Stellantis Recalls Over 150,000 Plug-In Hybrids Following Wave Of Vehicle Fires

Carmaker Stellantis announced it was recalling over 150,000 plug-in hybrid Jeeps Monday due to a potential fire risk.

An internal investigation led by the auto giant found 13 of its Jeep plug-in hybrid SUVs had caught fire while parked and turned off, with the company estimating 5% — roughly 7,500 — of the recalled vehicles might have the defect, according to a press release. Stellantis is one of an array of automakers to take on aggressive electric vehicle (EV) production targets in recent years as the Biden-Harris administration continues its hybrid and EV push, even as lithium-ion batteries have shown a propensity to burst into flames.

“A remedy is imminent and affected customers will be notified when they may schedule service,” Stellantis wrote in the release. Until then, the carmaker advised customers to “park away from structures or other vehicles,” and not to charge their cars as “vehicle risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted.”

Stellantis presented its “Dare Forward 2030” plan in March 2022, stating its aim to have 100% of its sales in Europe and 50% of its U.S. sales be battery-electric vehicles by the end of the decade. Amid the strategy shift, the company revealed plans to lay off 2,450 employees in August as it discontinues