NHTSA has closed preliminary evaluation PE24-024 into underhood fires in Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups after FCA US recalled 1,076,999 vehicles to address the power-steering-pump electrical connection linked to the risk.
The investigation's closure does not cancel recall 26V363 or remove its safety instructions. Owners of affected 2021-2025 Wranglers and Gladiators are still advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the free recall repair is completed.
Why it matters
An investigation can close because a recall now addresses the condition under review. That is different from a finding that the fire risk disappeared. NHTSA said the recall covers the vehicles and issue examined in PE24-024 and that the agency will continue monitoring field performance.
For dealerships and owners, recall status is the operating fact that matters now. Affected vehicles can overheat at the electric hydraulic power steering pump connection and catch fire even when parked with the ignition off, so an open VIN should be treated as a live safety issue until the remedy is recorded as complete.
The recall expanded beyond the original probe
NHTSA opened PE24-024 in September 2024 to examine an estimated 781,459 model-year 2021-2023 Wranglers and Gladiators. FCA's June 2026 recall expanded the scope to certain 2021-2025 vehicles built between June 24, 2020, and December 2, 2024.
FCA's Part 573 filing says excessive electrical resistance at the power-steering-pump connection can overheat nearby combustible material. The company reported 35 field reports confirmed at that interface, no related crashes and one potentially related injury as of May 18, 2026.
What dealerships should do now
Run every 2021-2025 Wrangler and Gladiator in owned inventory, trade appraisal, service scheduling and delivery preparation through the current FCA or NHTSA VIN lookup. Model year alone does not determine whether a specific vehicle is included, and investigation status should never substitute for the VIN-level recall record.
Keep affected inventory outside and away from structures and other vehicles until repaired. New vehicles with an open safety recall may not be sold or delivered under federal law. For used inventory, dealerships should apply documented safety-hold, disclosure and remedy controls consistent with current federal, state and manufacturer requirements.
What owners should do now
Check the VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through FCA's recall lookup. If campaign 26V363 is open, continue parking outside and away from buildings and other vehicles, then contact an authorized Jeep dealer for the no-charge inspection and repair.
Possible warning signs include loss of power-steering assist or a Service Power Steering message, but the absence of a warning does not prove a vehicle is unaffected. VIN status and documented repair completion are the reliable checks.
AI-assisted reporting disclosure
This article was researched and generated with AI-assisted systems using the NHTSA, FCA and Reuters materials listed below. Dealership Tech Report applies automated accuracy and risk checks, but recall eligibility, remedy availability and completion are VIN-specific. Verify current campaign records before acting.
Recall 26V363 is VIN-specific. The investigation closed Sep. 24, 2026, but the recall and park-outside instruction remain relevant for affected vehicles until the remedy is completed. Owners and dealerships should verify current status through FCA and NHTSA rather than relying on model year or this publication-date snapshot.
Cited references
- NHTSA — Recall alert for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator fire risk — Federal consumer safety alert; published Jun. 9, 2026
- NHTSA — Part 573 safety recall report 26V363 — Official recall filing; submitted Jun. 4 and published Jun. 11, 2026
- NHTSA — Recall acknowledgement 26V363 — Official campaign acknowledgement; dated Jun. 8, 2026
- NHTSA — Investigations dataset — Official federal investigation status data; refreshed Sep. 29, 2026
- Reuters — U.S. closes Jeep fire probe after Stellantis recall — Independent reporting on NHTSA closure; published Sep. 29, 2026