If you own a 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, you've probably seen the warnings circulating online, and they're not exaggerated. NHTSA and Stellantis/FCA US have issued an urgent 'park outside' recall covering more than one million vehicles, and the concern is real enough that owners are being told to keep their Jeeps away from garages and other structures until repaired.
The recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 26V363 (Stellantis internal number 21D), traces the danger to the electric hydraulic power steering pump (EHPSP). According to the recall filing, an electrical connection at the pump can develop high resistance, generating enough heat to melt components and ignite nearby combustible materials, even when the vehicle is off. NHTSA says it is aware of 51 fires and one injury linked to the defect. The affected population totals 1,076,999 U.S. vehicles, split roughly between Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups, with production dates running from mid-2020 through December 2024 for the suspect parts.
What took so long? Stellantis's own timeline shows the company first investigated fires tied to this connection back in May 2023 but closed that probe in April 2024, citing a low occurrence rate. Reports increased again in August 2024, prompting FCA to reopen its investigation while NHTSA opened a formal probe the following month. By spring 2025, engineers traced the root cause to a power steering pump header manufactured outside of tolerance, which made it harder to properly seat the wiring harness and could spread the terminals apart.
Some owners have reported a 'Service Power Steering' warning light or a loss of power steering assist as a possible early sign of the issue, though not every affected vehicle will show symptoms before a fire risk develops. If you notice a burning smell, smoke, or that warning light, stop driving and contact a dealer immediately.
For everyone else, the guidance is straightforward: check your VIN at NHTSA.gov or Mopar.com under recall 26V363/21D, and if it's included, park outside and away from your house, garage, and other vehicles until the fix is done. Stellantis began mailing owner notification letters on July 9, and dealers are inspecting the pump wiring harness, replacing the harness, the pump, or both as needed, at no cost to owners. If you're shopping for a used Wrangler or Gladiator from these model years, run the VIN before you buy since open recalls follow the vehicle, not the original owner.
Source: X / Grok Trending