Jeep is recalling 641 Wranglers and Gladiators in the United States, along with 42 vehicles in Canada, because the steel wheels on these 2026 models may be too thin. The automaker identified a manufacturing defect where the wheels were produced with a “thin wall condition.” This flaw increases the risk of the wheel cracking or separating from the vehicle while driving, which could cause a loss of control and lead to a crash.
The recall impacts both the 2026 Jeep Wrangler SUV and the 2026 Gladiator pickup truck. Of the 683 vehicles affected, 600 are Wranglers and 83 are Gladiators. Jeep has stated that the defect affects 100 percent of the vehicles produced with the specific wheels. This means every unit on the production line for these models is included in the safety campaign.
Owners will receive a notice in the mail advising them to bring their vehicle to a dealership. Dealerships will inspect the steel wheels and replace them, along with the valve stem, at no cost to the customer. There are no warning signs before the wheel fails, meaning the issue can happen suddenly during normal driving or off-roading.
Canadian owners can verify if their vehicle is on the list by checking the Transport Canada website using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). While the U.S. recall is already active, Transport Canada has not yet published its own equivalent announcement for the Canadian market.
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Given the potential for sudden wheel failure without any early indicators, drivers should take immediate action upon receiving their notice. The cost of repairs is covered, but the risk of a breakdown or accident remains high until the part is swapped out.
Looking at the scope of the issue, the defect affects every single vehicle equipped with the suspect wheels, which suggests a problem in the supply chain or the casting process rather than a rare anomaly. If Jeep missed this flaw during quality control for every unit, it points to a systemic issue that could potentially impact other manufacturers using similar production methods or materials. The decision to recall all affected units rather than just a percentage indicates the company views the structural integrity of the wheel as a non-negotiable safety factor.
Owners should contact a local dealership to schedule the service. Jeep has not yet announced a specific timeline for when dealerships will begin repairs, but the process involves a simple wheel replacement.
