Uconnect Update Leads to Stranded Cars

By James Chevrette and Amy Gilroy

Retailers may want to reach out to their Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid customers and warn them of a recent Uconnect infotainment system problem.

Stellantis pushed out an over-the-air telematics update this past weekend for Uconnect in the 4xe hybrids, which resulted in bricking the entire vehicle.

Cars lost power while driving, becoming stranded, according to arstechnica and users on social media.

 Unfortunately, the failure doesn’t happen immediately, and so the cars lose power later on while driving.

Jeep has cautioned owners not to download the update and not to use the vehicle in hybrid or electric mode if the update was already downloaded, said arstechnica.

Retailers will want to be aware of the issue in case a customer returns to blame you for the problem. Also, while the issue is not directly related to the aftermarket, a friendly email warning customers of the problem is an opportunity to stay connected with clients.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid has sold in significant numbers in recent years.  In Q1 2024, the 4xe accounted for about half the Wranglers sold in the quarter, amounting to 19,000 4xe’s, according to AutoGuide. And 4xe sales have grown by about 38 percent this year, said Accio.

See more at arstechnica and Jeeps On the Run.

Photo from Jeeps On the Run