NHTSA Concluded Jeep Fire Risk Investigation
Federal regulators finished a probe into fire hazards affecting nearly 800,000 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Auto Parts
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its two-year investigation into fire risks in Jeep vehicles. The probe examined roughly 781,500 Wrangler and Gladiator models produced between 2020 and 2024 to address underhood fire concerns.
Why it matters
The investigation addressed reports of underhood fires occurring while the vehicles were parked. By identifying a specific design flaw, authorities and the manufacturer were able to develop and offer free repairs to mitigate the risk to owners.
The investigation covered approximately 781,500 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles manufactured between June 24, 2020, and December 2, 2024. Stellantis eventually issued recalls for a total of 1.08 million vehicles across the 2021 to 2025 model years.
The players
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation that is tasked with reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes.
Stellantis
This is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that owns several prominent vehicle brands including Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge.
Jeep
This is an American automobile marque that is a division of Stellantis and is primarily known for producing SUVs and off-road vehicles.
The details
Jeep attributed the fire risks to a specific design mistake identified during the regulatory oversight process. The automaker has provided free repair services to address the defect for affected owners.
Timeline
June 24, 2020 marked the earliest production date for the affected vehicles.
The NHTSA opened the formal investigation in late 2024.
December 2, 2024 was the latest production date for the vehicles included in the probe.
Federal regulators concluded the investigation on October 5, 2026.
Roadmap
This resolution reflects a broader industry trend where regulators are increasingly scrutinizing complex underhood electronics and manufacturing designs in off-road vehicles. As Jeep and other automakers pivot toward more integrated components, the necessity for rigorous long-term safety monitoring continues to grow.
Drivers of the affected Wrangler and Gladiator models should verify if their specific vehicle was included in the recall by checking their VIN on official manufacturer or government websites. Owners are entitled to free repairs from their local dealer to resolve the design defect.
The takeaway
Vehicle owners should prioritize checking for open recalls to ensure their safety and maintain vehicle integrity. Staying proactive with manufacturer communications helps ensure that identified design flaws are addressed promptly at no cost to the driver.
Further reading
For more information on current vehicle safety standards and recall procedures, visit the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SlashGear.
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