Automaker, Stellantis, announced a major safety recall of approximately 154,000 hybrid Jeep vehicles for a potential battery fire risk. The recall covers the 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Cherokee plug-in hybrid models. However, it only applies to models manufactured between July 2020 and November 2023.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the recall.
Keeping Yourself Safe
Anyone with an affected vehicle should take two immediate steps to protect themself:
- Stop charging the vehicle’s battery until repairs are complete. This will help prevent the risk of fire.
- Park your vehicle outside and away from buildings or other vehicles. This will help prevent the spread of a potential fire.
Affected Jeep Vehicles
The 2024 Jeep recall includes:
- 118,230 Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrids (2020-2024 models)
- 35,802 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids (2022-2024 models)
Understanding the Defect
The issue stems from a defect in the high-voltage battery pack. These packs have been known to contain cells that suffer from separator damage. This problem can lead to battery fires regardless of whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. The company has received reports of multiple battery fires and two potential injuries related to this issue.
Timeline of Events
Stellantis discovered the problem in May 2023 when two owners reported fires in their 2021 Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrids. The company immediately bought back these vehicles for investigation. Between May and September 2023, five more battery fires were reported in 2021 and 2022 Wrangler models.
In October 2023, after examining the buyback vehicles, Stellantis issued its first recall. This November 2023 recall covered 32,000 hybrid Jeeps and included a software update for the battery pack control module. The recall also included replacement batteries for vehicles showing specific diagnostic fault codes.
However, the problem persisted. From April 2024 through July 2024, Stellantis received new reports of battery fires. These fires happened in both Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids that had already received the software update. As a result, Stellantis launched a joint investigation into the matter with battery supplier Samsung SDI in June 2024.
By August, Samsung SDI identified the likely causes: battery cell separator damage in conjunction with other complex interactions within the cell. As of September 13, 2024, Stellantis had documented 13 customer assistance records, one warranty claim, and 13 field reports related to this issue, including two potential injuries. This led to the current expanded recall announced on September 20, 2024.
What Owners Should Do
Owners should watch for recall notification letters, which will be mailed starting October 17. Those with concerns can NHTSA.gov/recalls to check if their vehicle is affected. Using your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the website will confirm your recall status.
If your vehicle was affected by the recall, reach out to an experienced lemon law lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the recall process to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
In most cases, you’ll be able to take your car to the dealer at no cost to you. The dealer will update your battery pack control module software and inspect the high-voltage battery. If necessary, they will also replace the battery completely to ensure your safety.
Speak to a Consumer Protection Lawyer
Don’t let a faulty battery in your Jeep Wrangler or Grand Cherokee put you at risk. If your vehicle was affected by the 2024 Jeep recall, contact the lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Our lawyers are well-versed in recalls and warranty coverage. Plus, we’ve successfully resolved hundreds of Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee lemon law cases across the country.
Our lawyers know what it takes to get you the remedy you’re entitled to. Schedule your free case review today!