Chrysler recalls 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrids due to faulty battery that can catch fire

Chrysler has issued a major recall affecting more than 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles due to battery defects that could potentially lead to fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall encompasses two popular Jeep models: 228,221 Jeep Wranglers manufactured between 2020 and 2025, and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokees from model years 2022 to 2026. All affected vehicles feature plug-in hybrid electric technology, which combines traditional combustion engines with rechargeable battery systems.

Federal safety regulators report that Chrysler, a division of the global automotive conglomerate Stellantis, has documented 19 incidents potentially linked to the faulty batteries. At least one injury has been connected to the defect, highlighting the serious nature of the safety concern.

The NHTSA has issued urgent safety guidance for owners of the affected vehicles. Drivers are instructed to park their Jeeps outside and away from buildings or other structures to minimize fire risk. Additionally, owners should immediately discontinue charging their vehicles until a permanent fix is implemented.

“This recall highlights ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle industry related to battery safety,” said automotive analyst Michael Krebs, who was not involved in the recall. “As automakers race to electrify their fleets, ensuring battery system integrity becomes increasingly critical.”

The batteries at the center of the recall were manufactured by Samsung SDI America, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company is a major supplier of lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications across several brands. Samsung SDI has not yet issued a public statement regarding the defect or its potential causes.

Stellantis plans to notify affected Jeep owners through mail by December 2, 2025. These initial communications will alert owners to the safety risk and provide interim precautions. A second round of notifications will follow once engineers develop and approve a permanent remedy for the battery issue.

Vehicle owners seeking more information can contact Chrysler’s customer service directly at 800-853-1403. The recall has been assigned identification number 68C. The NHTSA also noted that vehicle identification numbers (VINs) associated with this recall will be searchable on their website beginning November 6, 2025, allowing owners to verify if their specific vehicle is affected.

Importantly, the NHTSA emphasized that vehicles previously recalled for similar battery issues will require this new remedy as well, suggesting that earlier fixes may not have fully addressed the underlying defect.

This recall comes amid growing consumer interest in electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrids like the affected Jeep models. These vehicles have gained popularity as they offer improved fuel economy and reduced emissions while eliminating the range anxiety sometimes associated with fully electric vehicles.

Stellantis, formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group, has made electrification a key part of its global strategy. The company has pledged to invest substantially in electric and hybrid technology across its fourteen brands, including Jeep.

Industry observers note that while battery-related recalls have occurred across several manufacturers in recent years, they remain relatively rare compared to traditional mechanical issues. However, when battery problems do occur, they often present unique safety challenges due to the energy storage capacity of modern automotive battery systems.

The Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models represent two of Chrysler’s most profitable and recognizable vehicle lines, with the plug-in hybrid versions commanding premium prices and attracting environmentally conscious buyers seeking the rugged capability Jeep is known for.