154K Jeep Hybrid SUVs at Risk of Fire When in Park and Turned Off
Stellantis has issued a recall for 194,000 plug-in hybrid electric Jeep SUVs globally over fire risks, reports CNN.
The recall applies to certain 2020-2024 model year Jeep Wranglers, and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids. The bulk of recalled units, 154,000, are in the U.S., with 14,000 in Canada, 700 in Mexico, and almost 26,000 outside North America.
Reports of 13 fires have been received by Stellantis, which is now instructing owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures. All the incidents happened when cars were parked and turned off. The recall was prompted by an internal investigation that followed a routine review of customer data.
A remedy is still being determined by the automaker, but it currently believes the issue lies with a battery component, and that around 5% of recalled vehicles have the defect.
Stellantis added that, to reduce risk, these vehicles’ battery level should be depleted, owners should avoid charging them, and should park away from other vehicles and structures.
