2025.11.12 – Jeep Plug-In Hybrids Recalled for Fire Risk: What Owners Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Scope at a glance. More than 320,000 plug-in hybrid Jeeps are being recalled in the United States; the global total is about 375,000.
Models covered. 2020–2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Why it matters. Battery-cell separator damage can trigger internal shorts and fires; at least 19 fires and one possible injury have been reported.
Immediate guidance. Park outdoors, away from structures, and do not charge until the fix is applied.
What’s next. VIN lookup opens 6 November 2025; interim owner letters begin 2 December 2025; manufacturer campaign ID is 68C (NHTSA 25V-741).

Story & Details

How the recall emerged. U.S. highway-safety regulators issued a consumer alert on 4 November 2025 after the automaker confirmed a defect in high-voltage battery packs used in two Jeep plug-in hybrid models. The U.S. action covers 228,221 Wrangler 4xe units and 91,844 Grand Cherokee 4xe units; worldwide totals push the recall to roughly 375,000 vehicles.

What investigators found. Analysis by the manufacturer and supplier indicates some lithium-ion cells suffered separator damage. That fault can allow electrodes to contact, leading to thermal runaway and fire. Documentation notes 19 reported fires and one potential injury, including incidents in vehicles previously repaired under a 2024 campaign.

What owners should do now. Guidance is direct: do not charge the battery; park outside and away from buildings or other vehicles until the repair is performed. Risk is lower when the high-voltage battery is depleted than when it is charged.

Timing and identification. Vehicle Identification Numbers can be checked in the federal database starting 6 November 2025. Interim notices to owners begin 2 December 2025 while a permanent remedy is finalized. The campaign appears as manufacturer ID 68C and NHTSA recall number 25V-741.

Why this recall is different. A 2024 software-and-inspection remedy proved insufficient to catch all abnormal battery conditions. The new action broadens coverage and instructs even previously “repaired” vehicles to return for service.

Conclusions

Safety first. Owners of affected Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles should act promptly: avoid charging, park outdoors, confirm VIN status, and schedule service as soon as repairs are available.
The bigger picture. High-voltage battery quality and traceability remain central to trust in electrified models. Clear communication, data-backed fixes, and swift owner outreach will determine how quickly confidence is restored.

Sources

• NHTSA — Consumer alert on Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids (park-outside advisory): https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/park-outside-recall-jeep-wrangler-phev
• NHTSA — Part 573 Safety Recall Report, 25V-741 (PDF): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V741-3758.pdf
• Reuters — “Stellantis recalls over 320,000 U.S. vehicles over battery fire risk”: https://www.reuters.com/business/stellantis-recalls-over-320000-us-vehicles-over-battery-fire-risk-says-nhtsa-2025-11-04/
• AP News — “Chrysler recalls 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrids due to faulty battery that can catch fire”: https://apnews.com/article/chrysler-jeep-recall-battery-fire-33cc4f8cfb1f95b3aebdb10d54eb4b9e
• Consumer Reports — “Jeep is recalling the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe SUVs again due to a fire risk”: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/jeep-suv-recall-again-fire-risk-owners-told-to-park-outside-a7912134251/
• YouTube — NHTSA (official) explainer: “How to check if your car has a safety recall”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWALL3Vgfjk

Appendix

Battery cell separator. The thin insulating film inside a lithium-ion cell that keeps positive and negative electrodes apart; if torn or damaged, an internal short and runaway heating can occur.

Campaign ID 68C. The manufacturer’s internal identifier for the current recall affecting Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids.

High-voltage battery pack. The traction battery that powers the electric drive system in a hybrid or electric vehicle; distinct from a 12-volt accessory battery.

Model Year (MY). An automaker’s designation for a vehicle version, which may not match the calendar year of manufacture.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). A vehicle that pairs an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be plugged in.

Samsung SDI America. The U.S. subsidiary of the battery-cell maker identified in filings as the supplier of affected cells.

Stellantis NV. The automaker that owns Jeep and Chrysler; it initiated the recall and is developing the remedy.

Thermal runaway. A rapid, self-accelerating temperature rise within a battery that can lead to venting or fire.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A unique 17-character code used to identify an individual vehicle; owners can use it to check recall status.