More than 780,000 Jeep Wranglers, Gladiators under investigation for risk of fire, even when they're off

(WWJ) — Federal safety regulators are investigating nearly 800,000 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators because of a potential fire hazard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation on those Jeeps from model years 2021-2023 after getting multiple reports of fires under the hood.

NHTSA has received nine reports of fires, with one injury. The investigation covers more than 781,000 Wranglers and Gladiators.

The investigation is focusing on a connector in the power steering pump, according to WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert

Gilbert says while there has been no recall ordered yet, safety experts say owners of the under-investigation Jeeps should park them outside. Gilbert said it’s too early to tell if the investigation will lead to a recall.

Many of the reported fires have happened while the Jeeps were parked, with the ignition off, according to CBT News . One incident, according to the outlet, happened in New Jersey, where a 2021 Wrangler began smoking and caught fire within 10 minutes, forcing those inside to evacuate.

In Arizona, a 2021 Wrangler with under 2,000 miles on it caught fire while driving, according to the outlet, while a 2022 Gladiator parked for more than two weeks in Washington caught fire without any warning signs.

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