NEW YORK – Jeep Wrangler owners in the United States are filing a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) over battery issues, claiming that the vehicles are prone to catching fire. The complaint alleges that the fires are caused by a defect in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery of the Jeep Wrangler’s electric mode.
According to the plaintiffs, some instances of vehicle fires occurred while the batteries were charging. While FCA has stated that the cause of the fires is unknown, the lawsuit argues that the root cause lies in the faulty battery and related components supplied by Samsung SDI America, Inc. The complaint reveals that both FCA and Samsung have been aware of battery problems since at least 2020.
This is not the first time that Samsung-manufactured batteries have come under scrutiny. In 2020, Ford and BMW issued recalls for certain models equipped with Samsung batteries due to fire risks. The recalls were prompted by reports of debris entering the battery cells during production, which could potentially lead to vehicle fires. Samsung itself recalled its electric vehicle batteries for poor manufacturing quality, including those used in FCA models around 2022.
Despite these recalls and known issues, FCA has reportedly failed to offer a satisfactory remedy to Jeep Wrangler owners. The complaint alleges that the company has simply advised owners to avoid recharging the electric battery and to park their vehicles outside until a permanent repair solution is available.
As a result, owners claim that they have been left with hybrid vehicles that they cannot safely operate or keep near their homes. The plaintiffs argue that they paid a premium for the electric version of the Jeep Wrangler, expecting environmental benefits and cost savings. However, the alleged battery defects have rendered the vehicles essentially useless, with owners now having to rely on gasoline to power them.
Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses FCA of failing to conduct proper pre-launch testing and asserts that adequate stress and durability testing would have uncovered the battery defects. The complaint suggests that the automaker rushed the release of the new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model, resulting in the potential dangers faced by owners.
The plaintiffs seek class action status for themselves and other affected consumers, aiming for compensation for damages and a repair under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. They also request the establishment of an FCA-funded program to reimburse owners for any costs associated with the allegedly defective hybrid system.
This latest lawsuit highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the safety and reliability of electric vehicle batteries. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, manufacturers must address these issues to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers.