Abraham Jewett  |  September 20, 2021

Category: Auto News

Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.

Jeep Wrangler Hybrid
(Photo Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock)

Jeep Wrangler Hybrid Defect Class Action Lawsuit Overview: 

  • Who: A Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid driver lodged a class action lawsuit against the automaker, FCA US LLC. 
  • Why: The plaintiff claims FCA’s Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicles contain defective computer systems that cause the vehicle to shut down while driving.
  • Where: The lawsuit is pending in Georgia federal court.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric cars contain faulty electronics that cause the vehicle to shut down while driving, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Aaron Kappler claims a defect in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s computer system endangers drivers, passengers, other vehicles, and diminishes the value of the car. 

Fiat Chrysler (FCA), which manufactures the Jeep Wrangler hybrid, has “stubbornly refused,” to disclose the issue to the public, notify existing owners and lessees, or to take the steps necessary to keep consumers safe, according to the class action lawsuit. 

Kappler wants to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased or leased a Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid electric car. 

Jeep Wrangler Hybrid Shuts Down Without Warning

Kappler says the electronic display on his leased 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe warned him he needed to immediately pull over on two separate occasions while he was driving on the highway with his wife and two minor children.

Upon pulling over, all systems of the Jeep Wrangler hybrid proceeded to shut down, including the engine, navigation system, and air conditioning, according to the class action lawsuit. 

After the first occasion, the Jeep’s screens restarted, indicated normal functioning, and the vehicle turned back on, says Kappler, who claims he scheduled to take the car in for a service appointment at a licensed Jeep dealership. 

When making his appointment, no one at the dealership advised Kappler to stop driving the Jeep Wrangler hybrid, he claims, and he couldn’t find any warnings, bulletins, or service announcements that would indicate the vehicle was dangerous to drive. 

The vehicle broke down in the same way before he was able to take it in for service, at which time Kappler says he had it towed to the nearest Jeep dealership, where it sat unattended for nearly two weeks. 

Kappler says he ultimately towed his Jeep Wringer hybrid to a different dealership, where it still sits today. FCA has provided him no information about his vehicle or provided him with a loaner or temporary vehicle of any kind, he says. 

Plaintiff claims FCA, in addition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has received numerous complaints from consumers related to the alleged defect, but, despite this, FCA has failed to take action of any kind. 

“Despite those reports, FCA has failed and refused to notify the public the danger and risk, failed to issue bulletins, warnings, or other notifications to owners and lessees,” states the class action lawsuit. 

Kappler alleges he has suffered significant expense, emotional distress, trouble, and other damages as a result of his vehicle’s alleged defective manufacturing. 

Plaintiff demands a jury trial and is requesting relief in the form of punitive damages and all other relief that is just and proper for himself and all Class Members. 

FCA was recently let off the hook after a federal judge in California dismissed a class action lawsuit alleging the company knew the hood scoops on its 2018 Challenger SRT Demon vehicles were defective.

Are you concerned about the computer system in your Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiff is represented by John Patrick O’Brien of Thompson, O’Brien, Kappler & Nasuti PC.

The Jeep Wrangler Hybrid Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Kappler v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:21-cv-00204, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.


Don’t Miss Out!

Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!


Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.

14 thoughts onJeep Wrangler Hybrid Shuts Down Due To Faulty Electronics, Says Class Action

  1. Jen Jarnot says:

    Same issue. Brand new- electric went crazy and it’s been towed

    1. Rochelle Enida Segura says:

      please help us we have the jeep wrangler 4XE. We’ve had so many electrical problems and issues and have had to it in for repairs over and over currently as of November we’ve been having more issues with the steering wheel violently shaking and our car shutting down on the freeway and on the road and we feel that chrysler normandin jeep is not affectively helping us, or keeping us safe. We have five grand children that are often with us and this is a very scary thing and we do not feel safe at all. Can someone please help us

  2. Faith Haeussler says:

    I’m having the same issue with our new 4xe. We got it in March, it’s been in the shop for the last two weeks and we were just told it will be another 45 days. This is after the check engine light went on at 3500 miles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. By submitting your comment and contact information, you agree to receive marketing emails from Top Class Actions regarding this and/or similar lawsuits or settlements, and/or to be contacted by an attorney or law firm to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you if you qualify. Required fields are marked *

Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.