Stellantis is recalling roughly 14,000 newer Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Canada after a spate of fires were reported by owners. While the automaker estimates only five per cent of the recalled models may have the defect that could lead to that issue, it’s nevertheless asking people to park the SUVs outside and away from structures or other vehicles due to the risk of the Jeeps erupting into flames.
The affected models include Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEVs from model years 2020 to 2024; and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEVs from model years 2022 to 2024. The two nameplates represent the most popular plug-in hybrids on sale today, and as a result, the recall covers some 14,038 examples of the things in Canada, as well as another 154,032 in the U.S. Worldwide, over 200,000 Jeeps will need to be recalled.
Curiously, Stellantis NV has not yet revealed exactly what the defect is, only that it involves and battery component and that it was discovered during a review of customer data – some 13 fires tired to the problem have been reported – that led to an internal investigation. It says a remedy for the issue is already “imminent.”
Besides parking away from buildings or other cars and trucks, Stellantis is also asking owners to avoid recharging the PHEVs, as “risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted.” The dozen-plus fires already reported occurred when the Jeeps were parked and turned off, it said.
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