US investigating 781K Jeeps over underhood fire reports (Wrangler & Gladiator) -- power steering pump electrical connector issue

[Cspence]

I know I'll take some public lashings for this, but figured I'd share what I've done for peace of mind for the few others that share my concern. Maybe some or all of this works for you, maybe it doesn't, but I feel better now and figured I'd share.

I park my Jeep in the garage and ever since learning about this potential fire hazard, I've been concerned. For the first week, I left it out in the driveway, but I REALLY didn't want to do that long term, getting unnecessary weather damage, potential rodent damage, and deal with theft potential (thought the last wasn't likely where I live). That said, I thought of a few things that would give me more confidence to park it back in the garage. While it would suck to have the truck burn to the ground, that is not my concern, it could be replaced. Same if it were to happen while in the house while no one was home, would suck even more, but not the end of the world (though, living in a relatively remote area, I know it would probably take a long time for the fire to be reported and for the fire department to respond, so damage would be bad). My biggest concern, the thing that was "keeping me up at night" was the potential to have this happen in the middle of the night.

For some reason, there was no smoke detector in the garage. I thought it was odd, especially being a newer construction built in the last 10 years (guess it wasn't in the code to have one) but glad I checked. Looking at wireless options, I found these smart detectors that will send alerts right to your phone via an app! I bought this (5) pack for $100, put one in the garage, have one positioned next to the battery just above the PS pump (I park my jeep for days at a time, and plan to just manually remove this when I use the truck), and then put the others in a few other locations around my house (just because).

X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station, Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm Compatible with X-Sense Home Security App, Wireless Interconnected Mini Fire Alarm, Model FS51 - Amazon.com

Next, I thought, well, now I feel comfortable I'll know if there is a fire, and I have some redundancy with two detectors in the garage (one on the ceiling and one in the engine bay). But say I'm at work and I get an alert, it would be nice if I could visually confirm before contacting the fire department. So I thought, I already have the Eufy security system that is easily expandable, why not mount a camera in the garage, which I did. So now, I can lay eyes on things any time I want, especially if I get an alert from the detectors. Between these two things, I feel very confident that if something were to happen, no matter where I am, I can at least call 911 and potentially not lose my entire house.

Amazon.com : eufy Security, eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit, Wireless Home Security System with 180-Day Battery Life, 1080p HD, IP67, Night Vision, No Monthly Fee (Renewed) : Electronics

I always had a fire extinguisher in the Jeep (and in the garage), but it was locked up in the bed and not in the most accessible location. I moved them both to spots that are much more accessible, just in case. I have hood locks as well, I've since left them unlocked and plan to only lock them for the few rare times I want the added security (say I'm going to leave the Jeep at the trail head for a hike or in a parking lot overnight). This should shave a bit of time off a response, should something happen and I need to get into the engine compartment quickly to extinguish a fire, obviously if I'm driving or home when it happens.

Then the last thought I had was, well, if a fire starts when I'm away, I'll get an alert (hopefully) from the smoke detectors, be able to see my truck and house burning (via the eufy camera), have an opportunity to contact 911, but then be leaving it up to luck after that.

Thinking about a product I use for my 3D printer "Blaze automatic fire suppression", I thought, that would be something value added that might work here too. That brand and several other automobile fire suppression systems were a bit more than I really wanted to spend (on top of everything else), but I found a more cost-effective option on Amazon. I'm not 100% confident in it (will it discharge when needed and will it sufficiently extinguish a fire?), but figure, it's better than nothing if I'm not home. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't but its yet another layer for peace of mind.

JOSEOZSTA Automatic Fire Extinguisher-Car Fire Extinguisher-Easy to install-Extinguishes A/B/C/E/F types of fires-Small Fire Suppressor for SUV,VAN,TRUCK,RV (1 Pack) - Amazon.com

I know some will think I'm over the top, but for the $250 I spent, I feel much better about keeping my truck stored inside again. I've wasted $250 on worse things, thats for sure lol! In addition to that, I now have another camera that I've mounted in the front of my house for added security, and I have (3) additional smoke detectors in the house. Money well spent in my eyes.

Hope this helps someone.

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[samstewart]

"An Auburn, Washington owner told NHTSA a 2022 Gladiator after just 1,758 miles driven burned while parked next to the owner's house despite not having been driven for about two weeks."

...this is a concern.

This happened to us as well. On July 5th of this year, we had a 2022 gladiator rubicon spontaneously combust after sitting in our driveway for less than 24 hours. Engine had been off the entire time. The fire was so intense, by the time the fire dept arrived there was nothing left. Because there was a full tank of gas, the fire continued to reignite leading the fire dept to use PFAS (that’s a whole other issue ). Jeep claimed no responsibility and denied any knowledge of other spontaneous jeep fires. Learning now, that they absolutely did know.

 

[samstewart]

I know I'll take some public lashings for this, but figured I'd share what I've done for peace of mind for the few others that share my concern. Maybe some or all of this works for you, maybe it doesn't, but I feel better now and figured I'd share.

I park my Jeep in the garage and ever since learning about this potential fire hazard, I've been concerned. For the first week, I left it out in the driveway, but I REALLY didn't want to do that long term, getting unnecessary weather damage, potential rodent damage, and deal with theft potential (thought the last wasn't likely where I live). That said, I thought of a few things that would give me more confidence to park it back in the garage. While it would suck to have the truck burn to the ground, that is not my concern, it could be replaced. Same if it were to happen while in the house while no one was home, would suck even more, but not the end of the world (though, living in a relatively remote area, I know it would probably take a long time for the fire to be reported and for the fire department to respond, so damage would be bad). My biggest concern, the thing that was "keeping me up at night" was the potential to have this happen in the middle of the night.

For some reason, there was no smoke detector in the garage. I thought it was odd, especially being a newer construction built in the last 10 years (guess it wasn't in the code to have one) but glad I checked. Looking at wireless options, I found these smart detectors that will send alerts right to your phone via an app! I bought this (5) pack for $100, put one in the garage, have one positioned next to the battery just above the PS pump (I park my jeep for days at a time, and plan to just manually remove this when I use the truck), and then put the others in a few other locations around my house (just because).

X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station, Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm Compatible with X-Sense Home Security App, Wireless Interconnected Mini Fire Alarm, Model FS51 - Amazon.com

Next, I thought, well, now I feel comfortable I'll know if there is a fire, and I have some redundancy with two detectors in the garage (one on the ceiling and one in the engine bay). But say I'm at work and I get an alert, it would be nice if I could visually confirm before contacting the fire department. So I thought, I already have the Eufy security system that is easily expandable, why not mount a camera in the garage, which I did. So now, I can lay eyes on things any time I want, especially if I get an alert from the detectors. Between these two things, I feel very confident that if something were to happen, no matter where I am, I can at least call 911 and potentially not lose my entire house.

Amazon.com : eufy Security, eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit, Wireless Home Security System with 180-Day Battery Life, 1080p HD, IP67, Night Vision, No Monthly Fee (Renewed) : Electronics

I always had a fire extinguisher in the Jeep (and in the garage), but it was locked up in the bed and not in the most accessible location. I moved them both to spots that are much more accessible, just in case. I have hood locks as well, I've since left them unlocked and plan to only lock them for the few rare times I want the added security (say I'm going to leave the Jeep at the trail head for a hike or in a parking lot overnight). This should shave a bit of time off a response, should something happen and I need to get into the engine compartment quickly to extinguish a fire, obviously if I'm driving or home when it happens.

Then the last thought I had was, well, if a fire starts when I'm away, I'll get an alert (hopefully) from the smoke detectors, be able to see my truck and house burning (via the eufy camera), have an opportunity to contact 911, but then be leaving it up to luck after that.

Thinking about a product I use for my 3D printer "Blaze automatic fire suppression", I thought, that would be something value added that might work here too. That brand and several other automobile fire suppression systems were a bit more than I really wanted to spend (on top of everything else), but I found a more cost-effective option on Amazon. I'm not 100% confident in it (will it discharge when needed and will it sufficiently extinguish a fire?), but figure, it's better than nothing if I'm not home. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't but its yet another layer for peace of mind.

JOSEOZSTA Automatic Fire Extinguisher-Car Fire Extinguisher-Easy to install-Extinguishes A/B/C/E/F types of fires-Small Fire Suppressor for SUV,VAN,TRUCK,RV (1 Pack) - Amazon.com

I know some will think I'm over the top, but for the $250 I spent, I feel much better about keeping my truck stored inside again. I've wasted $250 on worse things, thats for sure lol! In addition to that, I now have another camera that I've mounted in the front of my house for added security, and I have (3) additional smoke detectors in the house. Money well spent in my eyes.

Hope this helps someone.

Hi there! I just shared what happened to us back in July of this year. While I completely understand your concerns about parking your jeep outside (weather, rodents etc…), please consider doing so. Our jeep spontaneously caught on fire after sitting in the driveway for 24 hours. I always park our cars facing away from the garage with a full tank of gas in case of an emergency (long story, my children have medical issues) This way I’m ready to get out of my driveway as quickly as I can. If I had parked facing the garage, or even worse, inside the garage, my house would be gone! The fire happened so quickly and was so intense, there was literally no time to react. One minute there was black smoke, the next minute, the whole engine was engulfed in flames. No smoke detector would have saved anything! Because Jeep swore up and down, this was not an issue with gladiators, we bought another one because I loved it so much and am a life long jeep owner. Having said that, I will NEVER park my Jeep, let alone any other vehicle in my garage, or even close to my house. When you’ve been through a fire, it really puts things into perspective. It’s not worth it!

 

[sharpsicle]

This happened to us as well. On July 5th of this year, we had a 2022 gladiator rubicon spontaneously combust after sitting in our driveway for less than 24 hours. Engine had been off the entire time. The fire was so intense, by the time the fire dept arrived there was nothing left. Because there was a full tank of gas, the fire continued to reignite leading the fire dept to use PFAS (that’s a whole other issue ). Jeep claimed no responsibility and denied any knowledge of other spontaneous jeep fires. Learning now, that they absolutely did know.

What was determined to be the source of the fire? Based on the current reports, there doesn't seem to be any commonalities in the cause or source of a fire. And there's so little to go on, only 9 reports.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

What was determined to be the source of the fire? Based on the current reports, there doesn't seem to be any commonalities in the cause or source of a fire. And there's so little to go on, only 9 reports.

Yeah, doesn't look like you had any auxiliary lighting or a winch to possibly short out. Did the fire department give any kind of report?

 

[samstewart]

Yeah, doesn't look like you had any auxiliary lighting or a winch to possibly short out. Did the fire department give any kind of report?

They’re saying that there seems to be a correlation between some of them involving the power steering pump electrical connector. Unfortunately for us, the jeep was burned so badly, they were unable to determine the exact cause of the fire. All I do know is, a vehicle shouldn’t spontaneously combust after just sitting there for less than 24 hours. I’m wondering how many more out there haven’t filed a complaint with the NTSB. We just did last night. So as of right now, that’s at least 10 vehicles to spontaneously combust.

 

[Gvsukids]

So as of right now, that’s at least 10 vehicles to spontaneously combust.

Small number compared to other car companies.

https://www.consumernotice.org/pers...re more than 19,in property damage every year.


https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-...hat about one,electricity are a distant third.

 

[SwiperBandit]

This is real and I'm pretty certain it's what caused my 2023 Gladiator Rubicon to spontaneously catch fire.
Brief summary: 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon purchased in late February, 2024, new. It operated well and was without issue. I had made minimal aftermarket changes - sprayed bedliner, running boards, steering stabilizer. No electronic aftermarket additions like light bar, winch, etc. The weekend prior to the fire we crossed 1,000 miles.

On April 24, 2024 (only 2 months of ownership), we returned home from a drive across town and parked in the garage and went about our night. Around 7:15pm while cleaning up from dinner I heard a subtle noise sounding like an air compressor dump. I went to the garage and when I opened the door was met by smoke from shoulder to the ceiling. Flames were dropping out from the underside of the Jeep’s engine compartment. Luckly the garage doors opened and we called the fire department. I was able to hose down the Jeep and keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived and was able to put it out. The actual fire/flame damage was minimal, however, the smoke damage totalled my garage. All said and done, with the cost of the Gladiator, $225,000.

A local fire investigator was onseen immediately after the fire and completed an investigation. His report concluded the fire originated in the engine compartment, locating in the front passenger side. The Gladiator was picked up by StateFarm, my insurance company, and taken to a local garage. It was investigated by StateFarm and a fire investigator with FCA. All confirmed the fire started in front passenger side, however, no identifiable reason was found. I speculate the evidence was located in the pile of ash below the engine bay.

StateFarm was amazing and paid out the claim without issue. They told me they couldn't subrogate or go after FCA because the cause of the fire couldn't be identified. It'd be an uphill fight for their lawyers. They suggested I contact Stellantis as the property owner. I did and requested they pay my auto and home deductible ($5,361) and provide me with a replacement vehicle of same make and model (Jeep Gladiator Rubicon). They gave me the middle finger and claimed no responsibility. Here is a snippet from their reply, "We have completed our investigation of the incident. We are sure you understand that fires of this nature can occur for a number of reasons not associated with the manufacturing process."

When I found out about the NHTSA investigation I filled an official report. I'm posting here because I'm really upset with JCA/Stellantis and feel they have handled my case poorly and are not a very respectable company anymore. I'll never buy Jeep again. I've owned 3 and still have a 2011 Grand Cherokee. I'd be very careful if you own a 2021-2023 Gladiator or Wrangler. It all just sucks.

 

[biodiesel]

I'm really upset with JCA/Stellantis and feel they have handled my case poorly and are not a very respectable company anymore. I'll never buy Jeep again.

To be fair, your local fire investigator, State Farm investigator, and FCA's investigator couldn't identify the cause of the fire. I don't think it's wrong or unethical for FCA to not accept responsibility when there's no clear evidence.

 

[sharpsicle]

To be fair, your local fire investigator, State Farm investigator, and FCA's investigator couldn't identify the cause of the fire. I don't think it's wrong or unethical for FCA to not accept responsibility when there's no clear evidence.

I mean, I hate to agree with you, but that’s spot on. As of right now, this is all “I have no idea what happened, but it’s Jeeps fault.”

I’d really like to see some evidence to back up that claim, but all I’ve seen so far is misunderstood rage.

 

[SwiperBandit]

I mean, I hate to agree with you, but that’s spot on. As of right now, this is all “I have no idea what happened, but it’s Jeeps fault.”

I’d really like to see some evidence to back up that claim, but all I’ve seen so far is misunderstood rage.

"misunderstood rage"??? Really

I had a vehicle with 1030 miles spontaneously start on fire in my garage. Thankfully I was home and it occurred while I was awake so my entire house didn't burn down or one of my family members get hurt or die. I was without a garage for 5 month's and lost a ton of personal items. I hadn't done anything electrical and it was kept in a garage without rodents. Yes, none of the investigating parties could find an identifiable cause. I speculate because the evidence was destroyed in the fire. If it was the power steering pump and it was incinerated, one would never know.

I'd like to hear biodiesel and sharpsicle's theories on why the fire started? Come on guys. The most reasonable explanation would be a manufacturing problem. I really just want Jeep to pay my deductible and make me whole. The request for a new Gladiator was a home run swing.

I really hope nothing like this happens to anyone else. It really sucked

 

[Mr._Bill]

"misunderstood rage"??? Really

I had a vehicle with 1030 miles spontaneously start on fire in my garage. Thankfully I was home and it occurred while I was awake so my entire house didn't burn down or one of my family members get hurt or die. I was without a garage for 5 month's and lost a ton of personal items. I hadn't done anything electrical and it was kept in a garage without rodents. Yes, none of the investigating parties could find an identifiable cause. I speculate because the evidence was destroyed in the fire. If it was the power steering pump and it was incinerated, one would never know.

I'd like to hear biodiesel and sharpsicle's theories on why the fire started? Come on guys. The most reasonable explanation would be a manufacturing problem. I really just want Jeep to pay my deductible and make me whole. The request for a new Gladiator was a home run swing.

I really hope nothing like this happens to anyone else. It really sucked

If it was a manufacturing problem, it would be happening to more vehicles. At the mileage and age, it was possibly a defective part. You can't rule out rodent damage just because it was in a garage. Without any proof, you cannot reasonably expect Jeep to accept any responsibility. That is why you have insurance.

 

[biodiesel]

I'd like to hear biodiesel and sharpsicle's theories on why the fire started?

If a group of experts couldn't come to a conclusion, then I sure wouldn't want to theorize. It takes more than theories to place blame on someone. A theory is the current best explanation for a set of observed phenomena. As new evidence comes to light, that theory will either be supported, or it will fail. Even strong theories need more data before it can be proven.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m wondering how many more out there haven’t filed a complaint with the NTSB. We just did last night. So as of right now, that’s at least 10 vehicles to spontaneously combust.

For something like this - it SHOULD be reported pronto. Otherwise, it's just another local vehicle fire in the news. NHTSA has no way of knowing of these things if not reported by someone.
Doesn't matter if it's the same cause or not, or whether you believe it's the same cause or not. Numbers matter to them, otherwise it's just another vehicle fire - but get 10 or more reports of the same vehicles burning in the same way.............. and let them investigate, determine causes and so on. That's what our tax money goes for - take advantage of those services.

If a group of experts couldn't come to a conclusion, then I sure wouldn't want to theorize. It takes more than theories to place blame on someone. A theory is the current best explanation for a set of observed phenomena. As new evidence comes to light, that theory will either be supported, or it will fail. Even strong theories need more data before it can be proven.

Logic, and science! Good one.
That's exactly how it works.

You can't rule out rodent damage just because it was in a garage.

Tell me about it! I hate those meeces to pieces. And for some reason, rodents love to chew on wires and insulation. And it's not a flavor or taste, it's for dental maintenance according to true experts (not internet posters)

For a fire to start - there has to be a source of ignition. Think back to Ford pickups doing the "spontaneous combustion" thing back in the 1990s. Brake light switch! It was in the master cylinder (or was that the brake line by the master? Can't recall now) but that switch overheated and the rest is history. Ford came out with a kit to replace it with a new design, don't recall how long it too to determine the cause or how many fires there were - but that one would be a really super-easy one because of the location.

These may be caused by wiring or connectors buried deep in the engine compartment, under vinyl and plastic parts that melt and really mess things up. Anyone who has cut and burned trees and brush like I have, and tossed plastic bits in to help get the fire going know exactly what I mean - the plastic gets hot, ignites (not a big flame, more like a candle) and the burning melted bits keep dropping down, landing on other stuff and igniting the other stuff. We have the air box and tube and a lot of other plastic and wiring bits there. Better to have a fire start on the left side than the right side, IMO. Less of that plastic stuff to get drippy when burning and spread the fire all over the place. And - as the fire heats the battery area, fuse panel/PDC, whatever, now you have MORE sources of heat and ignition.

Anyway, for there to be a problem, that cable feeding the EHPS pump has to get hot enough for some reason to take off insulation, and then that cable has to make contact with ground. There has to be heat generated, or sparks generated (sparks likely wouldn't do it - there's really no fumes to ignite on these, not like my poor Javelin. Clue - don't prime a dual quad engine with the air cleaners off and have it backfire. I was lucky. )

So if it's the EHPS pump feed - for some reason, it's getting hot enough to lose insulation and then making contact with something of the opposite polarity. You can run with a wire with no insulation and be fine - it's when it touches a ground that things get stupid crazy.

 

[Sweetums]

This is why you have insurance - file with your own insurance company and get your life back. Let your insurance company handle the rest; they will deal with the investigation, Stellantis, and other insurance companies. That's what you pay them for.

The situation sucks, but being angry doesn't change what happened; it just makes your situation worse. Everyone needs to stop worrying about what might have happened; it didn't. Stop getting yourself worked up about things that didn't occur.

If someone is in the situation and is not satisfied with a settlement offer, just don't accept it. No one is forcing you to take the check if you don't like the liability claim waiver that's attached to it.

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