellantis is urging owners to park their vehicles outdoors and avoid charging them until a fix is implemented.
The recall targets specific models, including the 2020–2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. While Stellantis assures that a remedy is on the horizon, the immediate danger is undeniable. The company has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the incidents, with approximately 320,000 affected vehicles located in the United States alone.
And this is the part most people miss: The batteries in question, manufactured by Samsung SDI, were linked to a similar defect earlier this year, leading to the recall of 154,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep EVs after reports of two injuries. Despite previous recalls in 2023 and 2024, some vehicles will require additional repairs, according to the NHTSA. This raises a troubling question: Are these recurring issues a sign of deeper systemic problems in battery technology?
Stellantis has reported nine fires in vehicles that received software updates during the 2024 recall, along with 10 additional fires from batteries outside the scope of that recall. Samsung SDI points to separator damage and complex interactions within the battery cells as the likely root cause. Yet, the fact that fires persist even after repairs suggests a more intricate challenge.
To add to the turmoil, Stellantis recalled over 298,000 U.S. vehicles in October due to a potential rollaway risk, highlighting a broader pattern of safety concerns. Is this a case of cutting corners in the race to electrify vehicles, or simply the growing pains of a rapidly evolving industry?
For now, affected owners are left in a precarious position, forced to weigh the risks of driving their vehicles against the inconvenience of parking them outdoors. As Stellantis and Samsung SDI work to address the issue, one thing is clear: the future of electric vehicles hinges on solving these safety challenges.
What do you think? Are these recurring recalls a red flag for the EV industry, or just a temporary setback? Let us know in the comments—your perspective could spark a much-needed conversation.
