Jeep Recalls More Than 1 Million Wrangler and Gladiator Models Over Fire Risk, Owners Told to Park Outside
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Jeep has issued a major safety recall affecting more than one million Wrangler and Gladiator models after discovering a defect that could lead to a fire even when the engine is switched off. As a precaution, owners are being advised to park their vehicles outside until repairs are completed.
The recall covers several model years and engine options, making it one of the largest Jeep recalls in recent years.
Which Jeep Models Are Included in the Recall?
The recall affects 2021 through 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL and Jeep Gladiator JT models across almost every available powertrain and transmission combination.
This includes:
- 2.2 litre turbodiesel models sold in international markets
- 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol models
- 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 models
- Wrangler 392 with the Hemi V8
- Left hand drive and right hand drive vehicles
In total, 1,076,999 vehicles are included in the recall.
Out of those, approximately 787,887 are Jeep Wrangler models, while the remaining vehicles are Gladiator pickups.
Vehicles Not Affected
Some vehicles fall outside the recall because they either use a different component or received an updated part during production.
Safe vehicles include:
| Model | Production Period |
|---|---|
| Wrangler built before June 24, 2020 | Uses a different steering pump component |
| Gladiator built before August 18, 2020 | Uses a different steering pump component |
| Wrangler and Gladiator built after December 2, 2024 | Updated part installed during production |
Why Is Jeep Telling Owners to Park Outside?
The recall involves the electrohydraulic power steering pump, specifically the electrical connection between the wiring harness and the pump’s circuit board.
According to the investigation, the connector header on the circuit board may have been manufactured outside the required tolerance. The loose connection creates higher electrical resistance, which generates excessive heat.
Over time, that heat can:
- Melt the electrical connector
- Damage surrounding plastic components
- Heat nearby power steering fluid
- Increase the risk of a vehicle fire
What makes this issue particularly concerning is that the fire risk can remain even after the engine has been switched off and the key removed.
Residual heat from the connector or smoldering plastic may become hot enough to ignite power steering fluid, creating a fire hazard while the vehicle is parked.
Fire Incidents Reported
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Jeep identified 47 incidents that may be related to the overheating connector between **July 2019 and March 2026.
The company has reported:
- 47 potential overheating or melting incidents
- One possible injury linked to the defect
- No fatalities associated with the issue
Although confirmed vehicle fires remain limited, Jeep has chosen to issue a recall because of the potential safety risk.
What Is the Current Repair?
At present, dealerships will inspect the power steering pump assembly for signs of overheating or connector damage.
If technicians find evidence of melting or excessive heat, affected components will be repaired or replaced.
The current inspection may include:
- Checking the electrical connector
- Inspecting the wiring harness
- Replacing damaged connectors
- Replacing the power steering pump if necessary
However, Stellantis has confirmed that a permanent repair solution is still under development.
Industry experts expect the final repair could involve an updated intermediate connector harness designed to eliminate the tolerance mismatch between the wiring harness and circuit board connector.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Jeep dealers have already been informed about the recall.
Official owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on July 9, 2026.
Owners should also be able to search their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on official recall lookup websites beginning around July 11, 2026.
What Should Owners Do Right Now?
Until a permanent repair becomes available, affected Jeep owners should follow the manufacturer’s safety advice.
Recommended precautions
- Park the vehicle outside whenever possible
- Avoid parking inside garages or attached structures
- Schedule a recall inspection with an authorized Jeep dealer
- Check your VIN once recall databases are updated
While the chances of a fire remain relatively low, following these precautions can significantly reduce potential risk.
Final Thoughts
Vehicle recalls happen across the automotive industry, but a recall involving a possible fire while the engine is off naturally draws attention. Jeep’s recommendation to park affected Wranglers and Gladiators outside reflects the seriousness of the defect while engineers finalize a permanent repair.
Owners of 2021 through 2025 Wrangler and Gladiator models should monitor recall updates, verify whether their vehicle is included, and arrange an inspection as soon as dealers begin offering the official repair solution.
Sources & References
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Notice
Official recall announcement and safety information issued by the US government.
NHTSA Recall: Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler Fire Risk - Official Mopar Recall Lookup
Check whether a Jeep vehicle is affected by entering its VIN.
Mopar Recall Lookup - NHTSA Recall Search Portal
Official US database for checking recalls using a VIN or license plate.
NHTSA Recall Search - Mopar Recall FAQ
Official guide explaining recalls, VIN lookup, repairs, and owner information.
Mopar Recall FAQ - Car and Driver
Trusted automotive publication with detailed coverage of the Jeep recall and technical background.
Car and Driver Recall Report - Reuters
International news agency covering the global scope of the recall, including US and Canada figures.
Reuters Recall Coverage - ABC News
Concise overview of the recall, affected model years, and owner guidance.
ABC News Recall Report - NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls Guide
Official instructions for checking open recalls by VIN or license plate.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls Guide
