WASHINGTON

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the commencement of a safety investigation into more than 781,000 recent Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator sport utility vehicles. The probe, initiated on Monday, comes in response to multiple reports of underhood fires, raising concerns about potential safety risks in these popular Jeep models.

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The investigation encompasses Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years. NHTSA officials report they have received nine fire incident reports, including one that resulted in an injury. What's particularly alarming is that the majority of these reported fires occurred while the vehicles' ignitions were off, suggesting a potential issue that persists even when the vehicles are not in operation.

Stellantis, the parent company of the Jeep brand, has stated its intention to cooperate fully with this preliminary evaluation. This initial step could potentially lead to a mandatory recall if NHTSA determines that a significant safety risk exists.

During its preliminary inquiries, NHTSA contacted Stellantis and uncovered information about several fires originating from the power steering pump electrical connector in both the Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The agency noted that this component is typically located on the passenger front side of the engine compartment, which aligns with the location described in most of the fire reports received.

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The investigation has brought to light several concerning incidents. In Rumson, New Jersey, the owner of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler reported that their vehicle began smoking and erupted into flames within just ten minutes. The owner described the harrowing experience to NHTSA, stating, "My daughter, dogs and I were able to make it out of the car, but very scary."

Another alarming case involved a 2021 Jeep Wrangler in Arizona with only 1,900 miles on the odometer. The owner noticed black smoke emanating from the engine compartment and informed NHTSA, "By the time I pulled over and got out of the vehicle it was on fire, and within minutes the entire car was engulfed by flames and it was a total loss."

Perhaps most concerning is a report from Auburn, Washington, where a 2022 Gladiator with a mere 1,758 miles caught fire while parked next to the owner's house. The vehicle had not been driven for approximately two weeks prior to the incident. The owner stated, "There were no warnings of symptoms and our Jeep app showed everything was normal when last driven," highlighting the unpredictable nature of these fire incidents.

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These reports suggest that the fire risk may not be limited to vehicles in active use, as fires have occurred in both recently driven and parked vehicles. This aspect of the investigation is particularly troubling, as it implies that owners may not be safe from this potential hazard even when their vehicles are not in use.

The scope of this investigation is significant, covering a substantial number of vehicles sold in recent years. The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are popular models known for their off-road capabilities and rugged design. Any widespread issues could have substantial implications for Stellantis and the Jeep brand.

As the investigation progresses, NHTSA will likely conduct a thorough examination of the vehicles' design, manufacturing processes, and any potential defects that could be contributing to these fire incidents. The agency may also look into whether there are any common factors among the affected vehicles, such as specific production batches or components.