Jeep Owners Warned: ‘Park Outside, Away from Homes’ as 1.3 Million Vehicles Recalled Globally Over ‘Unreasonable Safety Risk’ of Spontaneous Engine Fires
- More than 1.3 million Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators recalled worldwide due to electrical fault that can cause fires, even when switched off
- Australia not formally included in recall, but thousands of local owners may be affected, with over 9,600 vehicles sold here between 2021 and 2025
- At least 72 fires and one injury linked to the fault, which Stellantis says poses an ‘unreasonable safety risk’
- Jeep owners urged to park vehicles outside and away from homes until repairs are completed, with dealers set to inspect and replace faulty wiring harness or power steering pump
Jeep owners are being urged to take immediate action to protect themselves and their loved ones after a massive global recall was announced, affecting over 1.3 million vehicles worldwide.
The recall, sparked by an electrical fault that can cause spontaneous engine fires, has left thousands of Australian owners on high alert, with many wondering if their vehicle is at risk.
The recall affects 2021 to 2025 model-year Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator utes, with parent company Stellantis warning owners not to delay acting on the issue.
According to documents lodged with US safety regulators, a loose electrical connection in the electric-hydraulic power steering system can overheat, melt, and potentially cause surrounding materials to combust, even when the vehicle is switched off.
The issue first caught the attention of US regulators in September 2024, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into nearly 800,000 Wrangler and Gladiator models over concerns the wiring could overheat and ignite.
Stellantis initially examined several incidents in 2023 and early 2024 but closed its investigation after concluding the fire rate appeared low. However, the investigation was reopened in August last year following a growing number of reports tied to the same electrical connection.
Stellantis spent over a year analysing returned parts, conducting CT scans and X-ray testing, and examining vehicle designs before determining the fault posed an unreasonable safety risk.
The company is now rushing to get replacement parts ready, promising a permanent fix will be available by July. In the meantime, Jeep owners of affected models are being advised to park outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The recall has significant implications for Australian Jeep owners, with over 9,600 vehicles sold here between 2021 and 2025.
While Australia is not formally included in the recall, local owners may still be affected, and are urged to contact their dealerships to determine if their vehicle is at risk.
The recall also raises concerns about the safety of Australian roads, with many questioning how such a significant fault could have gone undetected for so long.
Security analysts say the recall highlights the need for increased vigilance in the automotive industry, particularly when it comes to electrical systems.
“This recall is a wake-up call for the industry to take a closer look at their electrical systems and ensure they are designed and manufactured with safety in mind,” said one analyst.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the recall also has implications for emergency services, who may need to respond to an increased number of vehicle fires.
“This recall is a reminder of the importance of having adequate emergency response plans in place, particularly when it comes to vehicle fires,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe the recall will have significant economic consequences for Stellantis, with the company facing potential losses in the hundreds of millions. “This recall is a major blow to Stellantis, and will likely have a significant impact on their bottom line,” said one observer.
