A recall for 1.3 million Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators has been announced overseas, owing to a risk of fire.

While not yet officially recognised as a recall in Australia, overseas owners of the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator have been advised to park their vehicles outside, away from buildings, owing to the risk of fire.

Of the 1.3 million vehicles involved in the recall globally, over 1 million are located within the USA.

Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that an electrical connector used in the electric-hydraulic power steering system may be loose, leading to the connector overheating, melting, and potentially igniting surrounding materials.

The fire risk may present itself even with vehicles switched off.

Jeep Gladiator
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Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, has identified 125,000 vehicles that may be affected outside of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The recall affects vehicles produced between Model Year 2021 and 2025 – In Australia, Model Year 2021 Wranglers and Gladiators were available from the third quarter (July to September) of 2020.

According to US records, 72 vehicle fires have been linked to the vehicle fault, with one reported injury.

The NHTSA began an investigation into the fire risk in 2023 and 2024, but Stellantis closed the investigation due to a low rate of fires. The investigation was relaunched in August 2024 after an increase in reported incidents.

Stellatis said in a statement that overseas rectification would involve inspecting affected vehicles and potentially repairing or replacing parts of the vehicle wiring harness or the electric-hydraulic power steering pump. Parts to furnish the recall are expected by July.

A spokesperson for Stellantis in Australia told Which Car, “We are aware of a recall announced in the United States relating to 2021 to 2025 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator.

“At this stage, no recall has been issued in Australia. Safety is our top priority, and we are working with our parent company to understand any local impact and next steps. We will provide updates as more information becomes available and will contact any affected customers directly.”