Urgent Safety Alert: Thousands of Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrids Face Sudden Power Loss Risk

A significant safety alert has been issued for thousands of Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid owners, as Stellantis, the parent company, announces a substantial recall impacting over 33,000 vehicles. The core concern? A potentially dangerous power loss defect that could cause these popular SUVs to unexpectedly shut down while in motion, posing a severe safety risk to drivers and passengers alike.

The recall specifically targets 33,140 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models produced between the 2022 and 2024 model years.

Owners have reported alarming incidents where their hybrid vehicles suddenly lose power, often accompanied by a "service hybrid electric system" warning light illuminating on the dashboard. Imagine cruising down the highway only for your vehicle to abruptly lose propulsion – a scenario that has prompted this urgent safety measure.

This critical issue didn't emerge overnight.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into these complaints in August 2023, meticulously gathering data and scrutinizing field reports. This thorough probe eventually culminated in the decision by Stellantis to initiate a formal safety recall, acknowledging the gravity of the reported power failures.

While the precise root cause is still being fully determined, initial findings point towards issues with the Transmission Control Module (TCM) firmware.

This integral component manages how your vehicle shifts gears and controls power delivery, and a glitch here could lead to the catastrophic power loss experienced by affected owners. The recalled vehicles were manufactured from July 27, 2021, to December 5, 2023, encompassing a broad range of production.

For those impacted, Stellantis has outlined a clear resolution.

The fix involves a crucial software update to the TCM, which will be performed free of charge at authorized Jeep dealerships. This update aims to rectify the underlying firmware issue and restore reliable power delivery to the hybrid system. Owners should expect to receive official notification letters regarding this recall around July 26, 2024.

In the meantime, it's advisable for concerned owners to contact their local dealership or check the NHTSA recall website with their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for immediate information.

Stellantis has emphasized its commitment to addressing this defect promptly and ensuring the safety of its customers.

While the software update is the immediate remedy, the company continues to work on understanding the full scope and developing a long-term, robust solution to prevent any recurrence. If you own a 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, staying informed and taking prompt action is paramount for your safety and peace of mind on the road.