Jeep is facing a class action lawsuit in Utah federal court alleging that the batteries in its 4xe plug-in hybrid models – previously the best-selling in the US – are dangerously defective. The suit accuses Fiat Chrysler (FCA) of knowingly selling vehicles with faulty high-voltage battery packs made by Samsung, which reportedly pose a fire risk and have already caused some vehicles to catch fire.
The Core of the Complaint
Plaintiffs claim the 17 kWh batteries suffer from “separator damage,” leading to overheating and potential thermal runaway – a critical failure mode where the battery rapidly self-heats and can ignite. Jeep discontinued both the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe last month amid shifting market trends and recalls, but the lawsuit alleges that this action does not address the immediate safety concerns for existing owners.
Failed Recalls and Owner Frustration
The class action argues that Jeep’s previous recall attempts were ineffective, with FCA admitting that the fixes did not resolve the underlying defect. Jeep had instructed owners to avoid charging their vehicles and park them away from structures due to the fire risk while awaiting repairs. This temporary measure further angered owners, who now seek financial compensation for the inconvenience and potential danger.
Delayed Action and Financial Motives
The lawsuit alleges that FCA deliberately delayed a full recall of 2024 4xe models to cut costs, despite full awareness of the battery defect. The plaintiffs argue that this negligence put owners at risk and damaged the brand’s reputation. FCA has yet to identify the root cause of the defect beyond vague references to separator damage.
The lawsuit’s central argument is that Jeep sold defective vehicles and failed to provide a lasting solution, leaving owners stranded with potentially dangerous cars. This legal action could force Jeep to provide full refunds or extensive repairs, impacting the brand’s hybrid strategy going forward.
The lawsuit underscores the risks of rapid electrification if battery technology isn’t thoroughly vetted and safety measures aren’t prioritized over short-term profits.
