Critical Shifts:
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Chrysler has recalled over one million used Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators from model years 2021 through 2025 due to a power steering defect that creates a fire risk.
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Dealerships and owners are strongly advised to park all affected vehicles outside and away from structures until they can be officially inspected and repaired.
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Official dealer notifications and VIN search availability will begin on June 11, 2026, followed by owner notification letters starting July 9, 2026.
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A new safety recall impacting over one million vehicles is impacting pre-owned Jeep inventory across the country. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued a voluntary safety recall for certain used Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models due to an electrical defect that poses a fire risk. The auto company is aware of 72 fire related incidents. The manufacturer is advising that these vehicles be parked outside and away from structures or other vehicles until they are repaired. The Stellantis recall comes on the heels of an investigation the NHTSA opened in September 2024, after multiple reports of fires. The NHTSA has logged 51 fires and one injury that are likely due to this issue.
Here is a breakdown of the critical data, timeline, and inventory risk management steps for pre-owned operations.
The Affected Inventory Breakdown
The recall population spans five model years. While Chrysler estimates only about 0.1% of the total population actually contains the physical defect, all vehicles within the production windows are flagged under the recall until inspected and cleared.
Check your current lot inventory against these specific production ranges:
Dealership Note: Vehicles built before or after these specific dates utilize a different setup and are not affected.
The Defect: What Service Techs & Buyers Should Look For
The issue involves the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP), supplied by Dare Auto Inc. The pump’s electrical connection is susceptible to high resistance because the component header was manufactured out of tolerance. This causes increased insertion forces that spread the terminals, preventing the connector from fully seating.
The resulting high-resistance electrical activity can cause severe overheating of nearby combustible materials, leading to an engine compartment fire.
If your team is evaluating trade-ins or performing intake inspections, look out for these red flags:
- A "Service Power Steering" Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
- A sudden loss of power steering assist during test drives
- Evidence of melting or loose connections at the EHPSP interface
Liability and Risk Management for Dealers
Because this recall comes with an explicit "Park Outside" advisory from the manufacturer, keeping these vehicles inside a showroom or an enclosed service bay poses a liability and safety hazard. Move all affected Wrangler and Gladiator inventory to outdoor, isolated lot area.
The Remedy: Chrysler's remedy program includes a free inspection and, if required, repair or replacement of the affected steering pump components. Dealers should review any affected inventory and coordinate recall repairs promptly. While requirements can vary by jurisdiction and dealer policy, many retailers are likely to delay the sale or delivery of affected vehicles until the recall has been addressed due to the potential fire risk.
Key Dates
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VIN Search Availability: Dealerships can begin searching specific VINs in the recall database starting June 11, 2026. Ensure your inventory management software updates its open-recall reports accordingly.
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Dealer Notification: Official dealer communications from FCA will drop on June 11, 2026.
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Owner Notification: Retail customers will begin receiving letters on July 9, 2026.
Dealerships should audit their current digital inventory, pull targeted VIN reports, and coordinate with local franchise partners to expedite the inspection process so these highly turnable Jeeps can safely get back on the front line.
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Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (est. 106,258), Mexico (est. 23,704) and markets outside North America (est. 124,297).
