This is real and I'm pretty certain it's what caused my 2023 Gladiator Rubicon to spontaneously catch fire.
Brief summary: 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon purchased in late February, 2024, new. It operated well and was without issue. I had made minimal aftermarket changes - sprayed bedliner, running boards, steering stabilizer. No electronic aftermarket additions like light bar, winch, etc. The weekend prior to the fire we crossed 1,000 miles.
On April 24, 2024 (only 2 months of ownership), we returned home from a drive across town and parked in the garage and went about our night. Around 7:15pm while cleaning up from dinner I heard a subtle noise sounding like an air compressor dump. I went to the garage and when I opened the door was met by smoke from shoulder to the ceiling. Flames were dropping out from the underside of the Jeep’s engine compartment. Luckly the garage doors opened and we called the fire department. I was able to hose down the Jeep and keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived and was able to put it out. The actual fire/flame damage was minimal, however, the smoke damage totalled my garage. All said and done, with the cost of the Gladiator, $225,000.
A local fire investigator was onseen immediately after the fire and completed an investigation. His report concluded the fire originated in the engine compartment, locating in the front passenger side. The Jeep was picked up by StateFarm, my insurance company, and taken to a local garage. It was investigated by StateFarm and a fire investigator with FCA. All confirmed the fire started in front passenger side of the Jeep, however, no identifiable reason was found. I speculate the evidence was located in the pile of ash below the engine bay.
StateFarm was amazing and paid out the claim without issue. They told me they couldn't subrogate or go after FCA because the cause of the fire couldn't be identified. It'd be an uphill fight for their lawyers. They suggested I contact Stellantis as the property owner. I did and requested they pay my auto and home deductible ($5,361) and provide me with a replacement vehicle of same make and model (Jeep Gladiator Rubicon). They gave me the middle finger and claimed no responsibility. Here is a snippet from their reply, "We have completed our investigation of the incident. We are sure you understand that fires of this nature can occur for a number of reasons not associated with the manufacturing process."
When I found out about the NHTSA investigation I filled an official report. I'm posting here because I'm really upset with JCA/Stellantis and feel they have handled my case poorly and are not a very respectable company. I'll never buy Jeep again. I've owned 3 and still have a 2011 Grand Cherokee. I'd be very careful if you own a 2021-2023 Gladiator or Wrangler.
moparinsiders.com
