Jeep is recalling a small number of 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator models after discovering that certain steel wheels may not meet manufacturing specifications. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected wheels could crack or separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall covers 641 vehicles built during a limited production period in November 2025. Of those, 606 are Jeep Wrangler SUVs, while the remaining 35 are Gladiator pickup trucks.
Federal safety documents state that the issue involves steel wheels produced with a thin-wall condition. The reduced material thickness could weaken the wheel under normal driving conditions, potentially leading to cracking or even separation.
Although no crashes, injuries, or warranty claims have been linked to the defect, Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, is recalling the affected vehicles as a precaution. Owners will be asked to visit their local dealership for a free inspection and repair if necessary.
Manufacturing Defect Prompted Investigation
According to the NHTSA recall report, Stellantis first became aware of the issue in December 2025 after identifying concerns with a batch of steel wheels. The automaker launched an internal investigation, with its Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance team reviewing the problem over several months.
The investigation determined that some wheels manufactured during a specific production window did not meet the required wall thickness. Because wheel strength is critical to maintaining vehicle stability, Stellantis decided a safety recall was necessary.
Risk Of Wheel Cracking
The recall notice warns that wheels affected by the thin-wall condition may crack during operation. In more severe cases, the wheel could separate, reducing the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
NHTSA says compromised vehicle control can increase the likelihood of a crash without prior warning. While the issue is limited to a relatively small number of vehicles, Jeep is encouraging affected owners to have the repair completed as soon as possible.
Free Inspection And Wheel Replacement
Jeep dealers will inspect the steel wheels installed on recalled vehicles and replace any defective components free of charge. As part of the repair, technicians will also replace the associated valve stems when necessary.
The recall applies only to vehicles equipped with the affected steel wheels manufactured during the identified production period. NHTSA documents do not indicate that any specific Wrangler or Gladiator trim level is more likely to be affected.
Owners Should Check Their VIN
Owners can determine whether their Wrangler or Gladiator is included in the recall by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall database or by contacting a Jeep dealership.
While the number of affected vehicles is relatively small compared with many recent recalls, the issue shows the importance of manufacturing quality control for critical safety components. Until the inspection and any required repairs are completed, owners of affected vehicles may wish to avoid demanding off-road use or other situations that place additional stress on the wheels.