Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 69,201 SUVs and pickup trucks that may catch fire due to overheating transmission. This ups the risk of a crash and injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 

This recall serves as an expansion, as well as replacement of a previous one conducted for the same issue in early 2021 and comes on the back of several vehicle fires. Vehicles repaired back then will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a manual transmission and the corresponding clutch assembly, which allows the driver to change gears.

Part of the clutch in the affected vehicles can overheat and crack “due to extreme overheating.” This creates hot shrapnel, which can pierce transmission housing and catch on fire as it comes in contact with an ignition source. 

Warning signs

An overheating clutch may generate a strong burning smell, which can be perceived by the driver or passengers.  The driver can also notice unspecified warning messages on the dashboard.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are described in this recent Hyundai recall

Background of the recall 

The problem with overheating clutches was first discovered several years ago and consequently led to a recall in January 2021. At that time, dealers addressed the issue by updating the vehicle’s software, so that it would reduce the engine’s power output if the clutch overheats.  However, this proved to be insufficient and there have been dozens of warranty claims and one injury leading up to this recall.

The repair

The manufacturer is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once it becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Owners will be receive letters with additional information on April 14, 2023. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wrangler recall in December of last year when  Wrangler SUVs and RAM trucks were recalled for the third time due to the risk of engine shutdown, as reported.

Stellantis is also under a U.S. government investigation due to reports of its Jeep Compass SUVs unexpectedly losing power.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 70,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep clutch pressure plate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating 2019-2020 Jeep Compass SUVs made by Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) whose engines may shut down. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 228,971 vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on December 2, 2022 following 15 complaints of Compass engines shutting down unexpectedly. 

According to the complaints, operators saw a warning message on the dashboard stating “high coolant temperature” or “coolant temperature too high.” After the message appeared, the engine shut down. NHTSA indicates that that the temperature warning is not accurate.

Risks

For more on the risks posed by a sudden loss of power, please visit this RAM recall article.

Other Stellantis recalls

While there have been no recent Jeep Compass recalls, other models made by this manufacturer have been affected by several issues. Just recently, more than 60,000 Gladiators, Wranglers and RAM trucks were recalled over a defective fuel pump.  

You can find out all about the latest Stellantis recalls in this article

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Jeep loss of motive power investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check to see if your car is currently subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler plug-ins again over risk of engine shutdown

Auburn Hills, MI – December 15, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, is recalling 62,909 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) over a loss of internal communication that may lead to an engine shutdown. This increases the risk of a crash.

This is the third stalling-related recall in two months to affect Jeep Wranglers, and the second to affect PHEVs specifically. At least one injury has been reported leading up to the current recall.

Recall summary

Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs that are equipped with the 2.0L Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) engine are at risk of an unexpected engine shutdown. 

The root cause of the issue and affected components are still being investigated and yet to be confirmed.

For now, Chrysler attributes the issue to “diagnostic reactions to faults caused by loss of communication” among the vehicle components.

Recall risks

An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

To date, Chrysler reports two accidents and one injury related to the issue, as well as 112 customer assistance records, 196 warranty claims and 65 field reports.

Last month, there was another plug-in hybrid recall when 2022-2023 Wrangler plug-in hybrids were recalled for a loose fuse in the battery which could also lead to a stall.

Around the same time, there was another Jeep Wrangler recall over a problem with the fuel pump that could cause the engine to lose power. This was prompted by 250 customer complaints.

Other recent Stellantis recalls

In November, Stellantis recalled almost 250,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks over a potential fuel leak which could lead to a fire.

Also in November was a recall of 2022 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Challengers and Dodge Chargers over a faulty tire pressure monitoring system

The repair

Dealers will update vehicle’s software at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around January 12, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Jeep recall check or see other Fiat Chrysler recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler plug-ins again over risk of engine shutdown

Stellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk

Auburn Hills, MI – November 2, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 60,413 vehicles over premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. This could lead to the vehicle stalling while in traffic, upping the risk of an accident.

The recall comes on the heels of 250 driver complaints and covers the following models: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2020 – 2022 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2020 – 2022 RAM 1500

Recall summary

The fuel pump moves the fuel from the vehicle’s gas tank to the engine, where it is used for combustion that powers the vehicle’s movement. In the affected vehicles with Jeep fuel pump issues, the pump could fail prematurely. Debris from failed components could get into the fuel system and prevent the fuel from reaching the engine.

This recall applies to vehicles with a 3.0 liter diesel engine.

The component involved in this recall is the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), with part number 68211269AA.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of “22 customer assistance records, 205 warranty claims, and 33 field reports” received between mid-2020 and late September of 2022. No injuries or accidents have been reported because of the issue.

Recall risks

If the fuel fails to reach the engine, “fuel starvation” will occur. This may result in a loss of power, increasing the chances that the vehicle will crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the Service Electronic Throttle Control indicator – which looks like a lighting bolt – turning on in the instrument panel. There may also be excessive noise or a fuel leak coming from the HPFP.

 Other Jeep and RAM truck recalls

A number of 2014-2019 RAM 1500s and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled in June 2022. This recall, which affected 138,645 vehicles in all, was also in response to a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump.

As part of another Fiat Chrysler recall, Stellantis recalled 4,907 RAM pickup trucks in October 2022 over an Engine Control Module (ECM) component that may have been fitted incorrectly. This could cause the vehicle to stall. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the affected fuel system components free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the issuance of the recall order.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are affected by this fuel pump recall. To check for other potential Jeep and RAM 1500 recalls on your vehicle, run a Jeep or RAM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids over power loss

Auburn Hills, MI – November 1, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, is recalling 13,722 2022 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) over a problem that could result in the vehicle stalling without warning. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

Electrical fuses are safety devices that protect equipment against too much electric current. In the event of a power surge or overheating, part of the fuse melts, breaking the circuit. Fuses are especially important in plug-in hybrid vehicles, which use high-voltage batteries.

In the affected vehicles, a fuse in the battery assembly is secured with the wrong fasteners. These fasteners create higher-than-normal electrical resistance, generating heat and potentially causing the fuse to fail. If the fuse fails, the vehicle will lose power to the engine.

The component involved in this recall is the hybrid battery pack assembly, with part number 05193168AH.

Recall risks

Loss of power while driving dramatically augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may turn on in the instrument panel, and the driver may notice a noise coming from the high-voltage battery pack assembly or a change in the vehicle’s drivability.

Other Jeep recalls

In December 2021, Stellantis issued a recall for 2,903 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs on account of a faulty odometer. Without a way to monitor the vehicle’s mileage, owners may miss out on important maintenance schedules.

In June 2022, certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee units were included in a recall issued by Stellantis over a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump. This could increase the chances of the vehicle stalling while in operation, leading to a crash.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the fuse fasteners on the affected vehicles and replace the fuse assembly if necessary. If charring or discoloration is observed, the high-voltage battery pack assembly will be replaced. The remedy will be done free of charge, and Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the issuance of the Jeep Wrangler recalls.

Affected owners will be notified on or around December 2, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 13,000 vehicles are affected by these plug-in hybrid electric issues. To check for other potential Jeep and Fiat Chrysler recalls on your vehicle, run a Jeep recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids over power loss

Stellantis latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars

Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jee, and RAM brands, has racked up nine recalls in the past six months. In total, more than 1.1 million vehicles have been affected by this. Besides, the recalls, the company is subject to two ongoing investigations by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, which could lead to recalls of additional 1.5 million vehicles.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected. 

Roll-away SUVs

In March, some Jeep and Dodge SUVs were recalled because they could shift out of Park even when the brake was not applied. This was caused by a faulty ABS unit.  Approximately a quarter of a million vehicles were affected by these Stellantis rollaway issues, including: 

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trucks with malfunctioning ESC

That same month,  Stellantis also recalled a large batch of RAM trucks and Dodge SUVs over a software issue within the ABS. This might prevent the warning light on the dashboard from illuminating if the car’s electronic stability control (ESC) malfunctions. In total, 370,437 cars had to be recalled because of this, including: 

  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 3500
  • 2021 – 2022 Dodge Durango 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – roughly half of the vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

SUVs with unsecured child car seats

Certain 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled in April because of an issue with child-seat anchorage points on second-row seats. As a result, the child seat could be inadequately secured during a collision, increasing the risk of injury. In total, 4,586 were affected. 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – 2,746 vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Tire failure risk recall

An issue with the built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which may keep the system from detecting low tire pressure led to a Stellantis recall that took place in June 2022.

In total, 52,340 cars were affected by this issue, including: 

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Stalling vehicles with diesel engines  

One the heels of the tire pressure recall, over 138,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines were recalled over concerns they may stall while driving. The problem was caused by a high-pressure fuel pump, which delivers fuel to the engine.

These Stellantis engine issues affected the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Malfunctioning rearview cameras

In June, almost 120,000 RAM pickup trucks were recalled because of a software issue that would prevent the rearview image from being displayed.

The following vehicles were affected: 

  • 2022 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2022 RAM 3500 

More recently, in September, Jeep recalled some of its models over a similar software error. This recall affected 7,895 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2021 Jeep Wrangler 
  • 2020 – 2021 RAM 1500 
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiator 

Issues with lights 

Two separate light issues led to two Stellantis light recalls that affected over 180,000 cars.

In August, a substantial number of Jeep SUVs were recalled because their tail light side markers were damaged and dimmed. In total, 99,186 vehicles were affected by this recall, including: 

  • 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Earlier this month, Stellantis recalled more than 80,000 of their 2017 – 2018 Dodge Journey crossover SUVs. These vehicles were equipped with headlights that turned out to be defective and not bright enough

Active investigations

Besides the recalls, the U.S government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) is conducting two separate investigations concerning Stellantis vehicles. 

In one of them, the regulator is trying to find out if the alleged stalling of Chrysler’s PHEV minivans is caused by a manufacturer error. If this results in a recall, it may affect more than 20,000 of the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Earlier model-years of the hybrid were recalled in February 2022 over Stellantis fire risk

The other investigation is caused by complaints from Jeep SUV owners regarding unintentional handbrake activating. According to their claims, this would happen even while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The regulator is checking if this may be caused by water leaks, similar to a recall from 2015. This investigation could lead to a recall, potentially affecting an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, Stellantis recalls have affected roughly 1.1 million cars in the past six months. To do a Stellantis recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars

Stellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

Auburn Hills, MI – September 3, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and Ram brands, is recalling 7,895 vehicles with rearview cameras that may not display an image. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following pickup trucks and SUVs :

  • 2020 – 2021 Jeep Wrangler 
  • 2020 – 2021 RAM 1500 
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiator 

Recall summary

Due to a software error, the subject vehicles’ radios may reset repeatedly, interfering with the display and preventing the rearview image from showing while backing up. This reduces the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Only vehicles with EcoDiesel engines are affected.

The component in question is the radio, with part numbers including 68428546AD, 68474392AE and 68428540AC.

Recall risks

When the rearview image does not appear as the driver backs up, the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle is reduced. This could lead to a collision with pedestrians, property or other vehicles.

Warning signs

A telltale sign of a fault is if the radio resets before the driver shifts to reverse. This is an indication that the radio is not functioning as expected and may prevent the rearview image from displaying.

Other recent Jeep and Ram truck recalls

In early August, Stellantis recalled nearly 100,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles with damaged tail lights.

In April, more than 4,000 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled over improperly secured child car seat anchors, which could increase the risk of injury to a child passenger.

Repair

Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to owners. Owners can expect to receive a letter with more information about this radio software issue, on or around October 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 7,000 Stellantis vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a RAM or Jeep recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

Stellantis recalls Jeep SUVs with damaged tail lights

Auburn Hills, MI – August 13, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and Chrysler brands, is recalling 99,186 vehicles with tail light side markers that do not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

The following SUVs are included in this recall:

  • 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recall summary

Tail light assemblies contain the brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights and marker lights. Side marker lights make the vehicle more visible and help other drivers judge its position, dimensions and direction.

The tail light assemblies in the subject vehicles may have been built with damaged side marker lights that do not illuminate as expected.

The components in question are the left and right side tail light lamp assemblies, with part numbers 68421132AD and 68421133AD.

Recall risks

A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Jeep and Chrysler recalls

In July, the U.S. government announced an investigation into Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans. The investigation could lead to a Chrysler recall for the 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica  and 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

One of the most recent Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls was in June, when the 2014 – 2020 models were recalled over a fuel pump failure.

Earlier in June, more than 200,000 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles were recalled over a problem with the brake system.

Repair

To address these Jeep tail light issues, dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the tail lamp assemblies free of charge. Owners will be notified about the repair program on or around September 16, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 100,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Jeep recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Jeep SUVs with damaged tail lights

US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

Auburn Hills, MI July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) vehicles whose parking brakes may activate while driving.  If that happens, the car would stall and stop on the road, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This investigation, if it leads to a parking brake recall, could affect an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 80 complaints about unexpected and sudden handbrake activation in affected Jeep Cherokees.

These SUVs have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which allows the driver to activate it by a push of a button instead of pulling a lever. Parking brake activation is performed by an electric motor, with an EPB module controlling its operation. Based on initial findings, water may find its way into the module and cause electrical shorts. This could lead to unintended parking brake activation while driving.

It appears that Jeep was aware of the problem as early as 2016 when it issued dealer communication advising dealers to check for “corrosion” if there was an issue with the parking brake not releasing. There was also a recall issued in 2015 which dealt with short circuits inside the liftgate module caused by water leaks. Although the “symptoms” are unrelated, both modules are located in a similar area within the SUV.  

Risks

A vehicle that unexpectedly activates its parking brake may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a sudden activation may confuse the driver and cause it to lose control of the vehicle. 

Potential warning signs

Drivers have reported that either the parking brake or ABS light or “most warning lights” would come on prior to the handbrake activation. However, in some cases there was no warning.

Other Jeep recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several other Jeep Cherokee recalls in the past. Among them, the one from May 2022, caused by a transmission leak, is the most recent

In addition, some Grand Cherokee and Durango models also suffered from parking brake issues, leading to a recall in June this year

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Jeep electronic parking brake issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 1.3 million vehicles. In the meantime, you could do a Jeep recall check for your vehicle using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

Stellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk

Auburn Hills, MI – June 30, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, has issued a recall for 138,645 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines due the risk of stall while driving. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Recall summary

Apart from regulating how much fuel should be injected during combustion, the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine In the affected vehicles, a defect in the HPFP could cause the component to fail and stop working while the vehicle is being used.    

Recall risks

When the fuel pump fails, it can let debris and other contaminants into the fuel system, clogging it so that fuel does not reach the engine. If this happens, the engine may suddenly stall, affecting other functions such as the power steering and service brakes. This leads to an increased risk of a crash.    

For more on risks of this recall, please visit a previous article on a Mazda fuel pump recall over the same issue. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the malfunction indicator lamp or service electronic throttle control warning light flashing on the dashboard. Other signs include “excessive noise” from the fuel pump or even fuel leaking from the component. 

Other Jeep and RAM recalls 

There was a Jeep recall in October 2021, involving 56,180 vehicles because of a faulty rearview camera that prevented drivers from seeing beyond the vehicle’s rear, as reported.

The 2022 RAM trucks were recalled earlier this month also because of faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and RAM 1500 were part of an earlier recall in 2020 for a similar risk of stalling.    

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump on affected vehicles at no charge to owners. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for repairs out of pocket. 

Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 29, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 138,000 vehicles are included in this fuel pump failure recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Jeep or Ram recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk