In the world of rugged SUVs that guys depend on for everything from weekend trail runs to hauling the family across state lines, Jeep has built a reputation for toughness. But lately, that trust is taking a hit with a major recall on its plug-in hybrid models. Chrysler, Jeep's parent company, is gearing up to pull back thousands of these vehicles after discovering a serious flaw in the engines that could lead to total breakdowns or even fires under the hood.
This isn't just a minor glitch—it's the kind of problem that could leave you stranded on a backroad or dealing with a smoking engine bay during a cross-country drive. The recall targets specific 2023 through 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models and 2024 through 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe models. These are the plug-in hybrids that combine gas power with electric boost, promising efficiency without sacrificing the grunt needed for towing a boat or climbing rocky paths.
At the heart of the issue is the engine itself—a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that's mated to a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Together, they crank out 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, which sounds impressive for zipping through traffic or powering up steep inclines. But according to federal filings, the trouble starts way back in the manufacturing process. The engine blocks, cast by a supplier called Nemek at their plant near Monterrey, Mexico, weren't cleaned properly after being made. Leftover sand from the casting can get loose and swirl around inside the engine, chewing up vital parts like pistons or bearings.
Picture this: you're out on a fishing trip, engine humming along, and suddenly—bam—catastrophic failure. That contamination can cause the whole motor to seize up, leading to a sudden loss of power that you can't shake off with a quick restart. In worse scenarios, it sparks a fire in the engine compartment, turning a routine drive into a roadside emergency. Chrysler notes that some owners might get a heads-up, like a check-engine light popping on or hearing odd knocking noises from under the hood. But plenty of these failures have struck without much warning, catching drivers off guard.
This recall comes hot on the heels of another big one earlier this month, where Jeep had to address fire risks tied to faulty high-voltage batteries in six model years of its plug-in hybrid SUVs. Both the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe share that same powertrain setup, so it's no surprise that issues are stacking up. For guys who picked these models thinking they'd get the best of both worlds—gas savings for the daily commute and electric mode for quiet neighborhood cruises—this string of problems is a real gut punch.
The defect cropped up in engines built between June 2023 and March 2024, right when demand for hybrids was ramping up. Chrysler's safety team didn't spot the pattern until May 2025, when reports started flooding in from the field. By the end of October, they had documented 36 actual fires, 50 cases where the vehicle just lost all propulsion and wouldn't go, and over 140 warranty claims directly linked to this mess. On top of that, three people have reported injuries from these incidents, though thankfully no crashes have been tied to it yet. That's the kind of stats that make you think twice about loading up the gear for a long haul.
Right now, Chrysler is still working on a permanent fix—probably something involving inspecting and cleaning out those engine blocks or replacing them outright. In the meantime, they're sending out interim letters to affected owners starting December 29, 2025. These notices will lay out the risks plain and simple, telling folks what signs to watch for and how to stay safe until the real repair is ready. A follow-up mailing will come once they've nailed down the solution, likely involving a trip to the dealer for a thorough check.
For many owners, this means parking their prized Jeep in the garage more often or sticking to short trips until it's sorted. These 4xe models were marketed as the future of off-roading—electric torque for instant pull on tough terrain, plus the ability to run silent in the woods without spooking the wildlife. But with engine failures like this, that adventure-ready vibe takes a backseat to basic reliability concerns. Guys who've sunk serious cash into these rigs, expecting them to handle the rough stuff year after year, are now facing downtime and potential repair hassles.
It's a reminder that even iconic brands like Jeep aren't immune to supply chain snags. The Nemek facility's oversight during that production window has rippled out to real-world headaches for drivers across the country. If you're one of them, keep an eye on your mailbox and maybe give your local dealer a call to see if your VIN is on the list. In the end, while Jeep's working to make it right, this episode underscores why checking for recalls is as important as changing your oil—because when you're out there relying on your truck to get you home safe, you don't want surprises under the hood.
