Jeep Wrangler 4xe Class Action: Battery Fire Hazard Alleged

A new class action lawsuit is igniting concerns over the safety of 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids, alleging a serious defect in their lithium-ion batteries supplied by Samsung. The lawsuit, filed by plaintiff Thomas Teger, claims that these batteries pose a significant fire risk, even when the vehicles are parked and turned off.

“Plaintiff believes that the unreasonably dangerous and defective battery is dangerous to his health, and the safety of Plaintiff and others who may ride in his vehicle,” the Jeep class action lawsuit argues.

Lawsuit Claims Fire Risk Even When Parked

Teger's lawsuit points the finger at a "serious" design flaw in the Wrangler 4xe's battery pack, claiming it renders the vehicle "unreasonably dangerous." This alleged defect not only jeopardizes the safety of Jeep owners and passengers but also poses a broader risk to the public due to the potential for unexpected fires.

FCA, the automaker behind Jeep, is also accused of being aware of the issue yet failing to provide an adequate solution.

“However, even despite awareness of this vehicle defect, there was no repair or fix made available to owners of those defective vehicles,” the Jeep battery lawsuit contends.

The lawsuit asserts that FCA notified Teger in November 2023 about the potential for battery failure and fire, regardless of whether the vehicle's ignition was on or off. However, instead of offering a permanent fix, FCA allegedly advised owners to avoid parking near structures until a "final repair" was available—a repair that has yet to materialize.

Jeep Owners Left Stranded with Charging Crippled and Safety Concerns

The inability to charge the plug-in hybrid's battery effectively eliminates the key benefits of owning such a vehicle, including reduced emissions and fuel costs. Teger's lawsuit argues that FCA's lack of action has left owners with vehicles that are forced to run solely on gasoline engines, negating the environmental and economic advantages they were promised.

Furthermore, the lawsuit criticizes FCA's vague instructions on safe parking distances as inadequate and unhelpful. Owners are left to grapple with finding suitable parking locations for their potentially hazardous vehicles, adding another layer of frustration to an already alarming situation.

FCA Faces Mounting Legal Heat Over Jeep Wrangler 4xe Fire Risks

FCA has faced repeated legal action over fire risks in the Wrangler 4xe. Earlier this year, a separate class action lawsuit was filed alleging defects in the hybrid propulsion system that could lead to fires and explosions, even with the engine off. This lawsuit, targeting the 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrids, was brought by several owners, including Gary Frisch, Tammy Otto, and Brian Kreb, in Michigan federal court.

In Teger’s Jeep Wrangler battery defect class action lawsuit, he aims to represent a nationwide class of current and former owners and lessees of 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe models equipped with the allegedly defective battery system. The lawsuit seeks both injunctive relief, which would require FCA to address the issue, and monetary damages for himself and all affected class members.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Teger et al. v. FCA US LLC
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-04570
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  

Plaintiffs' Attorneys: 

• Todd M. Friedman (Todd M. Friedman, P.C.)