Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Power Steering Pump Recall: Fire Risk and Park Outside Warning
Jeep owners are facing another serious safety recall, this time involving certain 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. According to federal safety regulators, more than 1 million Jeep vehicles are being recalled because of a problem with the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring that may create a fire risk.
This is not just a routine recall notice. The warning is serious enough that owners are being told to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is completed.
For Jeep owners, that type of instruction can be frustrating and alarming. Many people bought these vehicles expecting off-road capability, daily-driver dependability, and rugged durability. Instead, some owners are now being told that their vehicle may pose a fire risk even when it is parked and turned off.
What’s the Problem?
The recall involves an electrical connection issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. According to NHTSA, the wiring may overheat. If combustible material nearby overheats or ignites, the vehicle could catch fire.
The affected vehicles include certain:
2021-2025 Jeep Wranglers
2021-2025 Jeep Gladiators
The recall reportedly affects approximately 1,076,999 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles in the United States.
Power steering is a major vehicle system. When a defect involves the wiring to a power steering pump, the concern is not limited to steering feel or steering assistance. Here, the issue is alleged to involve overheating wiring and a potential fire hazard. That makes the recall especially important for owners who park in garages, near homes, near other vehicles, or in apartment complexes.
NHTSA says the risk may exist even when the vehicle is turned off. That is why the current instruction is to keep the vehicle parked outside and away from structures until it has been repaired.
Allegations
The central allegation is that the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may have an electrical connection problem that can cause overheating. If the wiring overheats, nearby combustible materials may also overheat and potentially catch fire.
NHTSA has stated that the recall was influenced by an investigation opened after multiple fire reports. According to NHTSA, the agency is aware of 51 fires and one injury likely related to the issue.
That history matters. When a recall follows fire complaints or an investigation, consumers should take the warning seriously. A vehicle fire is not a mere inconvenience. It can create risk of injury, property damage, loss of use, insurance complications, and ongoing concern even after a repair is announced.
For owners, the practical question is simple: if Jeep knew or learned that these vehicles had a fire risk, how quickly is the company providing a real fix, and what happens to consumers who have already experienced repeated problems, vehicle damage, or loss of confidence in the vehicle?
Recall / TSB
FCA US has issued a recall covering certain 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles.
The recall repair is expected to involve inspection and replacement of affected components as necessary. Dealers are expected to perform the recall work at no charge to the owner.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed around July 9, 2026. NHTSA has also said affected VINs and license plates should be searchable for this recall beginning June 11, 2026.
Until the repair is completed, owners are being told to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles.
This is important because some recalls are announced before a full remedy is actually available. Owners may receive a notice, check their VIN, and still be told by the dealership that parts, procedures, or scheduling are not yet ready. That does not necessarily mean the recall is not real. It may mean the manufacturer has announced the recall before the dealership network is fully prepared to complete the repair.
If your vehicle is included in this recall, keep records of every communication with Jeep, FCA, Stellantis, Mopar, and the dealership. If you call and are told there is no repair available yet, write down the date, who you spoke with, and what they said.
Symptoms
Because this recall involves a fire risk, owners should not wait for obvious symptoms before taking it seriously. However, possible warning signs may include unusual smells, heat, smoke, warning lights, electrical concerns, or problems related to steering assist.
Some owners may never notice a steering problem before the recall appears. Others may have already complained about electrical issues, burning smells, smoke, or underhood concerns. The absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean the vehicle is safe, especially where the recall warning specifically instructs owners to park outside until the remedy is completed.
Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners should pay attention to:
Burning smells near the front of the vehicle or under the hood
Smoke or visible heat damage
Power steering warning messages
Changes in steering assist
Electrical warnings
Melted wiring or connector concerns
Repeat dealer visits for electrical or steering-related complaints
A dealership advising the vehicle should not be parked indoors
If any of these issues occur, the vehicle should be inspected immediately. Owners should also avoid trying to diagnose or repair recall-related wiring themselves unless they are properly qualified. Fire-related electrical defects should be handled carefully and documented through the dealer whenever possible.
How to Proceed
If you own or lease a 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator, take the recall seriously and protect your paper trail.
Check your VIN through NHTSA or Mopar to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
Follow the park-outside warning until the recall repair is completed.
Do not park the vehicle in a garage, carport, or next to another vehicle if your vehicle is affected.
Call your Jeep dealer and ask whether the recall remedy is available.
Ask the dealer to document your call, appointment request, and any delay in parts or repair availability.
Save all recall notices, repair orders, text messages, emails, and dealership communications.
If your vehicle has already had steering, electrical, smoke, burning smell, or underhood fire complaints, gather those repair records.
If the dealer says no remedy is available yet, keep a written record of that delay.
If your Jeep has been in the shop repeatedly or out of service for an extended period, speak with a lemon law attorney about your options.
In California, a recall repair does not automatically eliminate a lemon law claim. If a vehicle has had repeated repair attempts, serious safety concerns, extended time out of service, or ongoing defects that substantially impair use, value, or safety, the owner may have rights under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
A manufacturer may argue that a recall is being handled for free, but that does not necessarily resolve the harm caused by months of uncertainty, repeat visits, loss of use, or fear of parking a vehicle near a home. The legal analysis depends on the facts, including the repair history, warranty status, time out of service, and whether the defect was actually fixed.
Call Valero Law
A fire-risk recall is different from a minor software update or ordinary maintenance campaign. If your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator is affected by this recall, you should take the park-outside warning seriously and keep detailed records.
Valero Law, APC helps California consumers with lemon law claims involving defective vehicles, repeated repairs, safety recalls, and manufacturer warranty issues. If your Jeep has been in the shop repeatedly, if the dealer cannot complete the recall repair, or if you no longer feel safe driving or parking your vehicle, you may have legal options.
Contact Valero Law to discuss your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator and find out whether California’s lemon law may apply.