NHTSA closed its Jeep fire probe after FCA US recalled 1,076,999 Wranglers and Gladiators

What NHTSA closed

Preliminary Evaluation PE24024 opened on 6 September 2024 [1]. Regulators acted after reports of fires in 2021 through 2023 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators [1].

Many of those fires started on the passenger side of the engine compartment [1]. Some broke out while the vehicle was parked and completely turned off [1]. Some of the fires began with the vehicle off and unattended [1]. The original investigation covered an estimated 781,459 vehicles [1]. NHTSA closed the evaluation after recall 26V-363 covered both the original investigation population and additional model years [1]. Its Office of Defects Investigation did not request more information from FCA US at this time [1]. NHTSA told owners of unrepaired vehicles to park outside, away from buildings and other vehicles [1][4].

The recall reaches more vehicles than the investigation did [1]. It covers the 2021 through 2025 model years, while the probe looked at 2021 through 2023 vehicles [1].

Why the recall is bigger than the probe

FCA US issued recall 26V-363 in June, covering 1,076,999 vehicles [1]. The total splits into 787,887 Wranglers and 289,112 Gladiators from the 2021 through 2025 model years [1].

Wrangler production covered by the recall runs from 24 June 2020 through 2 December 2024 [1]. Affected Gladiator production began on 18 August 2020 [1]. NHTSA said in June that it was aware of 51 fires and one injury believed to be associated with the issue [1]. Several of the reported fires appeared to have started near the power steering pump, the agency said [2][3]. NHTSA has said it will keep monitoring the vehicles in the field [1][2]. The agency said the recall addressed the vehicles and conditions examined in the probe [2][3]. The recall covers the 2021 through 2025 model years [1].

What caused the fires

Attention turned to the electrical connection for the electric-hydraulic power steering pump [1]. A poor connection can create excessive resistance [1].

That resistance produces heat, and surrounding combustible materials can overheat [1]. FCA traced the risk to a loose connection [1]. By April 2026 it had confirmed that the connection could melt and potentially lead to a vehicle fire [1]. Its investigation found that manufacturing tolerances could make it harder for the connector to fully seat [1]. Spread terminals, or a terminal pushed out of position, could also contribute to a high-resistance connection [1]. Stellantis said the problem appeared to involve the power steering pump wiring, which could cause combustible materials to overheat [4]. Not every vehicle gives notice [1]. Some owners may see a loss of power-steering assist or a "Service Power Steering" warning, but a fire can occur without much warning [1].

What owners should do

The repair costs owners nothing [1]. FCA inspects the affected components and repairs or replaces parts when necessary [1].

Owners should check their VIN to see if their Jeep is included, and make sure the recall repair is completed [1]. Questions about the recall go to Stellantis customer service at 800-853-1403 [4].

What happens next

The closure came in late September, after the June recall [1][2]. The agency determined that the recall addressed the vehicles and conditions examined in the probe [2][3]. NHTSA says it will continue monitoring vehicles in the field and could take additional action if future circumstances warrant it [1][2][3].