Stellantis Recalls Over 150,000 Plug-In Hybrid Jeeps Over Potential Fire Risk

By Dominic Chopping

Stellantis is recalling over 150,000 of its U.S. market plug-in hybrid Jeeps over a potential fire risk.

The news comes a day after the company saw its shares plunge nearly 15% as it cut its full-year earnings guidance, saying it will accelerate plans to trim bloated U.S. inventories and faced weaker demand across many of its markets.

The auto giant, which houses brands including Chrysler, Ram, Fiat, and Peugeot, said Tuesday that a routine company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 13 fires in vehicles that were parked and turned off.

The company estimates that 5% of affected vehicles might have the defect.

In total, the recall affects an estimated 154,032 vehicles, including U.S. model-year 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs.

Stellantis said the fire risk seems to be reduced when battery charge is depleted, so it advises owners to refrain from recharging and to park away from structures or other vehicles until it resolves the issue.

"A remedy is imminent and affected customers will be notified when they may schedule service," it said in a statement.

It said 14,038 vehicles are affected in Canada as well as an estimated 673 in Mexico and 25,502 in certain other markets outside of North America.

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 01, 2024 02:16 ET (06:16 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.