Jeep has issued a safety notice urging owners of certain 2021‑2025 Wrangler and Gladiator models to keep their vehicles parked outdoors because a defect could cause a fire even when the engine is off and the key is removed.
Scope of the advisory
The notice covers every version of the JT‑series Gladiator and JL‑series Wrangler, regardless of engine size, transmission type, or market. That includes the 2.2‑liter turbodiesel sold abroad, the U.S.‑spec Wrangler 392 equipped with a Hemi V‑8, and both left‑hand‑drive and right‑hand‑drive configurations. In total, the advisory affects 1,076,999 vehicles, with the majority—787,887—being Wrangler models.
Vehicles produced after December 2, 2024, are excluded because the flaw was corrected in later production runs. Likewise, Wrangler units built before June 24, 2020, and Gladiators assembled before August 18, 2020, used a different component that does not carry the same risk.
Related: Compact off-grid trailer packs big adventure
Technical cause of the fire risk
The problem centers on the electrohydraulic power‑steering pump. When the ignition is turned off, the system should be fully de‑energized.
Owner guidance
Jeep advises drivers to park the affected models in well‑ventilated areas, preferably outdoors, until the repair is completed. The notice does not recommend any immediate action beyond moving the vehicle, but owners are encouraged to schedule service as soon as possible.
Dealerships are preparing for a surge in service appointments. One regional manager, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We’re ready to handle the volume, but we’re also reminding customers to be cautious and to follow the parking recommendation while we work on the fix.”
Related: Jay Leno Compares Top Sports Cars
Impact on the market
Although the advisory touches over a million Jeeps, the immediate financial impact appears limited. The vehicles involved represent a small fraction of the brand’s total annual sales, and the repair is covered under warranty. However, the publicity may influence some prospective buyers who are sensitive to safety concerns.
Insurance firms have not yet indicated a change in premiums for affected owners, but the advisory could prompt a review of risk assessments for similar models in the future.
What owners should watch for
Signs of a problem include any unusual smell of burning fluid, visible smoke near the steering system, or a faint heat sensation when touching the area around the pump. If any of these symptoms appear, drivers should move the vehicle to a safe location and contact emergency services.
Related: 2026 Jetta GLI Is Last Manual Volkswagen
Jeep’s statement emphasizes that the defect does not affect the vehicle’s drivability when the engine is running, but the potential for a fire while parked has led to the precautionary recommendation.
Do not ignore the warning.
Leave a Reply