More Than 1 Million Jeep Vehicles Recalled Over Fire Risk That Can Happen Even When the Engine Is Off
Imagine parking your Jeep in the driveway after a long day, turning off the engine, locking the doors, and heading inside. Hours later, without warning, the vehicle catches fire.
That nightmare scenario is exactly why Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, has issued one of the largest vehicle recalls of 2026.
The automaker is recalling more than 1.07 million Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles across the United States after discovering a defect that could potentially cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.
For many Jeep owners, the news came as a shock. Wranglers and Gladiators are known for adventure, reliability, and rugged off-road capability. Now, some owners are being told to park those same vehicles away from their homes until repairs become available.
Which Jeep Models Are Affected?
The recall affects:
- Jeep Wrangler (2021–2025)
- Jeep Gladiator (2021–2025)
According to federal safety regulators, approximately 1,076,999 vehicles in the United States are included in the recall. Additional vehicles in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets are also affected.
What Is Causing the Fire Risk?
Investigators found a problem involving the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring.
A high-resistance electrical connection can develop within the system, causing wires to overheat. In rare situations, nearby materials may ignite and start a vehicle fire. What makes this defect especially alarming is that the fire can occur even when the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is parked.
That means owners could potentially face a fire risk overnight in their driveway or garage without ever starting the vehicle.
Jeep Owners Are Being Told to Park Outside
Because of the seriousness of the issue, Stellantis is advising owners to:
- Park vehicles outdoors
- Keep them away from homes and garages
- Avoid parking near other vehicles until repairs are completed
Federal safety officials have echoed the warning, emphasizing that affected vehicles should be kept away from structures due to the potential fire hazard.
How Many Incidents Have Been Reported?
According to recall documents, Stellantis has received:
- 72 field reports related to the defect
- 35 confirmed incidents connected to the issue
- 63 customer assistance records
- 1 reported injury potentially linked to the defect
The company says it is not aware of any crashes caused by the defect so far.
When Will the Fix Be Available?
The automaker says it is working on a remedy and expects a repair solution to be available no later than July 2026.
Once repairs are ready, affected owners will receive notification letters explaining how to schedule service appointments. Dealers will inspect and replace affected components at no cost to customers.
Another Tough Chapter for Jeep
This recall adds to a growing list of safety campaigns involving Jeep vehicles over the years.
From software issues and airbag concerns to previous fire-related investigations, Jeep has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators. Industry analysts say large recalls like this can impact consumer confidence, especially when they involve safety risks that occur while a vehicle is parked.
For Jeep enthusiasts, however, the recall is also a reminder that even the most capable off-road vehicles depend on complex electrical systems that must perform flawlessly every day.
What Should Jeep Owners Do Right Now?
If you own a 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator:
- Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through official recall resources.
- Follow Stellantis’ recommendation to park outside and away from buildings.
- Watch for official recall notifications.
- Schedule repairs as soon as the remedy becomes available.
Final Thoughts
Vehicle recalls are never welcome news, but a recall involving a potential fire while the vehicle is parked is especially concerning.
With more than one million Jeeps affected, this is quickly becoming one of the biggest automotive safety stories of 2026. Until repairs are available, owners are being urged to take precautions and stay informed.
For now, the safest place for many Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators may be outside the garage.