U.S. Agency Investigates Jeep SUVs Over Underhood Fire Risks

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating over 781,000 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators from 2021-2023 after reports of underhood fires. Stellantis, Jeep's manufacturer, is cooperating with the probe. Most incidents occurred while vehicles were off, leading to concerns about the power steering pump electrical connector.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Monday that it is initiating an investigation into more than 781,000 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator sport utility vehicles from model years 2021 through 2023 following reports of underhood fires.

Stellantis, the manufacturer of Jeep, stated it is cooperating with the preliminary evaluation, which could lead to a recall. NHTSA noted that nine fire incidents and one injury have been reported, mostly occurring when the ignition was off. Investigations suggest the fire originated from the power steering pump electrical connector.

There were anecdotes of rapid fire incidents soon after vehicle purchase. One 2021 Wrangler owner in New Jersey experienced rapid smoke escalation leading to a fire within 10 minutes. Another owner in Arizona reported a similar event resulting in a total loss. A Washington owner stated their 2022 Gladiator caught fire while parked and unused for two weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)