Fiat Chrysler Hit with Claims Over Jeep Wrangler Heater Core Sludge

Automaker Fiat Chrysler was hit with a nationwide class action lawsuit over a problem with sand sludge in the Jeep Wrangler heater core.

According to the lawsuit, Jeep Wranglers manufactured between 2012 and 2017 may be affected by an engine defect that results in radiators and oil coolers filling with a sludge residue. The lawsuit alleges that Fiat Chrysler actually knew about the alleged defects with its Jeep Wrangler heater core, but concealed the defects from the public.

Specifically, the lawsuit involves an allegedly defective Jeep Wrangler heater core that plaintiffs claim became plugged and failed to work properly after a sludge-like residue built up over years of use. The sludge, the lawsuit claims, was caused by excess sand from the engine casting process. One plaintiff said that with the damage, he was looking at $1,573 for repair. The other plaintiff was told his Jeep Wrangler heater core could be replaced at a cost of $1,300.

Fiat Chrysler has asked that the New York federal court toss the case, on the grounds that the allegations in the class action lawsuit are “simply implausible.” The motion to dismiss also argues that the two lead plaintiffs lack the standing to sue because they are unable to show that their vehicle had the alleged defect.

“Incredibly, plaintiffs bring this case even though neither of them is able to allege that he knows his own vehicle actually had a ‘sludge-like residue.’ Nor is either of them able to allege that any sand was ever found in his own vehicle,” the motion to dismiss states.

Jeep Wrangler Heater Core Defects

A growing number of car owners are coming forward with allegations that their cars have been affected by a manufacturing defect. According to reports, Jeep Wranglers from 2012–2017 contain a cylinder head in its engine that is made with a sand-casting method and, during the manufacturing process, the sand is not entirely removed.

It is claimed that the sand circulates through the engine and can end up in the Jeep Wrangler heater core, radiator, and oil cooling systems as the vehicle is in use. Over time, the sand builds up into a kind of sludge in the radiator reservoir, which ultimately can cause the heater core and oil cooling systems to fail.

Car owners have found that removing the sludge with an engine flush isn’t a permanent solution, since the sand is distributed all throughout the engine and will build back up again. Many end up replacing their Jeep Wrangler heater core altogether, though the cost of this can be substantial.

Owners claim that they are unable to get Fiat Chrysler to honor its agreed-upon warranties, and that the company will not cover repair costs from this defect.

If your Jeep Wrangler heater core may have been affected by this sand sludge building up in the engine and radiator, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Join a Free Jeep Wrangler Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler that has suffered from a defect in the heater core of the vehicle, you may qualify to file a Jeep Wrangler manufacturing defect lawsuit or class action lawsuit.

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