Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe Recalled for Software Error, 200K Units Affected

As implied, the affected vehicles are plug-in hybrids. The software error disables the windshield's defrost system under certain conditions, therefore decreasing outward visibility.

The disabled defrosting and defogging system goes against the requirements underlined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571, which states that every new light-duty vehicle sold in the US market is required to sport an operational system. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the supplier of the iffy software is none other than FCA US LLC, the American branch of the Stellantis group that also includes French manufacturer PSA.

The 2022 to 2024 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is recalled to the tune of 59,825 vehicles produced between July 23, 2021 and December 5, 2023. As for the 2021 to 2024 model year Jeep Wrangler 4xe, make that 139,318 assembled from September 2, 2020 through August 24 of last year.

As you're well aware, both nameplates are plug-in hybrids with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder muscle up front. Exclusive to the regular-wheelbase Grand Cherokee and the four-door Wrangler, the Jeep 4xe setup further comprises a starter/generator up front, a traction motor built into the ZF-supplied automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery.

Both high-voltage batteries are rated at 17.3 kilowatt hours, but as expected, the Grand Cherokee 4xe has more driving range on deck because it's lighter. The EPA says that the unibody sport utility vehicle offers up to 26 miles (42 kilometers) and 56 MPGe, whereas the body-on-frame Wrangler 4xe is good for 22 miles (35 kilometers) and 49 MPGe.

Chrysler was informed of a potential issue related to the defrosting/defogging system of the Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe in June 2023. The safety boffins in Auburn Hills, Michigan investigated the problem through January 2024, yet it took the Vehicle Regulations Committee until February 2024 to agree on conducting this recall.

The remedy for the disabled windshield defroster/defogger is a software update for the hybrid control processor. Dealers and owners will be informed about this recall on April 5, 2024. In the meantime, owners can easily determine whether their plug-in hybrid Jeeps are included in this recall or not by entering the 17-character vehicle identification number on the automaker's website or the NHTSA's website.

Starting at $36,495 for the rear-drive Laredo A, the Grand Cherokee is the most popular Jeep in the US market. FCA US LLC delivered 244,594 units last year, whereas the Wrangler moved 156,681 units.

More capable off the beaten path, the Wrangler starts at $31,995 (sans destination charge). 2024 is the final year of the HEMI V8-powered Rubicon 392, which packs the same torque as the 4xe. Think 470 pound-feet or 637 Nm in the metric system.