Stellantis Recalls Over 320,000 Jeep Plug In Hybrids Over Fire Risk

Stellantis on December 2 recalled roughly 320,065 Jeep plug in hybrids after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned that a defective battery cell could fail and lead to a fire. The recall covers approximately 228,221 Jeep Wranglers from model years 2020 to 2025 and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokees from model years 2022 to 2026. Stellantis reported 19 incidents possibly tied to the battery issue and one injury.

NHTSA advised owners of affected vehicles to park them outdoors and away from structures, and to avoid charging until a remedy is available. Interim notification letters were expected to be mailed beginning December 2, 2025. Owners will be notified again when a final remedy is ready. The recall is listed as Campaign No. 68C and affected drivers can check vehicle identification numbers on NHTSA.gov to see whether their car is included.

The batteries implicated in the recall were produced by Samsung SDI America. NHTSA noted that vehicles previously recalled for related issues will still require the new remedy, meaning some owners may face multiple service visits. The agency did not provide a timetable for the final repair, leaving owners and dealers awaiting logistics for battery replacement or modification.

The size and nature of the recall carry immediate operational and financial implications for Stellantis. Replacing or repairing large format battery packs is costly and time consuming, often involving parts procurement, extended labor and vehicle downtime. For an automaker that sold millions of vehicles worldwide, a recall of this magnitude can raise warranty costs, compress margins and weigh on near term profits. The involvement of Samsung SDI America adds pressure on the supplier and highlights the supply chain risks tied to outsourced battery production.

Beyond direct costs, the recall has broader market implications. Consumer confidence in plug in hybrids and other electrified vehicles can be damaged by reports of thermal events, which may slow uptake among buyers who consider safety a key factor. The used car market could also be affected if buyers discount affected models even after repairs are completed. Insurance and fleet operators will be monitoring claims and repair times closely.

Regulators appear increasingly attentive to battery safety as electrification accelerates. This recall reinforces a longer term trend toward tighter standards and closer oversight of battery manufacturing and quality control. Policymakers and automakers may face pressure to accelerate industry wide safety protocols, improved cell testing, and clearer accountability for suppliers.

For owners, the immediate priority is following NHTSA guidance to minimize fire risk, checking VIN status at NHTSA.gov, and awaiting communications from Stellantis on next steps. For the industry, the episode is another reminder that as vehicle powertrains shift to electric chemistry, effective supply chain management and robust safety engineering are becoming central to both public safety and corporate resilience.