Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Globally Over Electric Power Steering Pump Defect

Stellantis has announced a global recall of more than 1.3 million Jeep vehicles, covering 2021–2025 model-year Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Jeep Gladiator pickups, due to a defect in the electrical connector of the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. The defect could cause overheating and potentially lead to vehicle fires. In rare instances, the faulty connector may melt and ignite nearby flammable components. To date, at least 72 fire incidents suspected to be linked to this defect have been reported, resulting in one injury. According to documents submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 9, approximately 1.08 million of the recalled vehicles are in the U.S., 106,000 in Canada, 23,000 in Mexico, and the remaining 125,000 are distributed across other international markets. NHTSA had already launched an investigation in September 2024 into nearly 800,000 vehicles from the 2021–2023 model years, focusing on reports that the hydraulic power steering pump wiring could overheat and catch fire even when the vehicle was turned off and parked. Stellantis initially investigated some fire incidents between 2023 and early 2024 but suspended its probe due to the low incidence rate. It resumed the investigation in August 2024 after a significant increase in reported failures. Over the past year, the company has conducted extensive root-cause analysis through vehicle repurchases, component disassembly, CT and X-ray inspections, material testing, and comprehensive design reviews. The recall remedy involves inspecting the affected wiring and, as necessary, repairing or replacing the wiring harness and the electric hydraulic power steering pump. Stellantis is accelerating production of repair parts and expects to have a complete recall repair solution available by July 2025 at the latest. In the meantime, the company advises owners to park their vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles, until repairs are completed.