Feds Close Jeep Fire Probe After Recall
» Posted October 16, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
U.S. auto safety regulators recently closed a two-year investigation into fire risks in certain Jeep sport utility vehicles after manufacturer Stellantis recalled roughly 1 million cars.
The move ends the probe, launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in September 2024, aimed at reports of underhood fires in parked Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. It also follows the Stellantis recall, announced in June.
NHTSA said it was aware of more than 50 reports of related crashes or fires and at least four reported injuries. The fires are believed to have originated near the SUVs’ power steering pumps.
“Most reports described fires starting on the front passenger side of the engine compartment while the vehicle was turned off, with several originating specifically at the electrohydraulic power steering pump's electrical connector,” NHTSA said.
Stellantis announced the recall in June, saying it would call back more than 1 million Wranglers and Gladiators. The company said at the time that the vehicles, which were built between June 2020 and December 2024, may have electrical connection issues in their electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. Stellantis and NHTSA also urged owners to park outside until the cars are fixed, warning that fires could happen even when the engines are not running.
“Overheating of combustible materials in the vehicle or surrounding area may potentially lead to a fire,” Stellantis said in a recall notice. “A fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and injury to persons outside the vehicle.”
The company said it planned to notify owners of recalled cars by August. Jeep drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are covered by the recall.
What You Need to Know About the California Lemon Law
This is just one of several safety issues facing Jeep drivers and anyone sharing the road with them.
Stellantis recently announced it is calling back nearly 330,000 Grand Cherokee SUVs, for instance, warning that rear coil springs could fly from the vehicles while they are on the road. Over the summer, the automaker said it was recalling about 12,000 Grand Wagoneer SUVs, citing problems with brake system controls that could lead to crashes. Stellantis also recently recalled more than 400,000 Grand Cherokee SUVs over a defect in their side airbags.
Fortunately, Jeep drivers in California have some strong rights and options when it comes to malfunctioning and defective cars.
The California lemon law generally requires Mitsubishi and other carmakers to repair vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires companies to repurchase covered vehicles they cannot or refuse to repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.
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At Bickel Sannipoli, our California lemon law attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients across the state stuck with defective or malfunctioning vehicles.
We are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.
