Jeep’s 4xe hybrids have been a major success, with the electrified Wrangler earning the title of America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for two consecutive years. In fact, these models accounted for a quarter of all Wrangler sales. However, that strong momentum is now threatened as Jeep faces a third hybrid-related recall in less than a month.
**What’s Going Wrong?**
The latest recall affects 76,019 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids built for the 2024 and 2025 model years, as well as 36,840 Grand Cherokee PHEVs from the 2023 to 2025 model years. Jeep discovered that the Mexico-built 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines in these vehicles could be contaminated with sand left over from the casting process.
If this grit makes its way into critical engine components, it could cause significant internal damage, resulting in a loss of power, possible loss of vehicle control, crashes, or even fires.
**Which Vehicles Are Affected?**
It’s important to note that only the 4xe hybrids are impacted by this particular recall, even though Jeep also sells non-hybrid 2.0-liter Wranglers from the same model years. The issue has been observed in hybrid models due to their specific manufacturing processes.
**Real-World Incidents**
This is not just a theoretical problem. As of late October, Jeep had received:
– 36 customer assistance records
– 144 warranty claims
– 36 reports of fires
– 50 incidents where vehicles lost propulsion
– 50 additional related reports
Even more concerning, there have already been three reported injuries linked to this engine contamination issue.
**Next Steps for Owners**
Jeep plans to begin notifying owners about the recall starting around December 29. However, details about the specific remedies have not been finalized. The scale of the problem may require more than 100,000 Wranglers and Grand Cherokees to receive entirely new engines. This approach would mirror a remedy Toyota implemented earlier this year when V6 engines were found to be contaminated with debris from the machining process.
**Another Blow for Jeep’s 4xe Lineup**
This new recall comes just a couple of weeks after Jeep warned over 320,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe owners to park their vehicles outside and away from other cars and buildings, due to a separate risk of hybrid battery packs catching fire related to issues involving Samsung batteries.
Stay tuned for more updates as Jeep works toward a resolution for the affected 4xe owners. If you own one of these models, keep an eye out for official communications from the automaker in the coming weeks.
https://www.carscoops.com/2025/11/jeeps-phev-nightmare-just-got-even-worse/
