Jeep class action alleges some models prone to underhood fires

Jeep class action overview: 

• Who: A Jeep driver is suing FCA US LLC.
• Why: The plaintiff claims the automaker knowingly sold Jeeps that are prone to underhood fires.
• Where: The class action was filed in a Michigan federal court.

A Jeep owner has filed a class action lawsuit against FCA US LLC claiming the company knowingly sold Jeep vehicles that are prone to underhood fires. 

Jeep owner Stan Paris filed the class action complaint against FCA on Jan. 7 in a Michigan federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

The lawsuit targets 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler, 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator, and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. Paris, a Pennsylvania resident, says he purchased a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4XE in July 2024. 

According to the complaint, Paris and other owners face ongoing risks due to defects in the vehicles’ power steering pump electrical connector or high-voltage battery. These flaws allegedly can result in spontaneous underhood fires, even when the vehicles are parked or turned off.

Paris says his claims are backed up by federal watchdogs. In September 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into over 781,000 affected Jeep models following multiple complaints, including at least one incident that caused injuries, he says.

The NHTSA’s recall notices and consumer alerts underscore the severity of the issue, Paris says, stating that he and other Jeep owners are left with vehicles that “could catch fire at any second.”

Automaker failed to resolve fire risks despite investigation, lawsuit alleges

Paris says a recall followed the investigation in late September, with the automaker allegedly admitting that “the high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving,” 

Despite FCA’s proposed fixes, Paris alleges the company has failed to resolve the fire risks adequately. The lawsuit claims FCA “knew or should have known” about the dangers well before the NHTSA investigation, pointing to consumer complaints and a prior recall issued in 2023 for similar fire hazards.

Paris says the defect has disrupted his life, forcing him to park his Jeep in an outdoor airport lot at $26 per day to avoid potential harm to people and property. 

As a result, Paris is looking to represent anyone else who purchased or leased one of the class vehicles. He is suing FCA for breaching implied warranties violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state laws; he is seeking certifications of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial. 

Late last year, Stellantis recalled nearly 80,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and other Jeep vehicles as their rearview camera images might not display, creating a crash risk.

What do you think of the allegations in this Jeep class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

Paris is represented by Kenneth R. Chadwell of Mantese Honigman PC; Karin B. Swope, Thomas E. Loeser, Ellen J. Wen and Anne Marie Murphy of Cotchett Pitre McCarthy LLP; and Gayle M. Blatt of Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield LLP. 

The Jeep class action lawsuit is Paris v. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC, Case No. 2:25-cv-10045 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Ford announces recall for Flex, Fiesta, Lincoln MKT vehicles
• Recall announced for Kia EV9 due to missing seat bolts
• GM announces Chevrolet Equinox EV recall over pedestrian alert detect
• Kia class action claims Tellurides have brake defect