Jeep Wrangler 4xe Problems: Battery Recalls, Charging Issues and What to Check Before Buying

The biggest Jeep Wrangler 4xe problem is its high-voltage battery. NHTSA recall 25V-741, filed in October 2025, covers 2020 to 2025 Wrangler 4xe and 2022 to 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles (320,068 in total) because the battery may fail internally and start a fire while parked or driving. Owners are told to park outside, away from structures, and not to charge until the dealer has updated the battery software and replaced the pack if needed. It supersedes two earlier recalls for the same defect, 23V-787 and 24V-720, and vehicles already repaired under those need the new remedy too.

Beyond the battery, the 4xe (the plug-in hybrid JL Wrangler with a 2.0L turbo engine) has recalls for loss of drive power, engine failure from internal debris, and power steering pump wiring fires. The everyday complaints owners report most are charging faults and confusion about when electric mode is available. Here is what each problem is, which years it affects, and what to check before buying one used.

Every major Wrangler 4xe recall at a glance

All campaign numbers, years and vehicle counts below come from NHTSA’s recall records. Counts include every model in the campaign.

Several of these had interim notices before a final fix was ready. NHTSA’s record for 25V-766, for example, says the first owner letters went out in May 2026 and further letters will follow once the final remedy is available. Check the current status for your VIN rather than assuming a remedy exists.

The battery fire recalls explained

The three battery recalls describe the same defect: the high-voltage battery can fail internally and lead to a fire whether the vehicle is parked or moving. Each one widened the population and changed the remedy.

• 23V-787 started with about 32,000 2021 to 2023 Wrangler 4xe models.
• 24V-720 expanded to about 154,000 vehicles, adding the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
• 25V-741 expanded again, to 320,068 vehicles, and NHTSA’s record says vehicles fixed under either earlier recall need the new remedy.

Until the latest remedy is done, the advice is the same: do not charge, and park outside and away from buildings. That defeats the point of a plug-in hybrid for daily use, but the vehicle still drives on the gas engine in Hybrid or eSave mode. If you are waiting on parts, ask the dealer in writing about the status and any interim assistance Stellantis offers; policies have varied by recall and over time.

Loss of drive power

Several separate issues can make a 4xe lose propulsion. Recall 22V-865 covered 2021 to 2023 models where a communication fault could shut the engine down; the fix changed the software so the vehicle drops into limp-home mode instead. In July 2024, NHTSA opened Recall Query RQ24-012 after 68 owner reports of loss of motive power on 2021 to 2024 4xe models, including vehicles that had the 22V-865 remedy and vehicles outside its scope. NHTSA listed that query as open.

Recall 25V-710 adds a software error from an over-the-air update on 2023 to 2025 models, and 25V-766 covers internal engine debris on 2024 and 2025 models that can cause engine failure. Reduced power can also come from the ordinary limp mode that gas Wranglers use, which the traction control light and loss of power guide explains. If your 4xe shows a red “Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” message, Jeep’s hybrid supplement lists it as a red warning: pull over safely and call for service.

Charging problems

Charging is where most everyday 4xe frustration comes from. The basics from Jeep’s 2022 Wrangler 4xe hybrid supplement:

• The charge port is the standard SAE J1772 connector.
• The supplied Level 1 cord plugs into a grounded 120-volt household outlet. Jeep estimates about 12 hours from nearly empty.
• Level 2 (240-volt) takes about 2 hours from nearly empty. Jeep recommends a 40-amp Level 2 charger for home installation.
• Charging stops while the hood is open.

When a 4xe will not charge, work through the likely causes in order:

1. Open recall. If your VIN has an open battery recall, you should not be charging at all until it is repaired. Check your VIN first.
2. The outlet or circuit. Ground fault protection tripping, a shared circuit or a long extension cord commonly interrupt Level 1 charging. Try a dedicated outlet.
3. The charger or cable. Test at a public Level 2 station. If it charges there, the problem is at home.
4. Hood open or hood switch fault. The hood switch blocks charging and electric mode by design.
5. Charging module software. FCA’s TSB 08-049-23 reprogrammed the integrated dual charging module on 2022 Wrangler 4xe models where the check engine light came on with internal charging module codes and the vehicle would not charge. A dealer can check whether any update applies to your VIN.

When electric mode is not available (and why that is normal)

Many 4xe “problems” are the system protecting itself. Jeep’s hybrid supplement lists reasons electric mode may be unavailable:

• Cold. Some systems need warm-up below 32°F, or below 15°F in Electric mode, and the engine heats the cabin more efficiently below 15°F.
• Drive selections. eSave almost always runs the engine, and Hybrid mode in 4WD Low runs the engine too.
• High power or high speed. Pressing hard on the pedal or sustained high speed brings in the engine.
• Heat. The battery, motors or contactors over temperature trigger temporary protection.
• Hood open or a hood switch fault.
• Stale fuel and oil. The 4xe has a Fuel and Oil Refresh Mode that runs the engine if it has not run for a long time.

The EPA rates the 2021 to 2025 Wrangler 4xe at 22 miles of electric range. Cold weather, heavy tires, lifts and highway speeds all cut into it. For winter tips, see Wrangler upgrades for winter driving. If the check engine light comes on alongside a mode message, Jeep says to see a dealer.

Engine and cooling items shared with the 2.0L turbo

The 4xe uses the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, and some fixes for that engine include the plug-in version. FCA’s Customer Satisfaction Notification ZD8 covers loose coolant inlet tube fasteners on 2021 and 2022 JL Wranglers with the 2.0L, including the PHEV engine code, which can cause a coolant leak and, if ignored, overheating. The related service bulletin 07-001-22 covers 2018 to 2021 models. More on this in Jeep Wrangler overheating.

The 4xe also has a 12-volt battery that runs the electronics and wakes the hybrid system. A weak 12-volt battery can stop a 4xe from going into Ready mode even when the high-voltage battery is charged. See why a Jeep Wrangler won’t start for how to tell the difference.

What to check before buying a used Wrangler 4xe

1. Run the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and on Mopar’s recall search. NHTSA shows open safety recalls; Mopar also shows service campaigns and customer satisfaction notifications.
2. Get proof that 25V-741 has been completed, and not only 23V-787 or 24V-720. Ask whether the battery pack was replaced and get the dealer repair order.
3. Confirm 26V-363, 25V-766 and 25V-710 status where they apply to that model year.
4. Test charging on both a household outlet and a Level 2 charger. Watch that it starts, stays charging, and the percentage climbs.
5. Check the cluster for warnings at startup and during a drive: Hybrid Electric Vehicle System Service, Plug Status Fault and Torque Limited are red warnings in Jeep’s supplement.
6. Look at electric range on a full charge in mild weather. A figure far below the 22-mile EPA rating on a stock Jeep deserves a question.
7. Ask for service records including software updates, oil changes (the engine still needs them), and any coolant leak repairs.
8. Check the high-voltage battery warranty terms with a dealer for that VIN, since coverage depends on in-service date.

The oil still needs changing even if the engine rarely runs; how to reset oil life on a Jeep Wrangler covers the interval and the reset. Plan for the extra weight when towing too; the Wrangler towing capacity guide explains how ratings differ by configuration. For the full recall and problem history across every JK and JL model year, see Jeep Wrangler problems by year, and keep up with the rest of the routine using the Wrangler maintenance checklist.