There are recalls, and then there are recalls that deserve your immediate attention.
This one falls into the second category.
In June 2026, Stellantis/FCA US and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a major safety recall affecting certain 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The issue is tied to the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring, and in some cases, it can create a fire risk even when the Jeep is parked and turned off. NHTSA has issued an urgent “Park Outside” warning for affected vehicles.
So let’s break it down in plain English.
The Recall at a Glance
The recall is identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V363 and Mopar Recall Number 21D. It affects an estimated 1,076,999 Jeep vehicles in the United States, with additional vehicles affected in Canada, Mexico, and other global markets.
The affected U.S. vehicles include:
| Vehicle | Model Years | Production Dates | Estimated U.S. Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | 2021–2025 | June 24, 2020 – December 2, 2024 | 787,887 |
| Jeep Gladiator | 2021–2025 | August 18, 2020 – December 2, 2024 | 289,112 |
Vehicles built outside those production windows are not included in the recall, according to the recall information summarized in the Manus report. Stellantis has estimated that only a very small percentage of the recalled vehicles may actually contain the defect, but because the risk involves fire, every vehicle in the recall population needs to be treated seriously.
What Is Actually Wrong?
The issue is not the power steering pump simply “going bad” in the traditional sense.
The concern is with the electrical connection at the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump, often abbreviated as EHPSP. According to the recall report, the pump header may have been manufactured in a way that required increased insertion force when the wiring harness was connected. That can spread the electrical terminals, creating an improper or loose electrical connection.
That loose connection can create high electrical resistance.
High resistance creates heat.
Heat can melt the connector.
And if nearby combustible materials get hot enough, it can lead to a fire.
That is why this recall is getting serious attention. This is not just a drivability issue. It is a potential vehicle fire issue. NHTSA says the wiring may overheat and cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition off.
Why the “Park Outside” Warning Matters
This is the part Jeep owners really need to pay attention to.
NHTSA and Stellantis are advising owners of affected vehicles to park outside and away from structures until the vehicle is repaired.
That means do not park an affected Wrangler or Gladiator in a garage. Do not park it under a carport. Do not park it right next to your house, your shop, your RV, or another vehicle.
That may sound extreme, but the reason is simple: this fire risk can exist even when the Jeep is turned off.
If your vehicle is affected, treat the warning seriously until the recall repair has been completed.
How Did We Get Here?
According to the Manus report, Stellantis began investigating reports of engine compartment fires between May 2023 and April 2024, but the investigation was initially closed because of a low occurrence rate.
In August 2024, Stellantis reopened the investigation after seeing an increase in incidents tied to the suspect electrical connection.
In September 2024, NHTSA opened a formal investigation, known as PE24-024, into engine compartment fires on 2021–2023 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.
By April 2026, after additional testing that included CT scans and X-rays of returned components, Stellantis confirmed that a loose electrical connection could lead to melting and vehicle fires.
On May 28, 2026, Stellantis determined that a safety defect existed and initiated the recall process.
As of mid-May 2026, Stellantis had reported 72 field reports, 35 confirmed as originating from the suspect header, 63 customer assistance records, and one potential injury connected to the issue. No crashes were reported in connection with the defect.
Warning Signs to Watch For
A fire can happen without much warning, which is why the parking guidance matters. But some Jeep owners may notice symptoms before the problem becomes more serious.
Watch for:
- Loss of power steering assist while driving
- Increased effort required to steer
- A “Service Power Steering” warning message
- Power steering-related diagnostic trouble codes
- Burning smell from the engine compartment
- Smoke or visible heat damage near the engine bay
If you notice any of those symptoms, pull over safely, turn the vehicle off, and contact your Jeep dealer or roadside assistance.
Do not ignore a steering warning light. Do not ignore smoke. Do not ignore a burning smell.
What Jeep Owners Should Do Right Now
First, check whether your specific Jeep is affected. You will need your 17-digit VIN.
You can check your VIN through the official NHTSA recall lookup tool or through Mopar’s recall lookup system. You can also contact an authorized Jeep dealership or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Second, if your vehicle is included in the recall, follow the park-outside guidance until the repair is completed.
Third, watch for your official recall notification. According to the recall information, owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing July 9, 2026.
Fourth, once your dealer has the remedy available, schedule the repair.
What Will the Dealer Do?
The repair will be performed by authorized Jeep dealers at no charge.
Dealer technicians will inspect the electric hydraulic power steering pump and related wiring harness. Depending on what they find, they may repair or replace the wiring harness, the power steering pump, or both. The goal is to correct the electrical connection so it no longer creates the high-resistance overheating condition that can lead to a fire.
Stellantis has indicated that the complete remedy is expected to be available no later than July 2026.
Does This Affect Modified Jeeps?
This recall is tied to a factory electrical connection at the electric hydraulic power steering pump. It is not specifically a suspension, armor, bumper, tire, or lift kit issue.
That said, every Jeep is different. Many Wrangler and Gladiator owners have modified vehicles, and it is always smart to make sure wiring, steering components, engine bay routing, and aftermarket accessories are properly installed and safely maintained.
If you are a MetalCloak customer and you are not sure what you are looking at, or you have questions about your Jeep, feel free to reach out to MetalCloak for help. We are happy to help point you in the right direction.
The Bottom Line
This is not a recall to shrug off.
If you own a 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, check your VIN. If your Jeep is included, park it outside and away from structures until it is repaired. Then schedule the recall service as soon as your dealer has the remedy available.
Jeeps are built to get us out into the wild, across the rocks, over the trail, and back home again.
But safety comes first.
Check the recall. Follow the warning. Get it fixed.
