Jeep Recalls Over 1 Million Wranglers and Gladiators Amid Fire Risk — Plus EV Market Milestones

June 15, 2026 | Automotive News Roundup

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The Headline: A Million Vehicles at Risk

Jeep has issued a sweeping recall affecting 1,076,999 Wranglers and Gladiators spanning the 2021–2025 model years, citing a serious fire hazard that can occur even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall, filed with NHTSA under document RCLRPT-26V363, breaks down to 787,887 Wranglers and 289,112 Gladiators.

The root cause traces to the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring, which may develop a high-resistance electrical connection. Over time, this resistance generates enough heat to ignite surrounding components. Jeep warns owners that a "Service Power Steering" dashboard message or loss of power steering assist may signal the defect is present.

As a precaution, Jeep has advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures or other vehicles until repairs can be made. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin July 9, and affected owners can check their VIN on the NHTSA recalls website starting June 11.

The recall is particularly notable given Jeep's rugged, adventure-oriented brand identity — vehicles designed for off-road use in remote areas now carry a fire risk that demands immediate attention. As of May 18, Jeep reported 63 customer assistance records and 72 field reports (35 confirmed as defect-related), with one injury potentially linked to the issue. No accidents have been reported yet.

Market Context: EV Adoption Accelerates While Legacy Recalls Mount

While Jeep grapples with its largest recall in recent memory, the broader automotive landscape is undergoing a historic transformation. The International Energy Agency's newly released Global EV Outlook 2026 paints a picture of accelerating electrification:

• The total number of available car models increased by roughly 10% in 2025 to over 1,100 models
• Electric car models surged approximately 25%, reaching nearly 700 available variants — a 60% increase from the prior year
• EVs and hybrids now account for 25% of all new car sales worldwide, with European nations leading the charge
• Denmark leads at 71% electric/hybrid share, followed by Iceland (62%), Sweden (61%), the Netherlands (58%), and Finland (57%)
• In China, EV adoption in the sub-$20,000 segment exceeded 55% in 2025, driven by improved price competitiveness

Meanwhile, the recall landscape remains active across the industry. Ford recently recalled 255,000 Focus models for unexpected stalling, and Honda issued a recall affecting nearly 900,000 SUVs and trucks over rust-related subframe concerns. These recalls underscore the ongoing tension between increasingly complex vehicle electronics and long-term reliability.

Looking Ahead: Solid-State Batteries Enter Real-World Testing

In a promising development for EV enthusiasts, Stellantis has begun road-testing solid-state battery technology in production vehicles. This next-generation battery chemistry promises significantly higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety compared to current lithium-ion cells. If successful, this could be a game-changer for range anxiety and charging infrastructure demands as EV adoption scales globally.

The Bottom Line

Today's automotive news tells two parallel stories: the challenges of scaling vehicle safety in an era of complex electronics, and the unstoppable momentum toward electrification. Jeep's massive recall is a stark reminder that as vehicles become more sophisticated, the stakes for quality control grow higher. At the same time, the IEA's data confirms that electric vehicles are no longer a niche — they're becoming the mainstream, with nearly 700 models to choose from and adoption rates climbing across every major market.

The road ahead is electrified, connected, and increasingly complex. Drivers should stay informed about recalls, check their VINs regularly, and keep an eye on the solid-state battery developments that could redefine what's possible in electric mobility within the next few years.