Cody U. 
The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe has been an exciting vehicle since its debut in September of 2020. Since then it has added more options and trims to the platform including a Willys version as recent as this year. Sadly, the plug-in hybrid Jeep is experiencing some software issues so bad it’s turning off the vehicles without warning according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Jeep has issued a voluntary recall on Wrangler 4Xe’s built between Sept. 2 2020 and August 17. 2022.
According to the NHTSA bulletin, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain software issue is caused by “diagnostic reactions to faults caused by loss of communication” resulting in engine shutdown and power loss while driving. To make things a little more scary, Jeep has said that all 62,909 units built in the previously mentioned time frame are 100% affected, so if it hasn’t happened to you yet, it’s only a matter of time. All in all the company is aware of two accidents and one injury caused by the software issue. There have also already been 112 customer service records, 196 warranty claims, and 65 reports from the road all linked to the software malfunction.
On the lighter side of things, the newer model Wrangler 4Xe’s have already received the necessary software update to the affected components including the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor, and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor and are unaffected. Jeep says it will start alerting dealers and customers January 12th of 2023 with details on how, when, and where to schedule service appointments. The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe powered by its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder coupled with a pair of electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack produces a healthy 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Hopefully the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe (Jeeps other plug-in hybrid) is able to elude the software slip-up, but only time will tell.
