Jeep Recall: Stellantis Urges Owners to Park Plug-In Hybrid SUVs Outdoors Amid Battery Fire Risk

Why Stellantis Recalled Jeep Plug-In Hybrids: The Battery Fire Hazard Explained

For thousands of Jeep owners, a new sense of caution has settled in. On November 6, 2025, Stellantis—the parent company of Jeep—announced a global recall of 375,000 plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs, citing a fire risk associated with battery failures. The move comes after 19 reported fires, one resulting in injury, and a growing chorus of concern over the safety of electric vehicle batteries. Owners, especially in the United States where about 320,000 of the affected vehicles are located, have been urged to park their SUVs outdoors and avoid charging them until a permanent solution is implemented.

Which Jeep Models Are Impacted—and Why?

The recall targets specific model years: Wrangler 4xe vehicles from 2020 to 2025, and Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2022 to 2026. These are Jeep’s flagship plug-in hybrid SUVs, celebrated for their blend of electric power and off-road capability. But beneath that reputation, a critical flaw has emerged. According to SSBCrack News, Stellantis traced the fires to a defect in the battery packs, manufactured by Samsung SDI. Investigations revealed that damage to battery separators—a thin membrane inside the cells—can interact with other components, triggering overheating and fires.

This defect is not entirely new. Earlier in 2025, Stellantis recalled 154,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep vehicles for a similar issue. Notably, some vehicles that had received software fixes during that previous recall experienced fires again, indicating that the solution may not have been comprehensive. In total, nine of the recent fire incidents involved vehicles that had already undergone repairs, while ten involved SUVs outside the scope of the earlier campaign.

How Stellantis and Regulators Responded

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was swiftly informed of the situation. Official statements emphasized the urgency: Jeep owners should avoid parking their vehicles in garages or near buildings, and should refrain from charging until further notice. Stellantis is working with Samsung SDI to identify the root cause and develop a remedy. For now, the automaker has not specified the timeline for repairs or replacement parts. The company’s communication has been clear, if unsettling: safety first, even if it means leaving your prized SUV out in the elements.

This latest Jeep recall is not an isolated event. In October 2025, Stellantis announced another recall for over 298,000 U.S. vehicles due to potential rollaway risks. The cumulative impact of these recalls reflects a broader industry trend: as automakers embrace electrification, the reliability of battery technology is under the microscope.

The Broader Landscape: Electric Vehicle Recalls on the Rise

Stellantis’ recall is part of a larger wave of safety actions sweeping through the auto industry. Electric vehicles and hybrids, loaded with advanced battery systems and digital controls, present new challenges for manufacturers. Software-driven recalls, like Toyota’s recent campaign affecting over one million vehicles due to a rear-view camera glitch, are becoming increasingly common. According to USA Today, these issues often stem from complex interactions between hardware and software, which can be difficult to diagnose and fix.

Battery safety, however, is especially sensitive. Fires triggered by battery defects are rare but can be catastrophic. The fact that some Jeep SUVs caught fire even after software updates underscores the complexity of the problem. It is not just a matter of code; physical flaws in battery construction—such as separator damage—can lead to dangerous outcomes. Samsung SDI, which supplies batteries for Jeep’s plug-in hybrids, has acknowledged that separator damage is a leading cause of the incidents.

What Should Jeep Owners Do Now?

The immediate guidance from Stellantis is unequivocal: park affected vehicles outdoors, away from structures, and do not charge them until further notice. Owners should expect notification letters detailing next steps as the company finalizes its recall remedy. The NHTSA recommends checking your vehicle’s status using the recall lookup tool or Jeep’s official website. Given the evolving nature of the situation, staying informed is crucial.

While the inconvenience is real—especially for those who rely on plug-in hybrids for daily commuting—Stellantis has reassured owners that their safety is the top priority. The company is collaborating with regulators and suppliers to ensure a comprehensive fix. For now, patience and vigilance are required.

Industry Implications: Software, Safety, and the Future of Electric Vehicles

Jeep’s recall highlights a fundamental tension in the age of electrification. As cars become rolling computers, the line between digital and physical safety risks is blurring. Battery defects, software glitches, and complex electronic controls require new approaches to quality assurance and repair. For automakers, the stakes are high—not just in terms of costs, but in maintaining consumer trust.

Stellantis’ response, while swift, raises questions about how recalls will evolve in the future. Will software updates alone suffice, or will physical inspections and replacements become the norm? As suppliers like Samsung SDI work to improve battery design, the hope is that such incidents will become less frequent. Still, the Jeep recall is a reminder that innovation always carries risks.

Assessment: Stellantis’ recall of plug-in hybrid Jeeps is a cautionary tale for the entire auto industry. It exposes both the promise and peril of rapid electrification, as battery technology races ahead of established safety norms. For consumers, it’s a moment to weigh the benefits of innovation against the realities of risk. Only a transparent, science-driven approach will restore confidence as automakers navigate the future of mobility.