Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator Fire Risk Recall: Over 1 Million Vehicles Affected
If you own a newer Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, you need to check your mail. Chrysler (FCA US) has issued a massive safety recall covering over 1 million vehicles due to a high risk of engine compartment fires. According to the official NHTSA Recall Report 26V363, the issue is serious enough that FCA is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures or other cars until a fix is completed.
Here is exactly what is going on under the hood, how to tell if your Jeep is affected, and what you need to do next.
The Problem: Melting Power Steering Connectors The root cause of this recall traces back to the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP). FCA discovered that the electrical connector for this pump was manufactured out of tolerance. When plugged in, the terminals can spread or fail to seat correctly.
In plain English: The connection is loose. A loose electrical connection creates high resistance. That resistance generates intense heat, which melts the plastic connector and the surrounding combustible materials, eventually leading to a fire.
Vehicles Included in Recall 26V363 The recall impacts a total of 1,076,999 vehicles:
- 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler (Production dates: June 24, 2020 – December 2, 2024)
- 2021-2025 Jeep Gladiator (Production dates: August 18, 2020 – December 2, 2024)
FCA estimates that only about 0.1% of these vehicles actually have the defect, but since the result is a potential fire, every single one of them needs to be inspected.
Are There Any Warning Signs Before a Fire? Yes. If the connector on your power steering pump is starting to fail and melt, you might get a warning before things ignite. Look out for:
- A sudden loss of power steering assist (steering gets very heavy).
- A "Service Power Steering" DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) popping up on your dashboard.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Park Outside: Do not park your Wrangler or Gladiator in an attached garage or right next to your house. Keep it in the open air.
- Wait for Notification: Owner notification letters began rolling out on July 9, 2026.
- Get the Fix: Dealers will inspect the EHPSP electrical connection. If they find signs of high resistance or melting, they will repair or replace the affected components entirely free of charge.
You can check if your specific VIN is included by visiting the official NHTSA recalls website and entering your vehicle's identification number.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V363-5757.pdf