Jeep

Clutch Plate Defect Prompted Wrangler, And Gladiator Recalls

About 69,000 Wrangler SUVs from 2018 to 2023 models and Gladiator pickups from 2020 to 2023 models have been recalled. The recall is due to a faulty clutch pressure plate, which can lead to overheating clutch components, ultimately posing a fire risk.

Jeep broadened its recall program in early 2021 to encompass a broader range of model years, as the previous recall did not address vehicles produced in the same time frame.

Risks Posed By the Imperfection

This defect could lead to sudden engine stalls or even cause debris to fly out from beneath the transmission hood, posing a significant risk to the driver and passengers. Not only does this defect increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when the driver is driving at high speeds and loses control of the vehicle, but it also has the potential to affect essential systems such as braking, steering, and airbags. In such an adverse situation, the severity of the threat may increase.

Before the clutch pressure plate fails, drivers may notice a burning odor, feel clutch slippage, or see a warning light illuminate on the instrument panel behind the steering wheel.

Recalled Automobiles

Thousands of vehicles have been recalled due to the potential fire risks that could endanger drivers, passengers, or others on the road. Owners of the following models are advised to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer for repair or replacement of the defective part(s) at no cost:

  • Wrangler SUVs (models Aug 23, 2017, to Feb 16, 2023) 
  • Gladiator pickups (models Dec 21, 2018, to Feb 16, 2023)

What Should Owners Do?

As a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator owner, it is crucial to take immediate action if you have been affected by a recent recall due to an exploding clutch plate defect. Even though no incidents have been reported, it is still crucial to take preventive measures to ensure your vehicle’s safety. Take these actions to ensure that your vehicle is safe. 

Contact your local dealership as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment. Or visit NHTSA and enter campaign number 23V116000 for further information. Don’t delay; stay informed and up-to-date on any additional updates regarding the recall.

Actions Taken by the Manufacturer

Jeep is currently working on a solution to the problem and will notify owners as soon as it is finalized, with the assurance that the automaker will cover all expenses. Earlier this year, FCA investigators discovered more incidents of vehicle fires linked to failed clutch assemblies in models made after the 2021 recall fix. Therefore, the recall has now been expanded from 33,237 to 69,201 units. As a result, owners of previously recalled models are also eligible and can expect to receive correspondence starting on April 14.

Brief-Wrap-Up

The recall of Jeep’s Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups due to the potential fire hazard is a matter of great concern that shouldn’t be ignored. It is imperative to verify if your vehicle falls within the scope of the recall and if so, adhere to all the directives to rectify the safety concern.

Let Us Help You!

The Lemon Firm has a team of skilled attorneys specializing in securing compensation for clients who were sold vehicles with manufacturing faults. Our track record speaks for itself – we have successfully recovered compensation for several clients. So, if you want to get what’s rightfully yours, dial 833 LEMON FIRM and talk to our lemon experts today.

Jeep

Ready to opt out of the Jeep Death Wobble Class Action Lawsuit? The Deadline for Exclusion is March 10th, 2023

If you own a Jeep, you may have heard of the “death wobble” phenomenon. It results from unsettling vibration caused by driving over rough or uneven terrain. The problem has been linked to faulty suspension components in some model Jeeps, and now the company is offering a reimbursement program to those who have experienced it. This blog post will provide an overview of the settlement, along with tips for Jeep owners who may be eligible.

Jeep’s ‘Death Wobble’ – What Is It?

The death wobble, also known as the front-end shimmy or steering oscillation, is a frightening shaking sensation that occurs when driving a Jeep over certain surfaces. According to reports, it can happen at any speed and has been linked to suspension parts such as tie rods, ball joints, and control arms. The issue has become a major concern for Jeep owners, who claim that the company did not properly address the issue. In response to an increasing number of complaints, Jeep has announced a settlement offering compensation to those who have experienced this issue with their vehicles.

Symptoms of Death Wobble

Driving at high speeds can be an exhilarating experience, but if any of the following symptoms arise, it could mean you are experiencing “death wobble”:

  • A sudden shaking of the steering wheel that is difficult to control.
  • Difficulty keeping your vehicle in a straight line despite turning the steering wheel slightly left or right.
  • Uneven wear on tires after driving for long periods.
  • Loud clunking noises come from underneath your car when traveling over bumps or potholes.
  • Loose suspension parts such as ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links, etc.

How to Identify Death Wobble?

Death wobble can be identified by an unsettling oscillation that originates in the steering wheel and feels almost like you are going over speed bumps at any speed. Understanding how to identify death wobble can help diagnose it and potentially prevent it from happening. If you suspect your Jeep has death wobble, professional assistance can help you determine what steps should be taken to prevent further damage and keep you driving safely.

Overview of the Lawsuit

This class action asserts that the 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers and 2020 Jeep Gladiators have a defect in the front suspension steering damper, potentially leading to serious problems if not addressed. The proposed settlement would resolve the claims asserted in this class action and provide cash payments and/or reimbursements to individuals who purchased or leased a Class Vehicle. The settlement also resolves certain other claims related to alleged suspension problems. Moreover, the settlement provides a free extended warranty for certain Class Vehicles, as well as other benefits.

Qualifying Requirements

  1. In order to be eligible for the reimbursements and other benefits from the settlement, you must have purchased or leased a 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler or 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
  2. You must have experienced a front suspension steering damper issue, as described in the Settlement Agreement. 
  3. The Jeep must be registered and insured in your name.
  4. You must provide proof of repair and payment made in order to receive reimbursement. Accepted documentation includes a copy of your paid invoice/repair order, credit card statement, check register, or canceled check associated with the repair(s).
  5. If you have already paid for a new front suspension steering damper for your class vehicle, you are entitled to reimbursement as part of the settlement. Submitting a claim is the next step in obtaining this compensation.

Benefits Available 

Extended Warranty

All 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers and 2020 Jeep Gladiators are eligible for an extended warranty providing coverage for repair or replacement of suspension components related to death wobble, including tie rods, ball joints, and control arms. This settlement offers an 8-year warranty extension, but there really is no definitive repair to prevent this from happening again. You may love your Jeep and all, but is this really the risk you want to take with your loved ones?

How to Claim?

Claiming to receive the benefits offered by this settlement is a quick and easy process. You must submit proof of ownership of your Class Vehicle and documentation demonstrating that you experienced a front suspension steering damper issue with your vehicle. If approved, you can expect to receive out of pocket reimbursements and possibly an extended warranty.

However, if you want to safeguard your lemon law rights and file an individual lawsuit, this is the time to act. We urge you to connect with our expert class-action lawyers to opt out of the class. An individual lawsuit may yield a buyback that could bring you full reimbursement and the possibility of punitive damages. If you choose to exclude yourself, you must do so before March 10th, 2023. Please get in touch with us today to assist in this process.

Bottom Line

If you own a 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler or 2020 Jeep Gladiator, you may be eligible for minimal financial relief through the class action settlement. Please contact us immediately so we can help you determine if this is something you should accept, or if you deserve a lemon law buyback for this safety hazard.

For more information about how Lemon Firm’s experienced attorneys can assist in getting the compensation you deserve, contact us today at (833) Lemon-Firm.

Dodge

Dodge And Jeep Grand Models Hit Water Pump Issues – Solution And Warranty Extension

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are in the headlines once again. Despite producing highly-popular and comfortable vehicles, this company is always under discussion for faulty car equipment. The latest case includes the problematic water pumps of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Let’s take a deeper look!

Drivers Highlighting Water Pump Problems

Customer comfort and quality products are the two main goals of large businesses. In a market, the credibility of any product declines when a massive audience experiences similar flaws. The consumers of FCA report some problems with the water pump. The specific models of Dodge and Jeep fail to gain customer satisfaction when the users experience burning smells from their car engines. Some people also indicate a decreased level of coolant after every few miles. This pump failure leads to overheating the car’s engine, ultimately forcing the owners to opt for a water pump replacement.

Models of Dodge and Jeep Having the Issue

Are you a fan of family-supportive minivans or off-roading favorites – Jeep? If you are the owner of one such car, you must be aware of the Jeep and Dodge water pump problems. According to the FCA’s service bulletin, models from 2013 to 2017 are having that problem. The Dodge Durango (WD) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK and W2) models are confirmed to have water pump issues. Similarly, the company verifies the problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee (W3) model from 2014 to 2017 in their Jeep technical service bulletin.

Cost of Water Pump Replacement from a Private Dealership

Continuous overheating of your car can lead to engine seizures. A smart person will definitely pay some extra bucks to replace the water pump instead of handing over the massive amount for engine repair on his automobile. The average cost of a Jeep or Dodge water pump replacement is $100. The owners considered the water pump failure to be a manufacturing flaw. Therefore, they demanded an extended warranty period and a free water pump replacement from FCA. 

The Company Responded To the Problem with a Service Bulletin

To reimburse their users, the FCA issued a technical bulletin for the dealership to inspect and replace the 5.7L and 6.4L water pumps where needed. It also involves the announcement of a warranty period extension.  

Indications That the Water Pump Needs Replacement

The marks that your car has a pump issue and needs substitutions were elaborated in the Jeep technical service bulletin. Water pump complications result from mechanical seal damage before time. The car engine cannot cool down on the pump damage, eventually leading to bearing failure. The bulletin mentioned two main symptoms of the Jeep and Dodge water pump problems:

  • Bearing Noise: Arises from the mechanical wear of the seal.
  • Coolant Leak: Results in overheating your car engine and causing engine damage or even seizure.

How to Professionally Recognize the Issue?

How will you detect water pump issues, and how will you find out the extent of the damage? The detailed procedure for determining the damaged water pump is a noticeable feature of the Jeep technical service bulletin. If the owner describes the signs mentioned in the above section, the automobile company asks the professionals to follow a simple diagnostic procedure.

To inspect the Jeep and Dodge water pump problem, open up the vehicle hood and examine the pump impairment as follows:

  • Coolant Leakage: The service bulletin called for the dealership specialist to carefully observe the weep chamber to find any evidence of leakage. It might be in the form of wetness on the chamber (under the shaft behind the pulley) or in the form of pink deposits.
  • Bearing Noise: Turn on the car engine and check for unusual bearing noise.
  • Play in The Pulley: Note the looseness or wiggling of the water pump pulley. Detect the play in different directions to confirm the pump’s defacement. 

The bulletin clearly mentioned that if the above-described problems are noticeable in under-discussion Dodge and Jeep variants, the dealer should go for a repair and replacement process. However, a further vehicle inspection is required if the mentioned symptoms are not recognized.  

Replace the Damaged Water Pump

According to the service bulletin, the defaulted pump must be replaced if the damage is irreparable. Before starting the procedure, ensure your engine is turned off and cooled down properly. First, drain all the engine coolant, followed by removing the belt drive and chain (follow the procedure provided in DealerCONNECT). Remove the hose and old water pump by unscrewing the bolts. Detach the mechanical seal or gasket and examine the cooling system components like:

  • Thermostat
  • Coolant hoses
  • Pressure cap(s)

Now, install the freshwater pump along with the gasket and apply a sealant (only if recommended). Rewind the procedure – fasten the bolts, attach the water hose, and fill the specific coolant in the cooling system again. Rotate the pump by hand and turn on the engine. Moreover, make sure there is no further leakage. Jeep and Dodge water pump problems can return in no time if that equipment is not installed accurately. Hence, replace the pump according to the procedure described earlier (per Jeep technical service bulletin).

Extended Warranty for Affected Customers

Large corporations are known for providing more incentives to the audience to retain their clients and preserve their reputation. FCA has expanded the warranty span to 7 years for water pump replacements on Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models. Furthermore, the company eases its users by removing all the Miles limits for water pump repair in their service bulletin. We must admit that this is a significant step toward resolving customer issues. The Jeep technical service bulletin is pertinent to the automobiles in these markets and countries: NAFTA, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM. 

Bottom Line

Your automobile’s non-functional water pump can lead to massive crises. If you own any of these vehicles with water pump problems or a Tigershark engine, contact the Lemon Firm (833) because you may be eligible for reimbursement or financial compensation.

Person driving car

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Lawsuit Over Ticking, Knocking Engine Noise

Chrysler is currently facing class action lawsuits due to knocking or tapping noise from the engine. If you own or lease a 2008 to 2021 Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep vehicles equipped with a Hemi engine and experienced any of the following problems, your vehicle may pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers.

  • Ticking, knocking, or tapping noise from the engine
  • Loss of power
  • Rough-running engine
  • Engine failure

In May 2022, some owners filed lawsuits against Chrysler over engine ticking noise that includes several models equipped with Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI or 6.4-liter HEMI 392 V8 engines.

According to the lawsuit, HEMI V8 engines use valve train systems called multi-displacement systems that are defective and malfunction, causing engine ticking noise, failures of the camshafts, lifters, and finally failures of the HEMI engines.

Owners say that Fiat Chrysler vehicles allegedly “buck, surge, misfire, idle roughly and make abnormal noises including ticking, knocking, and chirping.”

Attorneys are investigating the same issues with Dodge & Jeep vehicle models and preparing a lawsuit for a permanent fix and compensation for drivers. 

Which Vehicles Are Under Investigation?

The class action lawsuit says this is a “partial list” of the affected vehicles and investigating all 2008-2021 vehicle models equipped with a Hemi engine.

  • Dodge Challenger and Dodge Challenger SRT
  • Chrysler 300
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Durango
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Dodge Ram/Ram 1500
  • Jeep Commander
  • Dodge Ram/Ram 2500
  • Dodge Ram/Ram 3500

As per the lawsuit, the alleged defects cause wear to the HEMI engines and damage valve train components and camshafts.

Pieces of valve train components circulate in the engine oil and damage the cylinders to the point of complete failure of the HEMI engines. This causes owners to suffer decreased values and forces them to spend thousands of dollars to replace the lifters, camshafts, and HEMI engines.

According to the class action lawsuit, replacing the engines and components does not fix the problem because the replacement engines and parts are just as defective as the original components.

The plaintiffs also claim Chrysler dealers often make repairs because the “lifters not totally replaced, other engine components that were damaged by the valve train’s failure may not be replaced at all.”

Due to metal pieces circulating through the oil and HEMI engine, Chrysler customers are expected to pay about $15,000 to replace the HEMI V8 engines. Then replaced Chrysler engines make the exact same ticking noise and other problems until owners replace the HEMI engines again.

The lawsuit alleges FCA has been aware of the HEMI engine defects since 2012 but the automaker has not done anything to fix the problem and allegedly told customers the ticking and other strange noises were normal and no repairs are necessary.

“FCA has also failed to authorize permanent or complete repairs under warranty. In this way, FCA has effectively and knowingly transferred the costs of repair to consumers, despite the requirements of its express warranties.”Chrysler engine class action lawsuit

As per the lawsuit, Chrysler issued STAR Case Report S1709000010 in 2017 which said, “[t]his communication documents a record of past experiences” and “captures all previous cases known that appear to be similar or related to the vehicle symptom / condition.”

“Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.” STAR Case Report S1709000010

Dealers were told:

“If excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) has been identified, further inspection should be performed before attempting repair. Removal of the Oil Control Vale (OCV) for the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system should be performed to inspect for debris.”

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Driver Complaints: Engine Knocking, Ticking Noises

The following are some complaints posted by Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler drivers who experienced ticking and knocking noises with their vehicles.

I heard a ticking noise coming from the right side of the engine…We could only hear it from outside the vehicle. This appears to be a common issue. The mechanic knew exactly what it was when I told him we had a ticking noise in a Durango…” 2015 DODGE DURANGO DRIVER

so I noticed this annoying racket coming from the engine while I’m driving near a wall, other cars or a divider. It gets louder when MDS is on and becomes faint again when all cylinders fire up. I tried parking and revving the motor up but heard absolutely nothing at all. Is this the infamous Hemi tick?” BIGPAV7, 2010 JEEP COMMANDER DRIVER

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Lemon law attorneys discussing client's case

Should I opt out of the Tigershark Class action lawsuit?

Chrysler, Dodge Ram & Jeep have reported that their vehicles have had oil consumption problems which resulted in automatic notification or warnings and in some cases shutdowns without warning. There are other common reports of excessive emissions due to large amount of release of oil into the exhaust.

This resulted in a Class action being filed in US district court. About potential class vehicles 3.7 were sold. with the Tigershark 2.4L Engines.

  • 2016-2018 Fiat 500x
  • 2015-2017 Chrysler 200
  • 2015-2018 Ram Pro Master City
  • 2013-2016 Dodge Dart
  • 2017-2018 Jeep Compass
  • 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2015-2018 Jeep Renegade

In their lawsuit, they stated various problems they encountered with the Tigershark 2.4L engine. They also included the failure of piston rings to connect with the cylinders that caused the Tigershark engine to consume a lot of oil.

Drivers were not informed by the system about the low rate levels of oil. And, also the system could not notify them if there were a need to change the oil. However, the system could inform about all oil information after the engine had been shut down or completely damaged.

Chrysler company did not accept all statements against Tigershark engine in this lawsuit which they described as Normal conditions.

Lawsuit settlement

Though this case had paused for a while, both parties were through mediation and agreement terms and conditions. They have been able to come up with a decided settlement. However, it still needs a final certification from the judge which will take place on December 1st, 2022. You may be able to recover more than the Class action will yield if you opt out, and we can help.

Warranty

The client is to get an expanded warranty period of seven years. Where by is also equivalent to 100,000 miles. This warranty extension is granted upon starting with the time a client took their vehicle to service. Some Chrysler clients may not benefit from this relief of 7 years warranty since some models might have already covered their warranty periods. More Exclusively in the old models like 2013.

Customer satisfaction notification (CSN)

However, this program had already been established by Chrysler to clients before the lawsuit settlement. They implemented free CSN for all clients who had a problem with oil consumption. And this implies particular modules like CSN W84, CSN W80, and CSN W20.

An owner of any above models, with any complaint about oil consumption issues. Will be required to provide the vehicle to be tested. And if the car fails the test? These are the available reap benefits that had put in place provided in the lawsuit settlement by Chrysler. 

A customer will be, specified the amount of $340 cash with the replacement of the engine block concerning the oil consumption problem in their vehicles. 

Customers will have to claim through submitting reimbursement claims for the charges they incurred in servicing their cars in issues regarding oil usage.

The lawsuit settlement requires Chrysler to pay all the charges that customers incurred during servicing or repairing their cars, due to Tigershark engine, such as transportation, towing, repairing, renting cars, and many others. However, a client should submit a document which  shows incurred costs aiming at validity and timing.

The amount of $3000 to $1000 is supposed to be paid to 42 people who sued the company. And $7.5 million will be given to the lawyers who represent them, in courts of law. According to the lawsuit settlement, if officially decreed by the judge.

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. You may be able to recover more than the Class action will yield if you opt out of the class action, and we can help. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Jeep car dealership

Jeep Cherokee 2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption Causes Engine To Stall

Jeep Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs with leading levels of capability and customization. It’s packed with V6 power, a trio of four-wheel-drive systems, towing capacity of up to 2,041 kg (4,500 lb), and runs smoothly in all weather conditions, in both on- and off-road settings.

However, many owners have reported trouble with their Jeep Cherokees. Jeep owners say the 2.4L Tigershark engine consumes a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This heavy oil consumption makes its engine inefficient, irritating, and expensive and can be dangerous if the oil indicator system doesn’t even alert you when oil levels are low.

The engine has an oil capacity of 5.5 quarts. If your oil level is 3.5 quarts or below, the engine will stall without the oil indicator light kicking on.

Some owners reported that the light only turns on once the engine has stalled. Some owners have reported unwelcomed grinding, clunking, or scraping sounds from the rear of their vehicles, and some owners have reported trouble with the motorized tailgates on their Jeep Cherokees.

The 2.4L Tigershark engine consumes a quart of oil every 1000 miles.
Defective control rings allow oil to enter the combustion chamber.
The automaker has been sued after maintaining their stance that all the consumption levels are “normal,”

Design Defect Burns Off Oil
Jeep Cherokee may have design defects that burn off oil. Control rings at the top of the piston sidewall prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber but a defect in the Tigershark engine means the piston rings don’t work correctly with the cylinders. This allows oil to enter and burn off in the compression cycle.

Engine oil loss, excess heat, and friction will damage internal components. It causes the engine to stall and eventually seize up and fail.

Stellantis’ new normal?
Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler) has been accused of knowing about the problem since 2015 but misreporting that consumption levels are “normal” to avoid a recall.

If you are burning oil the rate of a quart every 1,000 miles irreversible damage to the engine will occur if you follow the owner’s manual. According to the owner’s manual, the oil should be changed “at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)” for normal conditions and even under “severe Operating Conditions” it can be around 3,500 miles since the last reset.

Which are the affected Models?

The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II can be found in the following Stellantis models.

Chrysler 200 Gen 2 (2015-2016)
Dodge Dart Gen 1 (2013-2016)
Jeep Cherokee Gen 5 (2014-2020)
Compass Gen 2 (2017-2020)
Renegade Gen 1 (2015-2020)

The Oil Consumption Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit was filed against FCA in August of 2020.

The plaintiffs say that by continuing to call the consumption levels “normal,” FCA has avoided driver safety and the tremendous cost of recall and repair of affected vehicles. Instead, they’ve left owners to pick up the tab.

On September 30, 2021, the parties filed a stipulated order to stay the proceedings pending settlement discussions. The stay was to be through November 1, 2021, however, the docket does not have any entries after the Sept 30 stipulated order.

Final Thoughts
If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Jeep Lawsuit

Jeep Lawsuit: Jeep wrangler Corrosion Warranty a ‘Sham’

A class action lawsuit was filed alleging Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator corrosion warranties are a “sham.” The lawsuit includes 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers and 2020-2021 Gladiators. Jeep issued technical service bulletins over aluminum corrosion and bubbling paint, and knew about problems but didn’t fix them, says the lawsuit.

The affected Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles allegedly suffer corrosion problems which cause the paint to bubble, flake, peel, rust, and/or blister.

The class action lawsuit was filed by a Louisiana plaintiff who purchased a new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, a Maine plaintiff who purchased a new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, and Florida plaintiffs who purchased a new 2019 Jeep Wrangler when they lived in New York.

The plaintiffs assert, they overpaid because the premature corrosion is not covered in the warranty. The suit also says that the plaintiffs then had to spend a lot of money to get the panels repaired and repainted.

According to the Jeep lawsuit, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) began using aluminum in the body panels and chassis to improve fuel efficiency by reducing Jeep weight.

“in its brochures, Jeep boasted that the 2018 Wrangler was ‘Lighter in weight,’ noting that ‘high-strength, lightweight aluminum is used throughout the doors, hood, windshield frame, swing gate, and fenders to help Wrangler shed over 200 lb. It’s strong, durable and aids efficiency.’”  — Jeep Wrangler corrosion warranty lawsuit

Aluminum Jeep Wrangler body panels began in 2018

Automaker Jeep began using aluminum body panels and other stampings to reduce jeep weight. The lawsuit says Chrysler issued TSB 31-001-18 in March 2018 and entitled “Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair” for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The bulletin concerned “inspecting and if necessary, removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum hood, door, or liftgate panel.”

The class action lawsuit also says the 2018 TSB further directed dealers to apply pre-treatment wipes to the repair areas prior to refinishing the aluminum panels.

The suit alleges that the bulletin advised using an anti-corrosion pen on problem areas. But only if the panel did not qualify for replacement.

FCA issued TSB 31-001-19 in July 2019 which expanded the Wranglers beyond those sold in North America to include those sold in the regions of Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

And on October 27, 2020, FCA then issued TSB 31-002-20 which included the 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler and the 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator.

Why Jeep Wrangler warranty is a “sham?”

According to the class action lawsuit, the Jeep corrosion warranty also provided for extended warranty coverage of a period of 60 months for corrosion to “an outer-body sheet metal panel,” which FCA defined as “one that is finish-painted and that someone can see when walking around the vehicle.”

“This warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair or replace any sheet metal panels that get holes from rust or other corrosion. If a hole occurs because of something other than corrosion, this warranty does not apply. Cosmetic or surface corrosion — resulting, for example, from stone chips or scratches in the paint — is not covered.” — Jeep corrosion warranty

 According to Jeep Lawsuit, the corrosion warranty is a sham because it is “widely known throughout the automotive industry that aluminum body panels don’t perforate from corrosion, and thus, FCA knew that customers who had purchased the Class Vehicles could never take advantage of the CW to the extent perforation of the panel was a requirement to obtain coverage.”

The plaintiffs allege this means the extended warranty coverage for “an outer-body sheet metal panel” was misleading and deceptive.

The plaintiffs also claim the TSB repairs don’t fix the corrosion problems and do anything for the diminution of value that occurs from repainting the Jeeps. According to the lawsuit, repainted newer Jeeps are worth less than Jeeps with the original paint.

The Jeep corrosion warranty lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan: Orozco, et al., vs. FCA US LLC.

Are Other Owners Experiencing This Same Jeep Wrangler JL Corrosion Issue?

When carefully reviewing online Jeep Wrangler Forums and Facebook Group discussions, it’s found that there are many owners who are facing the same issues.

Final Thoughts

If you are an automobile owner and having manufacturing issues, you can contact us for a class-action lawsuit. Serious car problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle that did not perform as intended and we can do the same for you.

Contact us for a free consultation today if you have experienced problems like those experienced by the Jeep class action above or any other types of design or manufacturing defects with your vehicle.  Our experienced attorneys can be reached by calling (833) Lemon-Firm. 

car mechanic

Jeep Clutch Pressure Plates Causing Fires

By Nicole Halavi

Jeep issued a recall of more than 47,200 model year 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions after they were faced with a series of Jeep clutch pressure plate fires.

Notably, this is the second recall issued in less than a year for Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers because the clutch pressure plates have been so susceptible to overheating, fracturing, and catching fire.

Back in October 2020, Jeep employees learned that the clutch pressure plate can quickly fracture once it overheats. This knowledge came after a 2021 Jeep Gladiator caught fire at an assembly plant. Subsequently, engineers reviewed the field data and warranty claims related to clutch assemblies on Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles. Investigators also received a failed clutch assembly from a 2020 Jeep Wrangler that was repurchased from a customer. Additionally, investigators looked into a crash report concerning transmission-related fires in Idaho and Michigan.

Once the clutch pressure plate breaks, cracks or holes may form in the transmission case, which will then allow heated debris to be expelled from the transmission case. This heated debris can come into contact with combustible materials in the vehicle. While no injuries have been reported, fires can occur leaving road debris behind, which can create a potentially hazardous condition for drivers on the road.

Ultimately, the automaker has announced that owners of 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiators should keep an eye out for recall notices in March 2021 with further information about how dealers will add software to remedy this problem. The automaker claims this is merely a design defect and as such, no clutch parts will be replaced.

What Can I Do if I’m Driving a Jeep Exhibiting Issues with the Clutch Pressure Plate?

If you are driving a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator that is exhibiting any of the issues discussed above concerning the clutch pressure plates, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with clutch pressure plates in Jeeps, and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

Wheel of Jeep Grand Cherokee

132,000 RAM 1500’s and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Recalled

By Nicole Halavi

Jeep and RAM are both popular American automobile brands that are subsidiaries of the Italian American automobile corporation, Fiat Chrysler. Although Jeep and RAM are relatively popular auto brands, both have been targeted in many user complaints concerning engine stalling issues. In recent news, it was revealed that these defects led to recalls on both the RAM 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

If your RAM 1500 or JEEP Grand Cherokee has been exhibiting any ongoing issues or defects, CCA is here to help. Please feel free to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Issues in the RAM 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee that led to a Recall?

Recently, it was revealed that Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has called for a recall of about 130,000 vehicles (2014-2018 RAM 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee) due to a stalling issue caused by improper crankshaft positioning. Ultimately, it was found that this defect may lead to delamination of the sensor tone wheels, which could potentially affect its synchronization functionalities. A desynchronized fuel injector pulse and camshaft timing will result in frequent engine stalls. 

By the end of July 2020, FCA was aware of at least 1200 similar warranty claims related to the engine stall issue. Although the automaker advised that no reported crashes or injuries have resulted from this defect, Chrysler disclosed that RAM and Jeep vehicles with gasoline engines and new third-generation EcoDiesel 6 engines are not included in the recall. 

Below are some excerpts from complaints placed by RAM 1500 and Jeep Cherokee owners:

“I was stopped at a stop light on a busy 4 lane highway when my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalled and would not re-start. The engine light came on, I could not push the brake pedal in. I called U-connect roadside and they sent a tow truck.” – 2017 Grand Cherokee owner

“My 2016 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel stalled while reversing out of driveway. Could not drive for about 10 mins. Finally, when truck worked engine light came on. My truck has 101 miles. It is new. No one wants a vehicle that has electrical issues after 2 days of purchase!” – 2016 RAM 1500 owner

“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle randomly jerked and stalled several times. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Corpus Christi (4313 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, (361) 992-8000), but was not diagnosed or repaired.” – 2017 Grand Cherokee owner

What Can I Do if My RAM or Jeep Exhibit Any of the Defects Discussed Above?

If your RAM 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee has exhibited any of the engine stalling issues described above, CCA’s lawyers are here to help – and at no cost to you! CCA is equipped with a team of lawyers who are trained to handle complex lemon law cases and get you the compensation that you deserve.

If your vehicle has been exhibiting any defects or issues, please contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Jeep car dealership

Jeep Cherokee Rollaway Danger

By: Nicole Halavi

Jeep has now been a part of Chrysler for more than 100 years and offers a line of vehicles consisting solely of sports utility vehicles, including crossovers and fully off-road models. While Jeeps have consistently been in high demand in the auto market, consumers are now complaining of their various Jeep models exhibiting multiple defects. For instance, users complained of a jerky shifting defect in some Jeep models, and more recently, a rollaway risk in Jeep Cherokees has presented a serious cause for concern. Upon investigation, Jeep has recalled more than 82,000 SUVs to address user complaints regarding the rollaway safety danger.

If you are concerned that your Jeep Cherokee has been exhibiting serious defects, CCA is here to help. Feel free to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What is the Rollaway Danger in Jeep Cherokee Models?

A vehicle rollaway can be hazardous and can also lead to fatal accidents. A rollaway danger occurs when a car’s parking and brake mechanism is of poor quality or is defected. Without an adequate park and brake system in place, the vehicle is at risk of rolling away and putting the driver in a potentially dangerous position.

The rollaway danger in the Jeep Cherokee is allegedly the result of an issue with the power transfer units (PTUs) as “differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU.”

Over the past few years, users have filed complaints against Chrysler because of the Cherokee’s faulty brake system. Below are some of the common complaints involving the 2014-2017 models exhibiting brake defects:

“Parking brake has multiple issues. The brake squeaks when engaged and disengaged. When the car is auto started the parking brake no longer comes on.” – driver of a 2017 Jeep Cherokee.

“I was lucky. I was in heavy traffic when the brake pedal kicked back, and I had no power brakes. Crashed into curb, tied up traffic for 2 hours until roadside assistance towed the car away. It took them two weeks to get the part. If this had happened an hour earlier, I would have been off the side of a mountain and dead. This is the second time this SUV has nearly gotten me killed.” – driver of a Jeep Cherokee Limited 2.5L V4.

After receiving many complaints alleging defective park functions and motive power, Chrysler began an investigation to further address the defect. According to Chrysler, there haven’t been any reported fatalities or injuries caused by this defect. However, a Jeep owner claimed that the parking brake defect in his vehicle caused a car crash. As per the manufacturer’s report, more than 67,000 vehicles have been affected in the United States, about 13,000 in Canada and 10,000 outside of North America.

Chrysler has also announced a recall of more than 2,000 replacement PTU parts. As per the reports, the recall was expected to begin on July 31st, 2020.

What Can I Do if I’m Worried about the Rollaway Danger on my Jeep Cherokee Model?

If you have been noticing any of the issues discussed above, CCA is equipped with a set of experienced lawyers that are ready to help resolve your lemon law issues and obtain for you the compensation that you deserve. Best of all, our services come at no cost to you – all of our fees are paid by the automakers.

Contact our experts today for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.