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Over 1 million Jeep vehicles are being recalled across the United States due to a fire risk linked to an electrical connector in the hydraulic power steering pump. The recall, announced by Stellantis in late July 2025, covers certain model year 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and other SUV variants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that a faulty electrical connection could overheat, potentially igniting a fire even when the vehicle is off.
What’s behind the recall
The issue stems from a connector in the power steering pump that may not be properly sealed or secured, allowing moisture or debris to cause a short circuit. Over time, this can lead to excessive current draw, melting of the connector, and ultimately a fire. Stellantis has identified at least 10 reported incidents of smoke or fire, though no injuries have been confirmed as of late July 2025.
The recall also affects plug-in hybrid Jeep models (4xe variants) already under separate scrutiny for battery-related risks. Stellantis says the remedy will involve replacing the steering pump connector and, in some cases, the entire pump assembly at no cost to owners.
Owner frustration mounts
For owners like Jennifer Fox of Dallas, the recall means more than an inconvenience. She bought her 2025 Jeep Wrangler in April and has been parking it away from her garage and home. “I haven’t been able to drive it much,” Fox told FOX 4. “Every recall notice says park outside, away from structures. So I keep it on my property, far from the house, just in case.” She says she hasn’t yet been able to schedule a repair appointment due to parts delays.
Other owners on Jeep forums and social media report similar struggles, with some saying they’ve been waiting weeks for a fix. Stellantis has not released a timeline for when parts will be widely available.
Expert perspective: A growing pattern
“The intersection of power, batteries, and technology is creating real heat issues,” said Ian Marlow, founder of Fitech Consultants, a vehicle safety advisory firm. “We’re seeing spontaneous fires in modern vehicles, not just in EVs but in hybrids and conventional cars too. The connector design here is a weak point that should have been caught earlier.”
Marlow notes that the Jeep recall follows a broader trend of fire-related recalls from multiple automakers in 2025, including Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. “Manufacturers are packing more electrical components into smaller spaces, and thermal management isn’t always keeping up.”
What owners should do now
The NHTSA advises any Jeep owner who receives a recall notice to immediately schedule a free repair with a local dealer. In the meantime, owners should park the vehicle outdoors, away from garages or other structures, and avoid charging plug-in hybrids indoors. Owners can check their vehicle’s recall status by entering the VIN on NHTSA’s website.
Stellantis has also set up a dedicated hotline for affected customers. The company says it will prioritize recalls for vehicles with the highest risk, but has not disclosed specific criteria.
What’s next
Consumer advocacy groups, including the Center for Auto Safety, are calling on Stellantis to expedite the repair process and provide loaner vehicles for owners who cannot safely drive their recalled Jeeps. A class-action lawsuit has been filed in Texas, alleging that Stellantis knew about the connector defect for years before initiating the recall.
The NHTSA says it will continue to monitor the situation and may open a formal investigation if reports of fires increase. For now, more than 1 million Jeep owners are left with a vehicle they can’t fully trust — and a driveway that feels a little less safe.
