Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Wrangler 4xe Face Recall for Software Error Affecting nearly 200,000 Vehicles

Feb 20, 2024 12:10 AM EST

WRANGLER JEEP TREES — (Photo : PIXABAY/Scozzy)

Stellantis is recalling over 199,000 Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs for software faults. FCA US LLC discovered a potential software problem impacting 199,143 Jeep vehicles, specifically the hybrid control processor. The vehicles involved in the recall are distinguished by their plug-in hybrid construction and are prone to a software issue that impairs the performance of the windshield defrost system in certain scenarios, lowering visibility.

Recall Notice: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe Software Error

FCA US LLC detected a potential issue impacting 199,143 Jeep cars, mostly due to an improperly designed hybrid control processor. The vehicles under the recall are plug-in hybrids. The software error causes the windshield defrost system to fail under certain conditions, lowering outward visibility.

Cars.com states that the impacted vehicles include the 2021-24 Wrangler 4xes and the 2022-24 Grand Cherokee 4xes.This software issue can turn off the windshield defrost system. Thus, posing a safety concern. It hampers the functionality of defrosting and defogging mechanisms. Such significantly increasing the risk of crash.

As per Autoevolution, there is a violation against the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571. The violation is the malfunctioning defrosting and defogging system in the vehicles in question. Such standard mandates that all new light-duty vehicles sold in the US market must have a functioning system in place.

Documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that the culprit behind this issue is FCA US LLC, the American subsidiary of the Stellantis group, which encompasses the French automaker PSA.

What Must Car Owners Do

Dealerships will provide complimentary updates to rectify the affected hybrid control processor software. Stellantis plans to inform owners about this process starting April 5. Meanwhile, individuals seeking additional information can reach out to the automaker at 800-853-1403 (the specific number for this recall being 04B), contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit the manufacturer's website to verify their vehicle identification number and access further details.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler 4xe

As reported by Car and Drive, Jeep is popular in making great SUVs, like the famous Wrangler. But their 2024 Grand Cherokee is also impressive and made it onto our 2024 Editors' Choice list. It's a two-row mid-size SUV, different from the larger Grand Cherokee L. It's designed to be comfortable on regular roads but still able to handle some off-road adventures, just like other Jeeps. Most Grand Cherokees have a V-6 engine, but you can get a plug-in hybrid called 4xe on the Trailhawk model, which is really good off-road. Jeep offers lots of different versions of the Grand Cherokee, from basic ones like the Laredo to fancy ones like the Summit Reserve, which can compete with luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

One can purchase a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a starting price of $39,830 and can go up to $75,140. The price depends on the trim and options.

Car and Driver also shared details about Wrangler 4xe. The 2021 plug-in-hybrid version of Jeep's Wrangler boasts 375 horsepower and achieves an impressive 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), yet encounters challenges in seamlessly integrating its gasoline and electric propulsion systems.