A class action lawsuit filed Thursday alleges certain Jeep models are dangerous and prone to underhood fires.
Alleged defect
The lawsuit targets 2021-2023 model years of the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. The vehicles allegedly have a defect in the power steering pump electrical connector that can cause vehicle fires. And, the lawsuit alleges, such fires can occur while the vehicles are driven or parked.
The complaint contends at least nine vehicle fires have been reported to FCA or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite an ongoing NHTSA investigation covering over 781,000 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles, the lawsuit claims, FCA has yet to issue a recall.
Named plaintiffs’ allegations
California resident Jeff Graves claims his 2023 Jeep Wrangler has the alleged defect. He asserts he is now concerned about driving and parking it near structures due to the spontaneous fire risk.
Kentucky resident Jeremy Reid says he bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara PHEV for his teenager daughter’s use. He is concerned about his daughter driving and parking it at home, college, and near other structures. Moreover, Reid claims he learned in September 2024 the Wrangler was subject to another fire risk under Recall 24V720000.
Oregon resident Wayne Hintergardt similarly reports he learned his 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara PHEV was subject to Recall 24V720000, and he began parking it away from structures and vehicles. He claims this resulted in his vehicle being vandalized.
Finally, Tennessee resident Mike Crowell asserts he is concerned about driving and parking his 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. He says it is difficult for him to park away from structures, vehicles, and the woods surrounding his property. He claims he would not have bought the Gladiator, or would have paid less for it, if he had known about the alleged defect.
Relief sought
The plaintiffs seek to represent a national class of purchasers/lessees of the allegedly affected vehicles in the U.S., as well as California, Kentucky, Oregon, and Tennessee subclasses.
Their lawsuit raises legal claims including breach of warranty and unjust enrichment. They seek remedies including a repair for the alleged defect and restitution, as well as damages. The case is Jeff Graves et al. v. FCA US LLC, case number 5:24-cv-12968, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
