Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Fire Recall: What Used Buyers Need to Know

Seventy-two fires and one injury. That's Stellantis's own count, filed with NHTSA on June 9, 2026, when the company issued recall 26V363 for 1,076,999 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. The vehicles can catch fire even when the ignition is off.

NHTSA's advisory is blunt: park outside, away from other vehicles and structures, until your vehicle is repaired. That puts this in the same category as the Jeep Wrangler PHEV recalls from prior years, where the park-outside language signals NHTSA considers the risk severe enough to treat the vehicle as an active hazard at rest.

If you own one of these vehicles, that guidance applies starting now. If you're shopping for a used Wrangler or Gladiator right now, the recall changes your checklist.

What the Defect Is

The problem is in the electric hydraulic power steering pump. A wiring connector inside the pump can develop excessive resistance, which causes heat to build up in surrounding combustible materials. The heat accumulates whether the vehicle is running or not, because the pump's electrical circuit doesn't fully de-energize when the ignition is switched off.

Stellantis estimates the actual defect rate is roughly 0.1%, meaning about 1,077 of the 1.07 million covered vehicles have the actual fault. The entire model range is under recall because there's no reliable way to identify the affected units from VIN alone without inspection.

The recall covers all 2021-2025 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators regardless of powertrain, including the 4xe hybrid variants.

Affected Vehicles

The remedy: dealers will inspect the power steering pump wiring connector and replace it if needed, free of charge. Stellantis has scheduled owner notification letters for July 9, 2026. The repair itself is expected to be available through any Stellantis dealer by that date.

How Many Are For Sale Right Now

There are currently 34,255 used 2022 Jeep Wranglers listed nationally, starting at $11,900 per CarScout data from June 7, 2026. Median mileage: 35,922 miles. The 2022 Gladiator has 6,854 used listings, starting at $17,980, with a median of 40,584 miles.

These are not scarce vehicles. The large supply means you have real negotiating room, especially if the seller hasn't had the recall completed. That's actually important context: an open recall on a vehicle you want to buy is not a reason to walk away, but it is leverage.

What to Do Before You Buy

Step 1: Check the VIN. Every used Wrangler or Gladiator from 2021-2025 should be checked at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you negotiate. You'll see whether recall 26V363 is open, closed, or remedied on that specific vehicle.

Step 2: Ask for recall completion documentation. If the seller is a dealer, ask them to show you the recall completion record, or ask them to complete the repair before you take delivery. This adds no cost to them. If it's a private seller, the dealership repair record should be in the vehicle's service history.

Step 3: Factor it into your price conversation. An open recall on a 2021-2025 Wrangler or Gladiator right now is not a defect you're inheriting at your expense. The repair is free. But it's reasonable to use the open recall as a basis for negotiating a discount while you wait for a service appointment, or to request the seller handle it before the transaction.

Step 4: Don't park it in a garage until it's fixed. If you close on a vehicle with the recall still open, follow NHTSA's guidance. Park outside, away from structures and other vehicles, until your dealer appointment is complete.

Wrangler and Gladiator Models Not Affected

The 2020 and earlier Wrangler JL and all JK-generation Wranglers (2007-2018) are not part of this recall. The electric hydraulic power steering pump design that introduced this defect was specific to the 2021 production run and carried forward through 2025. JK-era Wranglers use a different steering system entirely.

If budget is flexible and you can move down to a 2019 or 2020 JL, you avoid this recall. Those years have their own known issues (the 2.0L turbo's oil dilution problem, the 2018-2020 death wobble from the aluminum steering box), but they don't carry the fire risk that's active right now.

FAQ

Is it safe to drive a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator during this recall?

NHTSA has not issued a "do not drive" order. The specific guidance is to park outside and away from buildings or other vehicles until the recall is complete. The fire risk appears to be higher when the vehicle is parked, because the power steering pump can continue drawing current after the ignition is switched off. Driving the vehicle doesn't appear to materially increase risk beyond normal operation, but parking it in a closed garage does.

Can I still buy a used 2021-2025 Wrangler or Gladiator right now?

Yes. An open recall isn't a reason to avoid a vehicle, but it's a reason to add one step: confirm at nhtsa.gov/recalls that recall 26V363 is part of the vehicle's record, then either get recall completion documentation before you buy, or negotiate to reflect the inconvenience of the pending service appointment. Stellantis's fix is free and dealers are expected to complete it by July 2026.

How do I check if my Jeep is affected by recall 26V363?

Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN. If recall 26V363 appears and shows "incomplete," the repair hasn't been done on your vehicle. Contact any Stellantis/Jeep dealer to schedule the inspection and connector replacement.

CarScout tracks live listing counts, price ranges, and inventory movement for 2021-2025 Wranglers and Gladiators updated weekly. See current market pricing at /market/jeep/wrangler and /market/jeep/gladiator.