NHTSA investigates potential fire hazard in newer Jeep models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the start of a safety investigation of more than 781,000 newer Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator SUVs. The investigation, launched Monday, came in response to numerous reports of under-hood fires that raised concerns about potential safety hazards in these popular Jeep models.

The investigation includes Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator SUVs from model years 2021 through 2023. NHTSA officials report they received nine reports of fire incidents, including one that resulted in an injury. What’s particularly alarming is that the majority of these reported fires occurred with the vehicles’ ignitions off, suggesting a potential problem that exists even when the vehicles are not in operation.

Stellantis, the parent company of the Jeep brand, has said it will cooperate fully with this preliminary evaluation, an initial step that could potentially lead to a mandatory recall if NHTSA determines there is a significant safety risk.

During its preliminary investigation, NHTSA contacted Stellantis and discovered information about several fires originating from the power steering pump electrical connector in both Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The agency noted that this component is normally located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, which is consistent with the location described in most of the fire reports received.

The investigation has brought to light several concerning incidents. In Rumson, New Jersey, the owner of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler reported that his vehicle began smoking and burst into flames within just ten minutes. The owner described the harrowing experience to NHTSA, saying, “My daughter, the dogs and I were able to escape from the car, but it was very scary.”

Another alarming case involved a 2021 Jeep Wrangler in Arizona with only 1,900 miles on the clock. The owner noticed black smoke coming from the engine compartment and informed the NHTSA: “When I stopped and got out of the vehicle, it was already on fire. Within minutes the entire car was engulfed in flames and it was a total loss.”

Perhaps most disturbing is a report from Auburn, Washington, where a 2022 Gladiator with just 1,758 miles on the clock caught fire while parked next to the owner’s home. The vehicle had not been driven for about two weeks prior to the incident. The owner stated, “There were no warnings of symptoms and our Jeep app showed everything was normal the last time we drove it,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of these fire incidents.

These reports suggest that the fire risk is not limited to vehicles that are in use, as fires have occurred in both recently driven and parked vehicles. This aspect of the research is particularly concerning as it suggests that owners may not be safe from this potential danger even when their vehicles are not in use.

The scope of this investigation is significant and includes a significant number of vehicles sold in recent years. The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are popular models known for their off-road capabilities and rugged design. Any widespread issues could have a significant impact on Stellantis and the Jeep brand.

As the investigation continues, NHTSA will likely conduct a thorough examination of the vehicles’ design and manufacturing processes and look into potential defects that may have contributed to these fire incidents. The agency may also investigate whether there are common factors among the affected vehicles, such as specific production batches or components.