Jeep Recalls 63,000 4xe PHEVs For Engine Shutdown Problems

Chrysler, a Stellantis subsidiary that was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group in 2021, recalled 62,909 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe vehicles. Carscoops reported the recall on December 5th. Car & Driver reported it the 7th. Several other automotive blogs quickly followed suit. Wrangler plug in hybrids were recalled because of a powertrain problem that could cause the vehicle to shut down unexpectedly, creating a dangerous road hazard. It is reported that the fault has caused at least two crashes and one injury.

Background

In July 2020, the plug-in hybrid Jeep 4xe was launched for 2021. The Jeep Renegade, Compass and Wrangler were all equipped with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. In September that same year it was also added to the Wrangler and marketed under the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. A plug-in is a series hybrid. Unlike gas-hybrids that have an engine and electric motors running together through a single gearbox to reduce fuel consumption, the power for the drivetrain comes solely from battery-driven motors. Plug-in hybrids are electric vehicles that have a gasoline powered range-extending generator.

Plug-in hybrids are seen as a middle-ground between gasoline powered cars and trucks, and fully electric vehicles. Because they’re not connected directly to the wheels, plug-in hybrids allow the engine to run at the most efficient speed possible while the vehicle is running. These vehicles provide a comfort level for drivers with range anxiety who are not ready to fully commit to an all-electric vehicle but still want to save money at the gas pump. According to EPA estimates, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe gets a combined fuel mileage of more than 49 MPG/e. It is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

The Problem At Fault

Jeep hasn’t revealed the exact problem, but the recall affects nearly all Jeep Wrangler 4xe models built between September 2, 2019 and August 17, 2022. According to an Autoblog article on the 9th December, the company said that the vehicles may experience “an engine shut down condition caused by diagnostic responses to faults caused due to loss of communication.” According to the NHTSA, the sudden engine shutdown resulted in 196 claims for warranty, 65 reports from the field, two accidents and at least one injury.

According to classaction.org, the news was reported widely as early as September 20,21. A class action lawsuit was filed against FCA US on September 17, 2021 (before the merger with Stellantis). By July 2021, the first forum posts relating to this problem had appeared. Stellantis did not take any action until late 2022, despite the fact that they knew about the problem as early as in 2021.

Notification To Owners and Dealers

Dealers and owners received the notification on January 12, 2023. Jeep did not issue a stop-drive order to affected drivers but issued a’stop sale’ order for unsold cars until the fix was rolled out. NHTSA estimates that all vehicles in the recall have a defect. The defect appears to be software related to the transmission module and the auxiliary hybrid controller processor. It is possible to fix the problem by applying a software update for both systems.

Other Recalls Involving The Model

Jalopnik reported that since its release, the Wrangler SUV, a popular SUV derived directly from the Willys MB/Ford GPW “Jeep” command truck of World War II has been subject to four recalls. The diesel-powered truck, along with Jeep Gladiator, Ram 1500 and two other Chrysler models had a recall for a defective pump that could lead to a similar engine failure. Wrangler 4xe 2022 and 2023 models are also subject to a recall due to loose fasteners in the 200-amp fuse box and an entire line recall due to non-working side marker lights. Contact your Chrysler dealer for service if you own a vehicle that is affected by this recall.

About Jeep

Jeep CJ Series was introduced in 1944, after World War II. It is a vehicle that has become iconic since World War II. Jeep was owned and operated by Willys from 1943 until 1963, when it was purchased by Kaiser. Kaiser sold its underperforming division to American Motors, who made Jeep their main business in 1970. Chrysler purchased American Motors Corporation in 1987. Jeeps served in the US Military until the 1980s as the iconic M151, and its derivatives. They were then replaced by the M998HMMWV which became an icon during Operation Desert Storm 1991.

Chrysler completed the purchase of American Motors in 1988. Jeep became the center of a revitalized line-up of consumer trucks. Jeep’s iconic brand image is centered around the Jeep Wrangler, much like Porsche’s 911.