The Portugal division of Stellantis has ordered 357 Jeep vehicles off the road for immediate inspection, part of a global recall affecting more than 1.3 million Wranglers and Gladiators due to a fire hazard that persists even when cars are parked and turned off.
Why This Matters
• Local impact: 357 owners in Portugal will be contacted directly by Stellantis to schedule inspection and repair of the electrical connection to the power steering pump.
• Fire risk while parked: Defective wiring can overheat combustible materials even when the ignition is off, prompting Stellantis to advise parking outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles.
• Inspection failure: Missing a mandatory recall repair in Portugal now results in automatic failure at the next periodic vehicle inspection—introduced earlier this year.
• Timeline: A fix is expected to be available by July at the latest; owners must wait for official notification before booking service.
What's Behind the Global Recall
The Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure confirmed that the issue centers on faulty electrical connections in the electro-hydraulic power steering pump fitted to Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models produced between 2021 and 2025. In rare circumstances, the wiring can overheat, igniting nearby materials and triggering a fire—regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary.
Globally, the recall encompasses approximately 1.08 million vehicles in the United States, with an additional 253,000 spread across Canada, Mexico, and other markets. Portugal's 357 units represent a small fraction of the total, but the local regulatory framework means owners face tangible consequences if they ignore the recall notice.
According to statements provided to Portuguese automotive media, Stellantis will "verify and, if necessary, repair or replace the electrical connection and/or the electro-hydraulic power steering pump." The company has reported one potential injury linked to the defect, though no fatalities or accidents have been confirmed as of today.
How Portugal's New Recall Rule Changes the Game
Since earlier this year, Portuguese vehicle owners who fail to respond to mandatory recalls face automatic failure at their next periodic inspection. This regulation, enforced by Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT), means that ignoring a recall notice can ground a car until the defect is resolved.
For the 357 Jeep owners affected by this latest action, the stakes are clear: once Stellantis issues the formal notification, scheduling a repair becomes non-negotiable. The inspection system cross-references outstanding recall orders against vehicle registration data, making compliance effectively compulsory.
What Residents Should Do
If you own a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator from model years 2021 through 2025 in Portugal, take the following steps:
Check your VIN: Visit the Stellantis Portugal website or contact a local Jeep dealership to confirm whether your vehicle is included in the recall.
Park outdoors: Until the repair is completed, avoid parking in garages, carports, or near other vehicles and structures.
Watch for warning signs: If you notice smoke, a burning smell, or dashboard alerts related to the power steering system, stop driving immediately and contact a dealer.
Wait for official notification: Stellantis will send letters to registered owners. Do not attempt DIY fixes; the repair must be performed by an authorized service center.
Book early: With 357 vehicles requiring attention in Portugal and millions globally, dealership capacity may be stretched once the fix becomes available.
Taking Action on the Recall
The immediate priority for the 357 affected vehicle owners in Portugal is to wait for and respond to notification letters from Stellantis. Owners who receive notification should treat them as urgent—not only for their own safety but also to comply with the new Portuguese inspection requirements. Until the repair is completed, parking your vehicle outdoors and away from structures is essential to minimize fire risk.
