Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator recall, fire risk, technical causes and details for Romanian drivers
The global auto market is being rocked by a new major recall campaign targeting American automaker Jeep. A serious technical fault in the steering system has prompted the start of procedures to check over a million vehicles worldwide, with authorities and the automaker issuing strict warnings about how to park cars until the fault is fixed.
A massive campaign: The models targeted and the severity of the situation
The voluntary service recall campaign targets two of the brand's most popular off-road models: the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator, produced in the manufacturing years between 2021 and 2025.
The problem that has engineers and authorities on alert is related to a major fire risk, which can occur not only while driving, but even when the vehicle is stopped, parked and with the engine off. For this reason, official recommendations urge owners to park their cars exclusively in outdoor spaces, away from buildings or other vehicles, to prevent possible major damage in the event of a fire.
Anatomy of a dangerous defect: Electrohydraulic pump and the risk of short circuit
Technical investigations revealed that the fault originated in the electrical connection area of ??the electro-hydraulic power steering pump.
- Manufacturing error: The pump connector was manufactured to require a greater than optimal insertion force during assembly.
- Deformation of terminals: Excessive force has resulted in deformation of the terminals, compromising the quality and stability of the electrical connection.
- Chain effect: This imperfection favors the appearance of high electrical resistance in the components, generating severe overheating that can lead to the melting of surrounding materials and, ultimately, the outbreak of a fire.
In addition to the risk of fire, drivers experiencing this issue may notice a sudden loss of steering assistance while driving or may experience a "Service Power Steering" warning displayed on the dashboard.
Investigation timeline: From first reports to official confirmation
The process leading to this massive recall was a long one and full of meticulous technical checks:
- May 2023: The manufacturer initiates the first internal investigations after the first signals of fires localized in the engine compartment area of ??the Wrangler and Gladiator models appear.
- 2024: After an initial closure of the investigation due to a considered low frequency of incidents, reported cases begin to increase, leading to the official reopening of the file and the initiation of additional investigations by traffic safety bodies.
- 2025 – early 2026: Numerous lab tests, CT scans, and X-rays were performed to isolate the exact cause. Finally, in April 2026, it was officially confirmed that high electrical resistance caused by a loose connection at the factory was the culprit.
By the time the campaign officially started, dozens of reports of incidents in the field and at least one case of injury directly linked to this malfunction had been recorded.
How affected are Romanian drivers?
Global campaigns of such magnitude also find echoes on the local market, and owners of Jeep models in Romania must pay special attention to this situation.
- Local car fleet: Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models from the 2021–2025 generations are also present on the roads in Romania, being purchased either through the official network of authorized dealers or brought through parallel imports (especially from the North American market).
- The risk remains the same: Regardless of the country in which the vehicle is being driven, the risk of overheating of electrical components is the same. Owners in Romania are advised to strictly follow the recommendation to park outside until technical repairs are carried out.
- Verification and repair procedure: Owners in Romania can check their vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on the official recall platforms or by directly contacting the network of partner service centers in the country. During the campaign, cars will be physically inspected and faulty components will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Next steps for owners
The notification and remediation process is scheduled to be phased in. Official notifications to owners are expected to be sent starting in July, when service networks will have the necessary logistics to inspect and replace the vulnerable parts. Until a service call is received, caution when parking and monitoring for any steering-related error messages remain the main recommended safety measures.