Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

May 30, 2023

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 69,201 SUVs and pickup trucks that may catch fire due to overheating transmission. This ups the risk of a crash and injury or property damage.

The following vehicles are affected:

This recall serves as an expansion, as well as replacement of a previous one conducted for the same issue in early 2021 and comes on the back of several vehicle fires. Vehicles repaired back then will need a new remedy.

All listed vehicles have a manual transmission and the corresponding clutch assembly, which allows the driver to change gears.

Part of the clutch in the affected vehicles can overheat and crack “due to extreme overheating.” This creates hot shrapnel, which can pierce transmission housing and catch on fire as it comes in contact with an ignition source.

An overheating clutch may generate a strong burning smell, which can be perceived by the driver or passengers. The driver can also notice unspecified warning messages on the dashboard.

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are described in this recent Hyundai recall.

The problem with overheating clutches was first discovered several years ago and consequently led to a recall in January 2021. At that time, dealers addressed the issue by updating the vehicle’s software, so that it would reduce the engine’s power output if the clutch overheats. However, this proved to be insufficient and there have been dozens of warranty claims and one injury leading up to this recall.

The manufacturer is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once it becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Owners will be receive letters with additional information on April 14, 2023.

There was a Jeep Wrangler recall in December of last year when Wrangler SUVs and RAM trucks were recalled for the third time due to the risk of engine shutdown, as reported.

Stellantis is also under a U.S. government investigation due to reports of its Jeep Compass SUVs unexpectedly losing power.

Nearly 70,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep clutch pressure plate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.