Jeep Software Update Leaves Hybrid Wranglers Stranded
Owners of the American Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid found themselves in an awkward position this week. After an official software update, several cars simply refused to move, as if the technology had decided to take an unscheduled holiday.
Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, rolled out a new software package for the Uconnect infotainment system across the United States. It was meant to improve connectivity and ease of use. Instead, it did the opposite. Forums and social media quickly filled with complaints claiming that the update triggered system errors that crippled not only the display but also the vehicle’s core functions.
Some drivers said the faults appeared mid-journey, even at motorway speeds. Warning lights flashed across the dashboard like a Christmas tree, the engine management system failed, and the car came to a halt.
Early reports suggest that the update package may have been sent out over the air incomplete or with insufficient verification. Jeep representatives urged customers not to install it, but many owners said their vehicles carried out the update automatically without asking for consent.
The company moved quickly to issue a fix, promising that the corrected version would resolve the problem. The updated software is now being distributed.
