Jeep is facing a serious problem after a faulty over-the-air software update led to widespread malfunctions among its popular Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid vehicles. The automaker has now issued a recall affecting 24,238 units due to a software defect that can cause a complete loss of driving power. Many owners have reported severe issues, including situations where their vehicles became completely unresponsive — commonly described as “bricked.”
According to official documentation from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the root of the problem lies in a communication failure between two key systems: the Telematics Box Module (TBM) and the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP). When the connection between these components becomes unstable, the Hybrid Control Processor may attempt a reset. If this reset happens while the vehicle is in motion, the powertrain can shut down unexpectedly, leading to a sudden loss of propulsion. This failure occurs without any prior warning, posing a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers.
Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, reportedly learned about the issue on October 14, when NHTSA’s Vehicle Defect Division contacted them. The agency had received more than 200 consumer complaints and had noticed online discussions describing similar symptoms. On the same day, Transport Canada’s Defect Complaints division also reached out to Jeep, indicating that the issue wasn’t confined to the U.S. market. The Canadian agency had already received seven formal complaints and had seen numerous reports across online forums, suggesting that the software glitch was affecting vehicles on both sides of the border.
In response, Stellantis launched an internal investigation. Between October 10 and October 14, the company identified 111 customer service records, 69 field reports, and 55 other potentially related incidents. This rapid escalation underscored the urgency of the situation. While engineers are still developing a permanent fix, Jeep has released an interim software solution aimed at minimizing the risk of power loss.
Although the company hasn’t shared many details about this temporary measure, Jeep stated that the update modifies certain “backend policies” to help prevent a sudden loss of motive power. Essentially, it’s a stopgap meant to stabilize system communication while a more comprehensive repair is being finalized.
This recall highlights the growing challenges automakers face as vehicles become increasingly software-dependent. While over-the-air updates allow companies to improve performance and fix bugs remotely, they also create new opportunities for large-scale failures. For now, affected Wrangler 4xe owners are being urged to contact Jeep dealerships to ensure their vehicles receive the latest corrective update and to stay alert for further instructions once a permanent remedy becomes available.