RECALL: 2022 to 2023 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited 4xe For Incorrect Battery Fasteners!

Could Loosen 200-Amp Fuse, Cause Excessive Heat...

Robert S. Miller October 21, 2022

2023 Jeep® Wrangler Sahara High Altitude 4xe. (Jeep).

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 to 2023 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited 4xe plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. Some of those vehicles may have been built with an incorrect fastener to retain the 200-amp fuse.

2022 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude 4xe. (Jeep).

An incorrect fastener can cause high resistance in the 200-amp fuse interface, which will generate heat. Excessive heat in the fuse interface may cause the fuse to fail resulting in a loss of motive power, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

The suspect period began on January 13th, 2022, when incorrect fasteners securing the 200-amp fuse were introduced into vehicle production, and end on May 18th, 2022 when they were no longer used. The suspect population was determined using vehicle and supplier manufacturing records.

Similar vehicles not included in this recall were built before or after the suspect period, were built with correct fasteners securing the 200-amp fuse, or were not 4xe models.

Records indicate that 13,722 units are affected by the recall.

2023 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe Chassis with Battery Pack. (Jeep).

Recall Chronology:

On April 25th, 2022, FCA US, LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation after receiving a report of a damaged fuse in the HV battery pack assembly on a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe.
On April 26th, 2022, FCA US received a second report of a damaged fuse in an HV battery.
On April 29th, 2022, FCA US received a third report of a damaged fuse in an HV battery.
On May 2nd, 2022, FCA US determined an incorrect fastener was used to secure the 200-amp fuse in the HV battery.
On June 24th, 2022, FCA US received a report of a damaged fuse in the HV battery and arranged to have the battery returned to the supplier.
On September 9th, 2022, FCA US received confirmation of the wrong fastener used to secure the 200-amp fuse in the HV battery.
As of September 29th, 2022, FCA US is aware of three customer records, three warranty claims, and six field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from March 26th, 2022 to June 24th, 2022.
As of September 29th, 2022, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.
On October 6th, 2022, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Dealers will inspect and replace the HV battery fuse, as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the battery assembly for damage and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Friday, December 2nd, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC’s customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC has issued the number Z71 for this recall.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.