Every Single Jeep Wrangler And Gladiator From 2021-2023 Under Investigation For Fire Risk

[Yardbird]

Every Single Jeep Wrangler And Gladiator From 2021-2023 Under Investigation For Fire Risk​

By Jarryd Neves


The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are at the center of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation, with an estimated 781,459 examples of the off-roaders involved. The investigation centers around an electrical fire that has left at least one person injured and has yielded multiple reports from concerned owners.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received "multiple" field reports and nine Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports that describe engine compartment fires in MY2021-2023 Wrangler and Gladiator models. In most instances, the reports describe a fire that started even though the ignition was in the 'off' position.

Jeep is an off-road SUV brand with roots dating back to World War II when off-roaders were known as jeeps (from GP or General Purpose vehicles). Willys-Overland Motors took the concept mainstream by launching versions for the public to buy, and the brand has built a reputation of being te purest off-road-focused brand ever since. Iconic models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have been staples in the lineup, and the brand currently lays claim to having the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America, the Wrangler 4xe.

NHTSA Is Looking Into Wrangler And Gladiator Fires​

While unconfirmed, the fires are suspected to originate from the front passenger side of the engine bay. Of course, a fire can cause devastating damage to the vehicle, surrounding vehicles, and even property. The most important risk here is endangering the lives of occupants. As such, the ODI has looked into the matter and uncovered several tidbits.

The automaker's parent company has been in contact with the ODI, which has since discovered that "several thermal events" have stemmed from the power steering pump electric connector in the aforementioned Jeep model lines. The pump connector is situated on the passenger front side of the engine compartment, which corresponds with the reports received by the ODI. This investigation does not include the latest model year; both the Wrangler and Gladiator were facelifted for MY2024.

Not A Recall, But It Could Become One Later
It's worth noting that this investigation does not amount to a recall, but should the NHTSA's findings recommend one, we can expect an official announcement to be made in the coming weeks. CarBuzz contacted Jeep for official comment, and while the automaker refrained from commenting, a representative said Jeep is cooperating with the NHTSA's investigation.

It's worth noting that the Gladiator (2018-2024) and Wrangler (2020-2024) are already under recall, albeit for a less serious problem. A total of 32,863 examples feature instrument clusters that "may experience an internal short circuit and fail." Jeep is the latest Stellantis brand to come onto the NHTSA's radar.

Recently, Ram recalled more than 1.2 million examples of the 1500 pickup truck due to a software issue that could disable the electronic stability control. Not long before that, approximately 20,000 examples of the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid were recalled over a potential fire risk related to the PHEV battery pack.


https://carbuzz.com/nhtsa-investigation-jeep-wrangler-gladiator-fire-risk/