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Federal safety regulators have issued an urgent warning to owners of more than one million Jeep vehicles after discovering an electrical defect that could cause a fire, even when the vehicle is turned off and parked. Until repairs are completed, affected owners are being advised to park their vehicles outside and away from homes, garages, and other vehicles.
What is the problem?
The recall affects 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Jeep Gladiator pickup trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an electrical connection within the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may develop high resistance, causing the wiring to overheat and potentially ignite nearby materials.
What makes this issue particularly concerning is that a fire could occur whether the vehicle is being driven or sitting parked with the ignition switched off. Stellantis has reportedly identified dozens of incidents potentially linked to the defect, including one reported injury, prompting regulators to issue the unusual “park outside” warning while a remedy is being finalized.
Drivers may also notice warning signs before a failure occurs, including a “Service Power Steering” message or a loss of power steering assistance.
What owners should do
Notification letters are expected to begin mailing in July 2026, and in the meantime, owners of affected Wranglers and Gladiators should avoid parking their vehicles inside garages or near structures until repairs have been completed. They should also monitor recall notices and check whether their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is included in the campaign through the NHTSA recall database.
Stellantis has indicated that dealers will inspect the affected components and repair or replace parts as necessary at no cost to owners once the final remedy becomes available.
How Jeep owners can take back control
Being told to keep your vehicle outside because of a potential fire risk can understandably cause frustration and concern, particularly when the defect could occur even while the vehicle is parked. For some owners, repeated recalls and safety concerns can make it difficult to feel confident in their vehicle’s reliability.
If your Jeep has been affected by recurring defects, repeated repairs, or unresolved safety issues, The Lemon Firm may be able to help you understand your rights. Our team has extensive experience assisting consumers facing persistent vehicle problems and can review whether you may have options for pursuing compensation or other legal remedies. Speak with one of our case analysts today to discuss your situation and explore your next steps.