2020–2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Recalls: California Lemon Law Rights

The 2020–2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe battery recall (FCA 68C / NHTSA 25V-741) concerns a high-voltage battery that may catch fire while parked or driving. Certain 2021–2025 Wranglers also face a separate power-steering-pump wiring fire recall (21D / 26V-363). The earlier battery remedies were superseded after FCA found the 95B repair ineffective for some vehicles. For California owners, repeat warranty repair visits, extended dealer downtime, and restrictions on charging or parking may support a lemon law claim. A recall alone does not guarantee a buyback, but even one serious safety incident can warrant an early case review. Check your VIN for both campaigns; you need not wait for another failure to seek legal advice.

Concerned about your Jeep 4xe? Request a free California lemon law case review or call (888) 536-6628. Bring any recall notices and repair orders you already have; you can ask for a review while obtaining the rest.

Recall 1: Jeep 4xe high-voltage battery fire risk (68C / 25V-741)

On October 30, 2025, FCA reported a battery recall to NHTSA, subsequently updated to 320,068 U.S. vehicles: 228,221 2020–2025 Wrangler 4xe and 91,847 2022–2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles. The revised NHTSA Part 573 report for recall 25V-741 says some battery cells may have separator damage, creating a risk of fire even when parked. These model-year ranges do not mean every vehicle has an open recall; confirm your specific VIN.

The battery history matters because FCA issued three campaigns addressing this underlying fire risk:

• B9A / 23V-787 (November 2023): Covered 32,125 2021–2023 Wrangler 4xe vehicles, using a software update and battery inspection.
• 95B / 24V-720 (September 2024): Expanded to 154,032 2020–2024 Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles. Dealers updated software and replaced battery packs when indicated.
• 68C / 25V-741 (October 2025): Expanded the population again. The new remedy uses a software update and battery diagnostic, with high-voltage battery replacement when needed. Previously repaired vehicles covered by 68C need the new remedy.

For a detailed explanation of the high-voltage battery fire risk, earlier recall remedies, and the expanded recall affecting both Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids, see our Jeep 4xe battery-fire recall guide covering B9A, 95B, and 68C.

FCA's report explains why the earlier repair was not enough. By October 13, 2025, FCA identified nine battery fires in vehicles that had already received the 95B software remedy and ten fires in vehicles outside that campaign's earlier scope, with one potentially related injury. FCA concluded the 95B remedy was ineffective at detecting certain battery abnormalities. These are FCA's reported figures as of that date, not a claim that every recalled Jeep will catch fire.

Final-remedy owner letters were scheduled beginning in December 2025. The 68C remedy is a software update followed by diagnostics and battery-pack replacement if indicated; parts availability may affect an individual repair. FCA's recall report also describes an unlimited-time, unlimited-mileage battery warranty extension for impacted customers experiencing defect-related messages. The extension is not itself a promise of a buyback or an automatic extension of every legal filing deadline.

Safety instructions: For an affected Wrangler or Grand Cherokee 4xe whose 68C repair is incomplete, FCA and NHTSA advise not charging the vehicle and parking outside, away from structures and other vehicles until the remedy is completed. Follow the recall instructions and arrange the free repair; seeking legal advice does not replace these precautions.

Recall 2: Power-steering-pump wiring fire (21D / 26V-363)

On June 4, 2026, FCA reported a second, separate fire hazard in 1,076,999 U.S. 2021–2025 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators—787,887 Wranglers and 289,112 Gladiators. The NHTSA report for recall 26V-363 identifies an electric-hydraulic power-steering-pump connection that can overheat combustible material, potentially causing a fire even with the ignition off. Drivers may also experience reduced steering assist or a service warning.

FCA reported 72 field reports potentially related to the issue, 35 confirmed at the pump connection, and one potentially related injury as of May 18, 2026. FCA's remedy is to inspect and, if needed, repair or replace affected wiring or the pump. FCA says the 21D remedy is available and advises affected owners to park away from buildings and other vehicles until repaired.

What overlaps: Certain 2021–2025 Wrangler 4xe VINs may fall under both the 68C battery recall and 21D wiring recall. A 2020 Wrangler 4xe falls within the battery campaign's model-year range, not 21D's. Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles are covered by the battery campaign, not 21D. Check NHTSA's VIN recall lookup or Mopar's recall lookup for your vehicle's status.

Do Jeep Wrangler 4xe recall repairs count as lemon law attempts?

California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Civil Code § 1790 et seq.) can require a manufacturer to repurchase or replace a qualifying vehicle when an applicable warranty nonconformity substantially impairs use, value, or safety and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of opportunities (Civil Code § 1793.2(d)(2)). A recall is not an automatic lemon law finding, but a dealer visit for a warranty-covered recall defect can be an opportunity to repair it.

Three features of the 4xe battery history are important:

1. Repeat visits for the same defect. A Wrangler 4xe presented for B9A, then 95B, then 68C may have three repair opportunities concerning the same underlying battery-fire problem. Under California jury instruction CACI 3202, presenting a vehicle to the manufacturer or authorized repair facility can count even if no repair work was performed. A visit for the separate 21D steering defect does not automatically count as another attempt to fix the battery defect. The complete records matter, including visits where the dealer could not duplicate the concern.
2. The serious-safety-defect presumption. Civil Code § 1793.22(b)(1) provides a rebuttable presumption after two or more attempts within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first, where the same defect is likely to cause death or serious injury if driven and applicable manufacturer-notice conditions are met. A battery fire while driving can present that kind of risk. Missing this narrow presumption window does not automatically defeat a lemon law claim.
3. Time at the dealer. More than 30 cumulative calendar days out of service for covered repairs within the same 18-month/18,000-mile window can independently trigger the statutory presumption, subject to statutory exceptions. Civil Code § 1793.2(b) separately addresses repair timeliness and delays beyond the manufacturer's control. Count the actual repair period, including both drop-off and pickup dates, and document any wait for an unavailable replacement battery. Days spent following a no-charge instruction while the Jeep remains at home are not automatically dealer downtime.

Notice directly to the manufacturer is required for the two- and four-attempt statutory presumptions only when the applicable disclosure requirements are met; the more-than-30-day presumption has different conditions. And the 18-month/18,000-mile rules concern presumptions, not a universal deadline to obtain a case review.

There is also a practical impairment issue: a plug-in hybrid that cannot safely be plugged in, or parked near the owner's home, may have lost a substantial part of its intended use and value. That is an argument to evaluate under Civil Code § 1793.22(e)(1), alongside the individual repair history and warranty. Even one serious fire, overheating event, or steering-assist problem warrants prompt safety action and may justify legal review; it does not by itself establish the right to a repurchase.

Already had B9A, 95B, or 68C work—or weeks waiting for a battery? Your dates and dealer records may be significant. Have us review your Jeep 4xe repair history while you continue required safety and repair steps.

FCA's California opt-in: notice and filing deadlines

FCA US LLC elected into California's AB 1755 / SB 26 lemon law procedures on April 25, 2025, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs manufacturer list. The opt-in framework includes vehicles sold in 2025 and earlier years under Code of Civil Procedure § 871.30. For a qualifying repurchase or replacement action against FCA, these procedures can affect notice, vehicle possession, and filing deadlines:

• Pre-suit notice for civil penalties. Under CCP § 871.24, a consumer seeking civil penalties generally must provide written notice at least 30 days before filing that claim, including name, VIN, a brief account of the defect and repairs, and a demand for repurchase or replacement. The statute permits specified email or certified/registered-mail delivery. FCA's DCA-listed contact email is warrantynotice@stellantis.com. The notice is not a prerequisite to asking us for advice; a qualifying repurchase or replacement suit without civil penalties may follow a different path.
• Possession and response windows. When using the civil-penalty notice procedure, the consumer must possess the vehicle when sending notice and ordinarily retain it for at least 30 days after FCA receives it, or 60 days if FCA offers a repurchase or replacement. FCA has a statutory opportunity to make a compliant offer within 30 days and complete the transaction within 60 days. Do not trade in or dispose of the Jeep without reviewing how these rules affect your situation.
• Limitations period. CCP § 871.21 generally requires an action within one year after the applicable express warranty expires and not later than six years after original delivery, with statutory tolling provisions. The scope of any high-voltage-battery warranty extension and its effect on a particular claim require individualized review. Do not assume a 2021 Jeep is automatically too old—or that unlimited battery-repair coverage leaves unlimited time to sue.

What can a Jeep 4xe lemon law buyback include?

A qualifying Song-Beverly repurchase generally addresses the vehicle purchase price or payments, applicable taxes and registration charges, remaining loan obligations, and documented incidental damages such as certain towing or rental expenses. Whether an installed Level 2 charger is recoverable depends on its relationship to the defect and proof of loss; it is not an automatic buyback item. Under CCP § 871.27, specified dealer-supplied options, service contracts, extended warranties, and GAP products may be included, while covered third-party products and negative equity can be offset.

FCA may claim a mileage-use deduction based on miles driven before the first relevant repair attempt, using the statutory 120,000-mile denominator. For example, on a hypothetical $62,000 Rubicon 4xe with 11,000 miles at that visit, the basic calculation is $62,000 × 11,000 ÷ 120,000 = approximately $5,683. Actual recoverable amounts depend on the transaction and evidence. A court may award a civil penalty for a willful violation, up to twice the applicable damages under Civil Code § 1794(c), subject to applicable procedures. A prevailing consumer may also recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs under § 1794(d).

What Jeep 4xe owners should do now

1. Follow both recall safety notices. If 68C is unrepaired, do not charge and park outside away from structures and vehicles. If 21D is unrepaired, follow its park-outside instruction. Schedule available recall repairs promptly.
2. Check your VIN with NHTSA or Mopar, and save the results and any letters. A model-year range alone is not proof of your Jeep's recall status.
3. Collect every repair order: B9A, 95B, 68C, 21D, battery diagnostics, software flashes, and battery replacement or parts-order records. Ask for technician notes as well as the customer copy.
4. Document downtime and restricted use. Record dealer drop-off and pickup dates, including both days; battery-pack delays; no-charge periods; parking restrictions; warnings; and resulting expenses.
5. Preserve communications and review proposed releases. Keep manufacturer correspondence and any goodwill offer. Do not assume a gift card or goodwill payment settles the entire legal claim; have any release reviewed before signing. Give manufacturer notice when legally required, but get advice early rather than waiting for another repair or response.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Jeep 4xe buyback program?

The 68C recall offers a free safety remedy and describes additional battery coverage; it does not itself promise every owner a voluntary repurchase. A California lemon law buyback depends on the individual warranty and repair record. You can seek a case review without first completing two repairs or receiving a manufacturer denial.

Do the 95B and 68C fixes count as two repair attempts?

They may count as separate opportunities to repair the same battery defect if your Jeep was presented to an authorized repair facility for each campaign. B9A may add another relevant opportunity. The number that is reasonable depends on the full circumstances; the steering-pump recall is a distinct defect.

Does a 'do not charge' instruction count toward 30 days out of service?

Not automatically when the vehicle remains with you. But it can be important evidence that the Jeep's use and value were impaired. Separately count days actually at the repair facility, including both drop-off and pickup dates, and save records of battery shortages.

Does the Grand Cherokee 4xe have the same recalls?

Certain 2022–2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles are included in battery recall 68C (25V-741). Steering-pump recall 21D (26V-363) covers certain Wranglers and Gladiators, not the Grand Cherokee. Verify the VIN before assuming either recall is open.

Can I seek a lemon law review if my 4xe never caught fire?

Yes. An unresolved safety risk, repeated battery repair visits, extended dealer downtime, or serious restrictions on normal use may justify a review without an actual fire. One serious incident also may warrant review, although neither a recall nor a single event automatically proves a buyback claim.

Must I notify FCA before contacting an attorney or filing suit?

No notice to FCA is needed before contacting an attorney. Under the opted-in California procedures, specific pre-suit notice is generally required to seek civil penalties; a repurchase or replacement action without civil penalties may be filed without that notice if other statutory conditions are met. Separate direct-notice conditions may affect certain repair-attempt presumptions. Have the correct notice procedure assessed before filing.

Request a California Jeep 4xe case review

If your Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe has a battery recall, repeated repairs, charging restrictions, or significant time waiting for parts, request a free case review or call (888) 536-6628. We can review the defect history, warranty, and deadlines while you pursue the required safety repairs and any legally necessary manufacturer notice. No recall or repair history guarantees a particular legal outcome.

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Recall figures are drawn from U.S. NHTSA and FCA records; whether a recall remains open depends on the individual vehicle's VIN and repair status.