NHTSA investigating mysterious Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator fires

The investigation is looking into the scope and frequency of the defect affecting two Jeep models.

More than 781,000 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models are under investigation in the United States because they can catch fire even when turned off.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received nine owner questionnaires, multiple field reports, and one death and injury report. These documents claim that a fire can occur in the engine compartment, believed to be on the passenger side of the engine compartment, even when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.

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Authorities noted that a fire could increase the risk of injury to people inside the vehicle as well as the risk of injury to people outside the vehicle. It could also cause property damage “with little to no warning.”

ODI has contacted FCA and learned of several recent fires in the power steering pump electrical connector on Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models, which is located on the front passenger side of the engine compartment. The company said it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

NHTSA is investigating a total of 781,459 vehicles, including the 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator. The safety agency said the investigation, or “preliminary assessment,” will evaluate the cause, scope and frequency of the alleged defects. It does not mean a recall will be issued, although it is possible that a recall will be needed depending on the results of the investigation.

Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, told The Detroit News that affected Wrangler and Gladiator owners should pay for repairs before the problem is fixed. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and no one wants to see their car burn up while it’s parked in the garage.