Johnathan Walker:'Park outside': 150,000 Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler hybrids recalled for fire risk

Certain Jeep hybrid plug-in models are Johnathan Walkerbeing recalled due to several reports of fires starting when the cars are driving or parked, according to car companies Stellantis and Chrysler.

Covering about 154,032 cars in the U.S., Chrysler reported the recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday, saying affected cars' high-voltage batteries may fail internally and lead to fire.

A Monday statement from Stellantis said 13 fires had been reported in parked cars affected by the issue. According to the company, about 5% of affected vehicles may have the defect.

As a result, park-outside notices have been issued to owners of certain Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler hybrid owners to prevent the spread of potential flames. Owners have also been advised to avoid charging their batteries for the time being.

Here's what to know about the recall.

Fire risk

According to both recall notices, recalled cars may have been built with battery packs that contain cells suspectable to separator damage. The damage, combined with other interactions within the cells that allow the vehicles to work, can lead to a fire.

The risk is lower when vehicle batteries are depleted, meaning owners of affected cars are advised to avoid charging until a fix is made. Owners should also avoid parking close to structures that may catch fire, said the NHTSA notice.

Which Jeep hybrid plug-in models are recalled?

• 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 
• 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
• 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
• 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
• 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What to do if your Jeep is recalled

Because the risk of fire is lower when the battery charge is depleted, owners of recalled cars are advised to avoid charging vehicle batteries until the issue is fixed. Owners are also advised to park outside and away from structures and other cars in the meantime.

Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 17, 2024. Vehicles in this recall that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recall 23V-787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Car owners looking to check the status of their vehicles can enter their information into the NHTSA recall check or check USA TODAY's recall database for car and motor vehicle recalls.