Another Jeep 4xe Fire Recall - Your California Lemon Law Rights
What’s the Problem
FCA US LLC (formerly Fiat Chrysler) is issuing a safety recall for certain 2023-2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe and 2024-2025 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) due to a defect in the engine. According to the recall document, engine blocks in the suspect vehicles were contaminated with leftover sand from the casting process. The sand contamination can lead to catastrophic engine failure and even engine compartment fires.
As of October 20, 2025, the manufacturer has reported 36 vehicle fires, 50 incidents of loss of propulsion, and 3 reported injuries related to this defect. The recall affects approximately 112,859 vehicles in the United States.
Allegations
The defect arises because during engine block manufacture (between June–July 2023 and March 2024), the engine supplier failed to properly clean casting sand from inside the block.
That debris inside the engine block may cause severe internal damage, which can cause total engine failure or fire, thus presenting a serious safety risk including crash or injury.
Because the vehicles are PHEVs, the hybrid system may mask or complicate early detection of the engine issue until major damage or failure occurs.
Recall/TSB
The recall is filed as NHTSA Recall Number 25V766, Manufacturer Recall Number 78C.
Affected vehicles:
2023-2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe (approx. 36,840 units)
2024-2025 Wrangler 4xe (approx. 76,019 units)
Production window of suspect engines: Grand Cherokee PHEVs built from July 19, 2023 to March 3, 2025; Wrangler PHEVs built from June 7, 2023 to March 4, 2025.
Owner notifications are scheduled: interim owner letters December 29-31, 2025; dealer notification November 13, 2025.
A remedy is under development; FCA has not yet fully defined the repair process beyond identifying the defect.
Symptoms
Owners of the affected vehicles may notice one or more of the following warning signs:
A knocking sound coming from the engine compartment.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating.
Loss of propulsion while driving (engine fails) or unexpected engine compartment fire.
Note: Because these are PHEVs, engine issues may manifest while operating in hybrid/engine mode or during transition between modes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be at risk. Because of the potential for fires or complete engine shutdown, prompt inspection is critical.
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs, service visits, warning lights, and engine noises. Ensure that when you drop off the vehicle at a dealership the specific complaint (engine knocking, loss of power, MIL) is included in the work order.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: If this engine issue recurs despite repair efforts, it may meet the criteria for a “lemon case” under California law. Given the severity (potential fire risk), fewer than four attempts may still qualify depending on circumstances.
Monitor Symptoms: If you notice engine knocking, warning lights, sudden loss of propulsion, or any signs of fire or smoke from the engine compartment — stop driving and get the vehicle inspected immediately.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law, APC: If you own one of the affected vehicles (Grand Cherokee 4xe or Wrangler 4xe) and you are experiencing repeated engine issues despite being under recall, you may be entitled to relief under California’s Lemon Law. Remedies can include replacement of the vehicle or reimbursement.
Call Valero Law
If you own a 2023-2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe or a 2024-2025 Wrangler 4xe and are experiencing this engine failure defect, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.