Stellantis Sued Over Fire Risk in Jeep® Wrangler and Gladiator

Jeep®‘s parent company, Stellantis, is under fire—literally and figuratively—over allegations of a defect in certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models. The lawsuit claims a power steering pump’s electrical connector flaw poses a risk of spontaneous fires, whether the vehicle is in motion or parked.

The suit, filed on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Detroit, comes after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into more than 781,000 Jeep vehicles. The legal complaint seeks damages and demands repairs to address the alleged defect.

What the Lawsuit Claims – 

The lawsuit names plaintiffs from Kentucky, California, Oregon, and Tennessee, highlighting incidents where vehicles allegedly caught fire unexpectedly. One claim describes a 2021 Jeep Wrangler bursting into flames just minutes after the engine began smoking, resulting in extensive damage. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the experience was described as ‘terrifying’.

The NHTSA investigation opened on September 6th, 2024, documents nine reported fire incidents, including one injury. Some of these fires reportedly occurred with the ignition off, raising concerns about the safety of vehicles parked near homes or other property.

Stellantis Responds – 

Stellantis spokesman Frank Matyok stated, “We’re cooperating with NHTSA’s investigation.” The automaker has faced previous recalls for fire risks in similar vehicles, but this latest issue has heightened scrutiny.

Legal and Consumer Concerns – 

The lawsuit’s lead attorney, Steve Berman, voiced concerns over the potential dangers Jeep owners may face, even when their vehicles are parked. Berman emphasized the unsettling nature of being advised to park vehicles away from flammable areas due to fire risks, describing it as an unacceptable burden for consumers.

Moving Forward – 

As the investigation unfolds, the lawsuit highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns in today’s vehicles. Jeep owners are encouraged to stay informed about recall updates and contact Stellantis or NHTSA if they experience any unusual issues with their vehicles.

Source: Detroit Free Press