Why your parked Jeep could catch fire as Stellantis issues urgent recall

Global automaker Stellantis NV (STLAM.MI) has recalled more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator trucks worldwide over a fire risk linked to an electrical fault in the steering system wiring.

The company also urged owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings until repairs are completed, raising fresh concerns over automotive safety in modern electric-assisted systems.

The recall covers 2021 to 2025 model year vehicles, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wiring Defect

Stellantis said the issue involves the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring, where a loose electrical connection could overheat.

“In rare circumstances, combustible materials may overheat, potentially leading to a vehicle fire,” the company said in its filing.

The automaker added that melting of the connection could trigger fire risk even when the vehicle is switched off.

NHTSA Investigation and Rising Fire Incidents

The NHTSA vehicle safety investigation had previously opened a probe into nearly 800,000 Jeep vehicles from earlier model years, citing concerns that the system could overheat even when parked.

Stellantis initially closed its internal investigation in 2023, citing a low incident rate. However, it reopened the review in 2024 after a rise in reported fire cases.

The company now reports at least 72 fires and one injury potentially linked to the defect.

Stellantis Recall Scope and Fix Timeline

The recall spans approximately:

• 1.08 million vehicles in the U.S.
• 106,000 in Canada
• 23,000 in Mexico
• 125,000 in other global markets

Stellantis said it is working to repair or replace the affected wiring harness or steering pump system and expects a fix by July.

The case adds pressure on Stellantis NV as regulators increase scrutiny of electrical systems in modern vehicles, especially those linked to steering and fire risk safety.

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