Jeep and its parent company, Stellantis, recalled Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs in November 2023 and September 2024 because of defects with the hybrid batteries in these models that have been linked to vehicle fires.
If you owned or leased a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe or 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, you may be entitled to compensation.
For a free legal consultation with an attorney to determine if you qualify and discuss your legal options, contact the lawyers at Heygood Orr & Pearson by filling out our free individual claims form, located on the right side of this page.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs Recalled For Battery Defects
Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid was first sold during the 2020 model year. This SUV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a 400-volt lithium-ion battery pack supplied by Samsung SDI. Marketing emphasized efficiency and electric-only range while maintaining trail capability.
In 2022, Jeep added the Grand Cherokee 4xe, built on the same plug-in hybrid platform.
Soon after the release of these vehicles, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe owners began reporting problems with their vehicles, including unexpected shutdowns, warning lights, and vehicle fires.
In some cases, these fires from battery pack issues occurred when the SUVs were parked and turned off, raising concerns about the hybrid batteries installed in these vehicles.
Under pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Jeep and Stellantis announced that they were recalling about 32,000 Wrangler 4xe vehicles from the model years 2021–2023 in December 2023.
This recall acknowledged that some battery cells in the affected Wrangler 4xe models could short-circuit internally, creating a thermal runaway, which is an uncontrolled heating reaction that can cause smoke or fire.
Jeep released an over-the-air and dealer software update to improve the battery control module’s ability to detect problems, and advised owners to monitor their vehicles for dashboard warnings.
Jeep Battery Recall Expanded to Grand Cherokee, Additional Wrangler Models
Despite the December 2023 Wrangler software update, owners of these vehicles continued reporting underhood fires and “Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System” warnings.
The NHTSA opened or expanded investigations into Jeep plug-in hybrid fires, which documented fires that had occurred even when vehicles were turned-off and unplugged. At least 13 cases of fires linked to battery defects in Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models have been reported so far.
Following these reports and the NHTSA investigation, Jeep and Stellantis broadened the recall to include the 2022–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and additional 2020–2024 Wrangler 4xe units.
The new recall instructed owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from buildings until inspected and repaired. Jeep dealers were told to run battery diagnostics and, in some cases, replace packs that showed fault codes.
Jeep and Stellantis continued to rely primarily on software updates plus selective battery replacement rather than a full pack swap for every affected SUV.
Lawsuits Filed Over Jeep Hybrid Battery Problems
In March 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Jeep in connection with the battery defects and fire risk associated the hybrid battery problems. The class action includes 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xes. The lawsuit alleged that problems with the hybrid batteries in these models could cause SUVs to catch fire, placing owners in serious physical danger.
The lawsuit also alleged that Jeep SUVs were sold with defective hybrid batteries that were at risk of fires, and that Jeep and Stellantis committed breach of warranty, hid important safety information, and left 4xe owners with unsafe, devalued vehicles.
Our law firm (Heygood, Orr & Pearson) is not part of that class action lawsuit, and we are not counsel for the putative class. The class action lawsuit is titled Frisch et al v. FCA US, LLC, Case No. 2:2024cv10546 (E.D. Mich.), and the court has appointed the law firms of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, The Miller Law Firm P.C., Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, LLP, and Slack Davis Sanger, LLP to serve as Interim Co-Lead Counsel to lead the class action litigation.
In addition to the class action against Jeep, some Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe owners have chosen to file individual lawsuits against Jeep and Stellantis in state courts. The actions included claims from owners whose vehicles were unavailable for extended periods or continued to present safety risks and diminished value despite inclusion in the expanded recall.
Jeep 4xe Owners May Be Entitled to Compensation
If you owned or leased a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe or 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUV, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our law firm, Heygood Orr & Pearson, has decades of legal experience representing drivers whose vehicles were affected by defects like the one that led to the Jeep hybrid battery recall.
To find out whether you may be eligible to take legal action over the battery defects affecting your Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler 4xe model, contact our law office by sending us a message using the free form at the top of this page and start the process of filing your individual claim today.