Jeep Wrangler 4xe Owners Still Waiting for Answers a Week after an Update Bricked Their Cars
Posted by TripleShotPls@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 82 comments
OG55OC@reddit
Lol just stellantis things
bonestamp@reddit
It's not isolated to Stellantis. Tesla has done this more times than Stellantis.
snoo-boop@reddit
Never in 12 years for me.
bonestamp@reddit
That's awesome. It looks like most Wrangler 4xe users didn't get this one either. Personal experience is just anecdotal though -- if you google Tesla bricks you'll find it has happened multiple times. Never a large part of the fleet since they doing rolling updates, which is why it hasn't happened to you... they catch it before it happens to a large number of owners. The same thing happened in this case with Jeep. Tesla is great, but I don't understand why it's so controversial to state the fact that they screw up sometimes too.
-SUBW00FER-@reddit
I looked those up. Almost all the examples of Teslas "bricking" is the 12V LV battery dying in the middle of an update.
Thats like saying my gas car is "bricked" because the 12V battery died and the car wont start.
bonestamp@reddit
That's awesome. It looks like most Wrangler 4xe users didn't get this one either. But if you google Tesla bricks you'll find it has happened multiple times.
cakefaice1@reddit
weird af whataboutism.
bonestamp@reddit
It's not whataboutism, it's a correction -- OP said it was a Stellantis thing and it's not just a Stellantis thing.
OG55OC@reddit
For the record I’m saying complete incompetence is a stellantis thing, not bricking cars with OTA updates.
gumol@reddit
How many times?
ShadowInTheAttic@reddit
I think you're confusing quality issues with software/firmware updates.
bonestamp@reddit
I know most Tesla owners have not experienced it, but a quick google search shows that Tesla bricked some cars this year, some in 2024, some in 2023, then I stopped reading because that's already more than once. I wasn't trying to say that Tesla was bad, I was just disputing the accuracy of the claim that this is "just Stellantis things". Since Tesla does way more OTA than anyone else, it's easy to find examples for Tesla and as a percentage, Tesla probably still has a much better OTA success rate than Stellantis since they do so many more OTAs than Stellantis.
AmySchumersAnalTumor@reddit
more
Fabulously-humble@reddit
Much more.
Rethling@reddit
The most. Nobody is doing it more than Tesla.
bonestamp@reddit
Take a guess and then I'll tell you.
cocobear114@reddit
false
red_simplex@reddit
I don't think 0 times is more than one.
kyonkun_denwa@reddit
I always wondered who bought anything electrified from Stellantis. Like the company can never seem to produce an electrified car that isn't riddled with issues.
Then I went over to the EV subs and was like "oh, it's YOU idiots!"
BendMain1054@reddit
I tried to lease-back a Grand Cherokee 4xe because I had a dwindling trade and essentially wanted the clunker off the books to drive a very inexpensive (or free) car for a few years. I figured “I won’t own it, so who cares?”
Wasted a few days with a few dealerships who basically all tried to convince me to buy it because it “wasn’t leasing well at the moment,” I.e. bad money factor/residual calculation.
I was like so let me get this straight… the cars that won’t sell, that barely work, for a brand who is a laughing stock… don’t lease well? I basically laughed and just told the one sales guy I liked “idk what to tell you man, you’ve got to go sell BMWs or something.” Obviously not buying the car I just explained I’m only considering driving because I know it’s a POS and want it cheap and won’t own it.
natesully33@reddit
I bought mine because it's the only electrified legit off-roader year one, the idea of a PHEV Wranger really appealed to me. I figured there would be hiccups, and there were - like most owners I had the electric coolant heater fail a few times before the latest rev of the part fixed things permanently - and it's been fine for years since. I've had it on quite a few trails and road trips and it hasn't let me down 4+ years in after that fix.
I'm just not that afraid of new, warrantied cars from any big automaker. It'll either work, get fixed for free, or get lemon'ed. I'm also pretty competent and can fix things myself quite a bit of the time, though not gonna lie working on EV stuff does seem a bit scary. Most importantly I have multiple vehicles and don't drive where getting stranded is actually dangerous, of course, I'm not going to do extreme overlanding in my Wrangler.
Obviously don't buy a Stellantis vehicle and expect Toyota reliability, just like you don't expect German build quality from Tesla. But I've owned both, and thanks to setting my expectations correctly, have been happy like I am with pretty much every car I've ever owned. After all, isn't buying less-than-optimal cars that offer new and interesting experiences the definition of "enthusiast"? You won't get a fully locked powertrain and electric power from anything else out there (yet?).
RFK_Cum_Regimen@reddit
EV bros don't know exactly strike me as auto-adept consumers.
RichardNixon345@reddit
While I enjoy poking fun as much as the next person, I'm not sure a Kia owner should be judging people for buying from an incompetent company.
kyonkun_denwa@reddit
Touché.
However, in my defence, I kind of just fell into owning that car. My wife used to have an F56 Mini Cooper, which was great. Unfortunately it was totalled right at the height of the COVID car shortage. My wife's uncle was moving back to Taiwan, he had a super cheap lease with a super cheap buyout, and he offered to assign it to us. The total cost was thousands less than anything else, even other Kias, and I figured $7,000 in savings put to the stock market in 2022 could more than pay for a new engine IF the 2.0L Nu suffered a failure. So far I've been right about the stock market, the engine hasn't died, and I've gained a great little runabout that has tons of headroom and cargo room for the footprint.
Also... and I hate calling people out based on their flairs, but those who live in glass (Ford) houses should not be casting stones. Let us not forget the 3.8 Essex, the AXOD, the PowerShift, the 3-valve Triton, the 6F35/8F35, the 3.5L EcoBoost that bricks itself with its own water pump, the 1.0L EcoBoost with the wet belt (WTF)... like if we're talking about incompetence, Ford's had some real doozies.
FailingAtNiceness@reddit
They're so quirky
Frequently_lucky@reddit
It's a feature not a bug
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
This article is lying - the update was only available for a few hours at most before they pulled it, and the fix for it was pushed roughly 24 hours afterwards...
UnexpectedFisting@reddit
I mean if your car is bricked, it doesn’t matter if an update was pushed later to fix it. It’s bricked and needs to go into the dealer
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
That's part of why this is a lie, the cars weren't bricked, they experienced intermittent failures and were still capable of receiving the fix.
ConsistentFatigue@reddit
Source?
mimo_s@reddit
Just ask Chat GPT. At this time it’s way smarter than you in particular lol
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
I experienced this issue personally (and was following it all in real time) - at no point were the cars bricked, you could always drive them (while risking the loss of driving power) and/or turn them on to receive the OTA updates
ConsistentFatigue@reddit
Anecdotal, got it. Can you share where you were following this that will explain no other cars were bricked?
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
It's not anecdotal lol, Jeep's official fix is "turn them on for 10 minutes so they can get the fix" - if they were bricked, that would not be possible.
ConsistentFatigue@reddit
I’ll try again. Source?
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
It is quoted in this thread
ConsistentFatigue@reddit
Why are you being so coy about this? Sorry I’m misinformed but I don’t see a single link in the 57 comments. All I’ve seen in the news is about how bad the issue was. Can’t even ask for info on Reddit without every random Redditor just says trust me bro
woodsides@reddit
Yeah that's called being bricked mate.
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
Bricked implies no way of being used/fixed, whereas they could both still be driven AND fixed...
woodsides@reddit
And would you be willing to drive a vehicle that could get bricked at any second on the highway?
Public_Fucking_Media@reddit
There was also an interim fix (just run it in gas mode) that worked for a lot of people, I'm not sure if it was 100% but it seemed like it... Worked for me at least.
AmazingELF74@reddit
Not bricked but definitely not safe to drive
UnexpectedFisting@reddit
Ah you’re correct
“The vehicle needs to be turned on in an area with good cellular coverage, and owners are advised to leave the vehicle on for at least 10 minutes and then turn the vehicle off and back on, as well as check to see that there is no code or fault in the instrument cluster.”
MrG@reddit
Good'ol "Did you try turning it off and back on again?"
strongmanass@reddit
These guys are on it.
bobmclightning@reddit
My 4xe is still bricked and at the dealership. "Fixed" once then failed again and towed back to the dealership and now they are having a tech from Stellantis come down because they aren't able to fix it.
steamerport@reddit
Mine is still in the shop, fun times.
Percolator2020@reddit
After all, the 4xe is the most environmentally friendly Jeep.
bonestamp@reddit
That's the biggest problem here. Software is going to go wrong sometimes. They canceled the update after they realized it bricked some cars, so it sounds like they were doing a phased rollout -- that's good. But a Friday push? WTF?
It's the weekend by the time they realized there was a problem. Most engineers do not come to work or check email on the weekend, so trying to get a fix started is very challenging.
For this reason, we have a hard rule at our company around software releases, "No Friday Deployments". Managers have tried to make exceptions to this rule but we stand firm for their benefit, ours, and our customers. We schedule all of our deployments for Tuesday, with the option to push to Wednesday at the latest. Then, if something goes wrong, we roll it back immediately and we've got everyone there for at least two more days to fix any damage that was done before the rollback. That said, it's been years since we've had to do a rollback. Careful engineering and good testing are key.
aprtur@reddit
Completely agree with you, and this is where the auto industry is really in the press for getting up to speed with IT norms. They are traditionally slow, plodding things, and management is wildly variable from one company to another, and even business unit to business unit, so you'll have some good managers that follow what you're mentioning, and others who micromanage and drive their reports into the ground - whom I then can't blame too much if they say "screw it, I'm doing what the boss says and if anything goes wrong, it's on them". It feels like quality control and accountability are really something one needs to stand up for of their own volition anymore in the US - management is too focused on rushing stuff out the door to meet this month's KPIs.
12CylindersSoundBest@reddit
I HATE the connected car.
Imagine if we could have electric cars without a 5G connection, data harvesting, or touch-screen infotainment.
roox911@reddit
The most reddit car comment ever. I can imagine it - it would sell about a 1000 units and be relegated to the dustbin. People would complain it's almost the same cost as a fully featured model as these tech options don't actually save much from a manufacturing standpoint.
Can I get a stick shift while I'm at it? Surely the masses want that as well!
RiftHunter4@reddit
Most people never use their car's cellular connection because they are already paying for a cell phone. They only get used for updates and stealing private data. Honestly, manufacturers could save themselves a lot of headache by getting rid of it.
roox911@reddit
Telematics are integrated into every ev made... They may not know they are using it, but it's being used constantly.
mosehalpert@reddit
Well sure anyone can cobble together some car/ cloud abomination.... just like anyone can throw a stick shift on an electric car, right? Or you just integrate the telematics into the computer that's already in the car??
SnootDoctor@reddit
Touch screen infotainment maybe, but I don’t think the vast majority of consumers would care about their car not having a cellular connection, especially once they know manufacturers are collecting data from their cars.
And yeah, can we get a stick shift?? This is r/cars.
Buffstang@reddit
This is one of many reasons I have no plans on getting rid of my 2017 stick-shift car. I’m not going to pay for a bunch of low-quality “tech” that will eventually fail, and can fail the entire car. If anything, this “tech” makes cars worse.
roox911@reddit
Dudes talking about EVs mate.
Connected is just a part of it, and stick shift will never be a thing for them...
_brandname_official@reddit
You're probably right, but Toyota/Lexus did make an AE86 EV concept build using an old Levin with a motor and battery from a Lexus Hybrid and a 6 speed from a GR86 so it is theoretically possible
roox911@reddit
Not my argument though, but yeah, sure it's possible to cobble something together.
12CylindersSoundBest@reddit
You're right, and I know you're right.I wouldn't say it's the most reddit comment, but the most short-sighted "enthusiast" take if I'm honest.
Deep down I know it would be a catastrophic failure because the OEM's build what the public indicates they'll buy, not the other way around (like the good ol'days). I still get to be indignant and pissed off about it thought; don't spoil that for me.
ConsistentFatigue@reddit
Hey guys, we can’t express an opinion unless it matches with what the manufacturer would actually do! Roox911 just said so!
testthrowawayzz@reddit
Especially the reality of OTA updates is management pushing for MVP software/push first, fix later (or never)
AwesomeBantha@reddit
Touchscreen infotainment is fine but I personally don’t want my car to have network access. If I ever get car that’s new enough to connect to a network that’s still active, I’m just gonna disable the antenna. Not gonna download an app or create an account with the automaker either.
Plastic_Willow734@reddit
I imagine the new trend in Luxury cars will be returning to early-mid 2010s interior design. You’re def getting tracked still though
DudeWhereIsMyDuduk@reddit
Took me waiting 6 months to order the manual JLUR I wanted and I regret none of the waiting.
Scrantonicity_02@reddit
It’s a Jeep thing…you wouldn’t understand
_galaga_@reddit
Cool concept but terrible execution has pretty much ruined the 4xe generation of vehicles at least in reputation. From the forum stories before this it was a roll of the dice on whether you got a good one or a bad one but now you can’t run and can’t hide from a bricking OTA update. I’m a Jeep fan but for fucks sake get your shit together.
bonestamp@reddit
It's too bad, I had a rental Wrangler 4xe and I was really impressed with the powertrain... I couldn't believe how smooth it was transitioning between gas and electric, and of course having the benefits of each in the right situation for each. I hope they figure it out because if they were all like that then it's a great product.
_galaga_@reddit
I rented several over the last year and a half, too, and I liked the flexibility. EV mode in wildlife areas is really cool. The rumors of an upgraded PHEV system for ‘26 (which have gone silent now) were encouraging, too. More range, more power, and a chance to improve reliability with a beefier ZF unit. But at the rate they’re going, between the reliability issues and move back to ICE elsewhere in Stellantis, it’s looking like a dead end.
peakdecline@reddit
I don't think they're stopping on the PHEV stuff. They're certainly still moving on the EREV stuff too.
Supposedly the Gladiator 4XE was killed due to reliability concerns with the current 4XE iteration. I suspect they just want to make sure the next release is not as problematic. I do believe Stellantis is concerned about how the 4XE issues hurt their perception with new customers AND it was quite costly handling warranties and recalls.
_galaga_@reddit
My doubt about the 4xe gen 2 comes from the lack of follow up from the rumors earlier this year along with the refocus on ICE and tax credit situation. I can see them deciding to pause for now and the continual reliability issues aren’t helping. It’s not what I’d prefer to happen but I can see that happening from a corporate PoV.
In a typical year the ‘26 MY info would’ve dropped by now, too, I think, which adds to the doubt. If it was releasing soon I’d expect them to tout the next gen tech as a solution for the reliability issues (optimistically assuming it’s better).
I hope I’m wrong, of course, but I’m looking at it a little skeptically now.
CyanDGK@reddit
Both the hybrid components of the 4xe system and the actual ICE drivetrain are still fairly problematic, I’m pretty sure there have been at least three major recalls that required all the hybrid control modules to be reflashed with one requiring it to be driven in order to verify the battery pack wasn’t gonna spontaneously combust. The electric coolant heater used to maintain coolant temps with engine off also seem to go bad every 10-15k and can permanently self disable itself depending on what DTCs are set. Warranty times to replace them aren’t bad as a technician since you do have to power down the high voltage system to service pretty much anything on the Wranglers and WL Grand Cherokees.
zerosystem03@reddit
Also had one for a week...It had lots of cool factor but I thought it was awful to drive. Powertrain was fine, interior was much nicer than expected, but that was the numbest front end of any car I've driven
RBeck@reddit
IDK what's worse, a car company that thinks it's a software company, or a software company that thinks it's a car company.
bwoah_gimmethedrink@reddit
The level of incompetence in the car industry when it comes to IT-related things is staggering... and you're supposed to believe them that personal data you share when you use the infotainment will be safe.
ikilledtupac@reddit
I know a guy who hated his so much he returned it a year early from lease and just paid the lease off 😂
ScienceMechEng_Lover@reddit
Anyone stupid enough to buy a FCA car deserves this lol.
carbon_ape@reddit
Kinda glad the jeep plant being moved to USA. Let’s make actual quality vehicles in Canada. Bring on Japanese and Chinese EVs
Rdub@reddit
The wildest part of this to me is the freaking update that caused people's cars to get bricked was for the "Telematics" system. So an update, the users never asked for, and that was most likely intended to allow Stellantis to better spy upon and harvest data from their customers, caused customer's vehicles to become inoperable. What a wild world we live in...
CrispityCraspits@reddit
SINATRA (Stellantis Is Never A Truly Reasonable Answer)
TripleShotPls@reddit (OP)
First time ever seeing or hearing this, and it's worth the LOL.