Jeep Wrangler PHEV class action alleges defect can cause fires, explosions

Jeep Wrangler PHEV class action overview: 

• Who: FCA US is facing a class action lawsuit over allegedly defective 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 
• Why: The Wranglers’ hybrid propulsion system can cause vehicle fires and explosions, even when they are turned off and parked, according to the class action.
• Where: The Jeep class action was filed in federal court in Michigan.

FCA US is facing a class action lawsuit over an alleged defect in 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that could pose a fire risk.

The Wrangler plug-in hybrids have a faulty propulsion system that can cause vehicle fires and explosions, the Jeep class action claims.

FCA has not corrected the Jeep defect and did not notify customers of the Jeep fire risk until recently, according to the lawsuit.

“The fire defect exposes putative class members to an unreasonable risk of accident, injury, death, or property damage if their vehicle catches fire while in operation or, perhaps more commonly, spontaneously ignites while the vehicle is parked at the class member’s home, on a public street, or in a public parking lot,” the Jeep class action says. 

Samsung EV batteries used in Jeep Wrangler PHEV have history of fire risk, lawsuit says

FCA does not know the root cause of the fire issues, but they are likely linked to the Jeep Wrangler PHEV high-voltage lithium ion battery packs and components, the Jeep defect lawsuit claims.

Samsung, the supplier of the Jeep Wrangler PHEV batteries, has had prior fire issues with its EV batteries in other vehicles. Ford recalled its Kuga PHEV in August 2020 due to similar fire risk issues, and BMW recalled 26,000 vehicles for the same reason, the lawsuit says.

FCA US also recalled 62,909 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs in late 2022 for a separate issue — the 2.0-liter hybrid electric engine was at risk for shutting down unexpectedly.

Have you driven a Jeep Wrangler PHEV? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by E. Powell Miller, Dennis A. Lienhardt and Dana E. Fraser of The Miller Law Firm PC; Roger N. Heller, Phong-Chau G. Nguyen and Nicholas W. Lee of Lieff Cabraser Heimann and Bernstein LLP; John R. Davis and Michael L. Slack of Slack Davis Sanger LLP; and Robert K. Shelquist, Rebecca A. Peterson, Craig S. Davis and Krista K. Freier of Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP.

The Jeep class action lawsuit is Frisch, et al. v. FCA USA LLC, Case No.  2:24-cv-10546-SJM-KGA, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division.

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