2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Fire Recall: What Owners Should Know

Jeep owners are used to hearing about recalls. Some are minor. Some are inconvenient. Some are worth paying attention to right away.

This one is worth paying attention to right away.

Stellantis/FCA US has issued a safety recall affecting certain 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models due to a possible fire risk connected to the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also issued a “Park Outside” warning for affected vehicles, which means owners are being advised not to park these Jeeps in garages, carports, or near structures until the recall repair has been completed.

That alone makes this recall different from the usual “schedule it when you can” type of notice.

Here is what Jeep owners need to know.

Which Jeep Models Are Included?

The recall is identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V363 and Mopar Recall Number 21D.

It applies to certain:

• 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler models
• 2021–2025 Jeep Gladiator models

The affected production windows are:

• Jeep Wrangler: built from June 24, 2020 through December 2, 2024
• Jeep Gladiator: built from August 18, 2020 through December 2, 2024

In the United States, the recall covers an estimated 1,076,999 vehicles, including approximately 787,887 Wranglers and 289,112 Gladiators. Additional vehicles are also affected in Canada, Mexico, and other global markets.

Stellantis has indicated that vehicles built outside the listed production windows are not included. The company has also estimated that only a small percentage of the recalled vehicles may actually contain the defect, but because the possible outcome is a vehicle fire, every affected VIN should be taken seriously.

What Is the Problem?

The issue involves the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump, commonly referred to as the EHPSP.

According to the recall information, the electrical connection at the power steering pump may not be properly seated or secured due to a manufacturing issue with the pump header. In some cases, the electrical terminals can spread when the wiring harness is connected, creating a loose or improper electrical connection.

That loose connection can create high electrical resistance.

High resistance creates heat.

Enough heat can melt the connector and potentially ignite nearby materials in the engine compartment.

The major concern is that this is an electrical issue, and the risk may exist even when the Jeep is turned off and parked.

That is why owners are being told to park outside and away from structures until the repair has been completed.

Why the Park Outside Warning Matters

Most Jeep owners have seen recall notices that say something like, “Contact your dealer to schedule service.” This recall goes further.

Owners of affected vehicles are being advised to park outside, away from homes, garages, carports, other vehicles, and anything combustible.

That guidance exists because a fire could occur while the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.

If your Wrangler or Gladiator is included in the recall, do not assume that turning it off eliminates the risk. Until the vehicle is inspected and repaired, the safest move is to follow the park-outside guidance.

What Warning Signs Should Owners Watch For?

Some owners may not experience any warning before a failure. However, there are possible symptoms that may show up before the issue becomes more serious.

Watch for:

• Loss of power steering assist
• Heavier-than-normal steering effort
• A “Service Power Steering” warning message
• Power steering-related diagnostic trouble codes
• Burning smells from the engine compartment
• Smoke from under the hood
• Visible heat damage near wiring or connectors

If you experience any of these signs, pull over safely, shut the vehicle off, and contact a Jeep dealer or roadside assistance.

A steering warning light, burning smell, or smoke should never be ignored.

How Did the Recall Develop?

The investigation into this issue did not happen overnight.

Stellantis initially investigated reports of engine compartment fires between May 2023 and April 2024, but the investigation was closed because of a low occurrence rate.

In August 2024, Stellantis reopened the investigation after seeing an increase in reports tied to the suspect electrical connection.

In September 2024, NHTSA opened a formal investigation into engine compartment fires involving 2021–2023 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.

By April 2026, after additional testing that reportedly included CT scans and X-rays of returned components, Stellantis confirmed that a loose electrical connection could lead to melting and vehicle fires.

On May 28, 2026, Stellantis determined that a safety defect existed and began the recall process.

As of mid-May 2026, Stellantis was aware of 72 field reports, 35 of which were confirmed to originate from the suspect header, along with 63 customer assistance records and one potential injury. No crashes were reported in connection with the defect.

What Should Jeep Owners Do Now?

If you own a 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, the first step is to check your VIN.

You can do that through:

• The official NHTSA recall lookup website
• Mopar’s recall lookup tool
• Your local authorized Jeep dealership
• The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

You will need your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.

If your vehicle is included in the recall, follow the park-outside guidance until the repair is complete.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing July 9, 2026. However, owners do not need to wait for a letter to begin checking their VIN or contacting a dealer.

What Will the Repair Involve?

The recall repair will be handled by authorized Jeep dealerships at no charge to the owner.

Dealer technicians will inspect the electric hydraulic power steering pump and the related wiring harness. Depending on the condition of the parts, the repair may involve the wiring harness, the power steering pump, or both.

The purpose of the repair is to correct the electrical connection and eliminate the overheating condition that could lead to a fire.

Stellantis has indicated that a full remedy is expected to be available no later than July 2026.

What About Modified Jeeps?

Many Wrangler and Gladiator owners have modified vehicles. Lifts, tires, bumpers, armor, steering upgrades, electrical accessories, winches, lights, and onboard power systems are all part of the Jeep world.

This recall, however, is tied to a factory electrical connection at the electric hydraulic power steering pump. It is not specifically related to suspension systems, bumpers, armor, tires, wheels, or other typical Jeep upgrades.

That said, any time there is a fire-related recall, it is a good reminder to inspect your vehicle carefully. Make sure wiring is properly routed, connectors are secure, accessories are fused correctly, and nothing is rubbing, pinched, melted, or exposed.

If you have questions about your Jeep, your modifications, or what you are looking at under the hood, feel free to reach out to MetalCloak for help. They can help point you in the right direction and make sure you are asking the right questions before heading to the dealer.

Final Thoughts

Nobody wants to hear the words “Jeep” and “fire recall” in the same sentence.

But the right response is simple: check your VIN, follow the park-outside warning if your vehicle is affected, and get the repair completed as soon as your dealer can perform it.

The Jeep community is built around adventure, freedom, and getting out there. But safety comes first.

If you own a 2021–2025 Wrangler or Gladiator, take a few minutes today and confirm whether your Jeep is part of this recall.