Jeep Wrangler 4xe Owners Report Bricked Cars After Software Update

Jeep Wrangler 4xe owners are still waiting for answers after a software update bricked their cars last week. The update, intended to patch the vehicle's telematics system, scrambled the digital brain of many cars, causing issues with power terrain and rendering some vehicles inoperable. Jeep has pushed a second update to revert the software to the previous version, but owners remain without their cars entirely, having towed them to dealerships for a fix.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe owners are still grappling with significant issues following a recent software update that left many vehicles inoperable. The update, intended to patch the vehicle's telematics system, inadvertently caused power issues, rendering some vehicles unable to operate. Jeep has since pushed out a second update to revert the software to its previous state, but owners remain without their cars as they await repairs at dealerships.

The initial software update, distributed over the weekend, was intended to address issues within the Uconnect infotainment system. However, it appears to have caused a more severe problem, with reports of powertrain failures and loss of power while driving. Some owners experienced these issues at low speeds near their homes, while others encountered them at highway speeds, leading to stranded vehicles and potential safety concerns.

Jeep has acknowledged the issue and has since pulled the problematic update. Owners who have not yet installed the update are advised to ignore the update pop-up and avoid using either hybrid or electric modes if they have already updated their vehicles. A second update was pushed out yesterday to revert the software to its previous state.

The incident highlights the risks associated with over-the-air software updates, particularly when they are distributed without adequate testing. The timing of the update, on a Friday afternoon, has also been criticized for potentially exacerbating the problem, as it may have caught some owners off guard.

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, has not yet provided a timeline for when affected vehicles will be fully repaired. Owners are currently towing their vehicles to dealerships for fixes, incurring additional expenses and inconvenience.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and clear communication in the deployment of software updates, particularly for vehicles that rely on digital systems for their operation. As of now, the exact number of affected vehicles is not yet known, but it is clear that the issue has caused significant disruption for many Jeep Wrangler 4xe owners.