The automaker Stellantis has issued a significant safety recall affecting 320,065 Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the United States and other global markets due to a potential lithium-ion battery fire hazard, regulators announced this week.
The recall, officially registered with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as Campaign 25V741, covers 2020–2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models. These popular PHEV SUVs are equipped with high-voltage lithium-ion battery packs that, in rare cases, may contain defective cells with damaged separators, potentially leading to an internal short circuit and fire, whether parked or driving.
According to the recall documentation, owners are strongly advised to park affected vehicles outdoors, away from structures, and to refrain from charging the battery until a permanent remedy is available. The risk of fire reportedly lessens when the battery is depleted, but the hazard persists without a completed fix. Interim notifications began mailing to owners in early December 2025, with a complete remedy still in development.
Jeep’s battery recall comes amid growing scrutiny of lithium-ion technology, which, while essential to modern electrification, has been linked globally to a rising number of thermal runaway incidents in consumer and automotive products. Lithium-ion batteries can undergo rapid, uncontrollable heating when internal defects trigger a cascade reaction, sometimes resulting in fire or explosion.
Safety advocates emphasize that this recall highlights broader concerns with lithium battery use in electrified vehicles and other products.
“Owners should follow all manufacturer warnings, avoid charging these vehicles, and maintain physical separation from homes or other vehicles until the battery defect is resolved,” says automotive safety analyst Peter Langley.
Industry observers note that although only a small percentage of vehicles appear to have experienced fires, the recall underscores the critical need for rigorous battery quality control and early-detection systems in electric-drive technologies. Malibu resident and 4xe owner Sarah Nguyen, whose Jeep was included in the recall, said her dealership instructed her not to park in the garage or plug in until further notice.
A Warning Ignored
The situation also reflects regulatory caution around lithium-ion batteries, which are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, energy storage systems, and transportation but can pose serious risks if manufacturing flaws are present.
Owners of affected Jeep 4xe models are urged to contact Stellantis customer service or visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm whether their vehicle is included and receive the latest safety guidance.
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