If you are driving or owning a Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, then it is important for you to know that it now sees a battery fire risk with almost 33,000 units affected, and a recall now in place for its fix. However, in the mean time, users are advised to not charge the hybrid's batteries for now, especially as the fix is not yet available at its dealerships, and would only notify users soon.
This follows a series of fully electric vehicles and hybrids that saw failing batteries, presenting a massive risk for owners, especially with the defect still under investigation.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Battery Fire Recall Issued
Jeep released the Safety Recall 'B9A' which centers on the issues present now on the Wrangler 4xe, its renowned plug-in hybrid which has a risk of battery fires.
It is also known as the Safety Administration recall 23V-787 via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to this document, the issue has not yet been identified by the company, with investigations still taking place.
This affects as many as 32,125 Wrangler 4xes, or one percent of the units available or sold in the market. Users owning the PHEVs, with the 2021 to 2024 models are affected.
Stellantis Advises Owners Not to Charge
As per Jeep and Stellantis, owners should refrain from charging the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for now, as well as parking it outside to avoid causing damage to structures. Owners may also verify if their Wrangler 4xe is affected by the issue through its website by entering their VIN.
For now, dealerships still do not have the fix to remedy the problem of America's top-selling PHEV of 2022.
Stellantis and Jeep's Clean Energy
Stellantis is part of the renowned 'Big Three' in the automotive industry, and it recently faced significant controversy amidst the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike earlier this year. The latest development for this centers on the preliminary deal that Stellantis and UAW had, with the deal moving forward and looking to a more promising future, unlike with GM and Ford.
That being said, its Jeep brand already unveiled its massive plans for a clean energy future, eyeing 2025 as its year to deliver more electric models to the world, leveraging its 4xe platform. With Jeep's 4xe, more SUVs are coming to bring electric mobility for all, planning as much as four EVs coming in less than two years, with half of its fleet going fully electric come this decade's end.
As much as Stellantis and Jeep's promising commitment to electric mobility is significant, there are still various problems and setbacks the company would face, including their "failing batteries." Jeep already issued a recall for the Wrangler 4xe, with the plug-in hybrid getting its fix soon, and owners are advised to refrain from charging it for now and wait for the notification of when they can bring their vehicle to dealerships to address the problem.