Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee Owners Told to Park Outside Over Fire Risks

Jeep manufacturer Stellantis has a warning for certain hybrid vehicle owners: Park your cars outside and do not charge them until a defect that could cause fires is fixed.

The company is calling back 320,000 cars, including Grand Cherokee and Wrangler sport utility vehicles. The plug-in vehicles’ battery packs may have been built with cells that are susceptible to separator damage, according to Stellantis.

“Vehicle risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted,” the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Accordingly, owners are advised to refrain from recharging. “Out of an abundance of caution, [Stellantis] is also advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained.”

The recall covers Grand Cherokee SUVs from model years 2022 to 2026 and 2020-2025 Wrangler SUVs. Stellantis told dealers to stop selling the vehicles until the defect is addressed.

The problem for owners, however, is that the company has not yet come up with a fix for the problem. A remedy “is currently under development," Stellantis told NHTSA. It could be at least a few months away.

“This recall is estimated to launch in 1st Quarter of 2026,” Stellantis told dealers.

Many of the recalled vehicles were part of a separate recall over the same defect last year. Stellantis said a software update issued in the earlier recall was not effective.

Meanwhile, the company said it is aware of at least nine car fires related to the defect. At least one person has been injured in a fire, according to Stellantis.

Stellantis plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by early December. In the meantime, owners can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are covered by the recall.

California Lemon Law Rights for Jeep Drivers

Jeep owners and lessors in California have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Many do not need to wait for a recall to get defective cars fixed.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options and take action.

Speak with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.