Stellantis just recalled 1,076,999 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. The reason: their wiring can overheat and start a fire. That can happen even while the vehicle is parked, locked, and completely turned off. It’s not a minor asterisk on a spec sheet. This is one of the largest safety actions in Jeep’s history. If you’re shopping for a Wrangler right now, it changes your checklist.
What exactly is wrong with these Jeeps?
The problem sits in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. A bad connection there can overheat nearby combustible materials and spark a fire. It can happen whether the Jeep is running, parked, or sitting in the “off” position. Jeep dealers will inspect the wiring harness and pump, then replace either or both for free.
The recall covers model-year 2021 through 2025 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. Stellantis built them between June 2020 and December 2024. Of the 1,076,999 vehicles in the recall population, 787,887 are Wranglers. The other 289,112 are Gladiator pickups. Stellantis itself estimates only about 0.1% of them actually carry the defect. Even so, with a fleet this large, that still adds up to roughly a thousand vehicles.
How did NHTSA and Stellantis catch this?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation back in September 2024. That followed reports of engine compartment fires in Wranglers and Gladiators, including one death and injury report. Federal regulators say they’re aware of at least 51 fires and one injury tied to this specific wiring issue. That count has climbed since the recall went public in June 2026.
Do I need to stop driving my Wrangler right now?
No — this is not a stop-drive order. You can keep driving your Jeep normally. The real risk shows up when the vehicle is parked. That’s because the power steering pump can keep drawing current after you shut off the ignition. That’s why NHTSA wants owners parking outside, away from garages, homes, and other vehicles.
Owner notification letters started going out in early July 2026. If you haven’t gotten one yet but own a 2021-2025 Wrangler or Gladiator, don’t wait around. Check your VIN directly at NHTSA.gov under recall number 26V363. Or call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
How does the Wrangler fire recall stack up against other recent recalls?
This isn’t the first time a popular off-roader has landed in recall headlines this year. Ford issued its own fire-risk recall on the Bronco earlier in 2026. Toyota’s Camry recall made news too, though for a very different but equally disruptive reason. Here’s how the scale compares:
| Vehicle | Vehicles Affected | Issue | Drive-or-park guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator (2026) | 1,076,999 | Power steering wiring fire risk | Park outside, keep driving |
| Ford Bronco | 566,000 | Engine fire risk | See owner notice |
| Toyota Camry | 508,000 | Non-fire defect | Not a park-outside recall |
| Jeep Wrangler PHEV (4xe) | 320,065 | Battery fire risk | Park outside, don’t charge |
Worth noting: the 4xe plug-in hybrid Wrangler has its own separate recall. That one covers battery fire risk and is unrelated to this power steering issue. It’s also older news than this recall. If you own a 4xe, you may be dealing with two open recalls at once, not one.
Should you still buy a Jeep Wrangler right now?
Yes, I’d still buy a Wrangler. But only after confirming the recall repair is done or scheduled. This is a fixable wiring problem with a free remedy. It’s not a fundamental flaw baked into the platform. Stellantis is treating it seriously enough to warn a million owners upfront, rather than waiting for a slow trickle of complaints.
For new 2026 Wranglers, this is largely a non-issue. Current production trims aren’t part of the affected build window. New 2026 Sport models start around $34,895 before destination. Prices climb well past $70,000 for a loaded Rubicon or Moab 392. There’s a Wrangler for nearly every budget.
If you’re eyeing a used 2021-2025 model instead, the math gets a little different. Run the VIN through NHTSA’s site before you sign anything. If the seller can’t produce proof the recall work is complete, use that as leverage. Knock a few hundred dollars off the price to cover your inconvenience. Our used car versus certified pre-owned guide walks through exactly what documentation to demand from a dealer before you buy.
What should current Wrangler and Gladiator owners do today?
Park outside and away from your house or garage until the dealer completes the repair. You can still drive the vehicle in the meantime. Call your dealer now to get on the schedule. A recall this size means appointment backlogs are likely, especially in regions with a lot of Wranglers on the road.
- Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov under recall 26V363
- Park outside, away from structures and other vehicles
- Call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403 if you haven’t received a letter
- Ask your dealer whether loaner vehicles are available if the wait is long
This recall lands the same year 2026 has already set records for total vehicle recalls across the industry. So Jeep owners aren’t exactly alone here. For more on why that’s happening and how to check any vehicle you own, take a look at our breakdown of why 2026 has been such a heavy recall year.
FAQ
Is my Jeep Wrangler part of the fire recall?
Only 2021-2025 model-year Wranglers and Gladiators are included. Check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov under recall number 26V363 to confirm. Stellantis estimates only a small fraction of the recall population actually has the defect.
Can I keep driving my Wrangler until it’s repaired?
Yes. Stellantis and NHTSA have not issued a stop-drive order, so normal driving is fine. The advisory specifically targets parking. That’s because the fire risk appears highest when the vehicle sits turned off in an enclosed space.
Is this the same recall as the Wrangler 4xe battery fire issue?
No, they’re separate. The 4xe plug-in hybrid recall covers battery fire risk and tells owners not to charge their vehicle. This newer recall covers gas-powered and hybrid Wranglers alike and centers on power steering wiring instead.
Will this recall hurt Wrangler resale value?
Probably not much, as long as the repair gets completed and documented. Wranglers have historically held their value better than most SUVs. A free, straightforward fix rarely does lasting damage to resale once it’s resolved.