— A Jeep 4xe class action lawsuit has been filed in Canada against customers of the 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUV.
Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are said to be equipped with dangerous and defective high-voltage batteries that pose a risk of catching fire.
The lawsuit alleges that the hybrid battery system has caused fires, which can occur while the vehicle is parked or driven.
The Fiat Chrysler Canada class action lawsuit was filed by 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe owner Jason Hydamacka.
According to the lawsuit, drivers should be able to drive the Jeep in all-electric mode to save gas, but the battery allegedly prevents this.
“The target vehicle was equipped with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack composed of nickel manganese cobalt. Without proper manufacturing and proper design, these types of batteries can easily heat up and fail catastrophically, resulting in combustion and fire.” — jeep 4xe lawsuit
The plaintiffs complained that Chrysler promoted Jeep vehicles as safe when in fact the batteries contained dangerous defects.
Samsung makes high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, and other automakers have run into trouble because their batteries pose a fire hazard.
The Jeep class action lawsuit refers to Transport Canada’s November 2023 recall of hybrid vehicles, noting that “there may be a problem within the high-voltage battery that could cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition off.”
But a big question with this recall is how Jeep owners are warned not to charge their vehicles. Additionally, customers are advised not to park indoors or near other vehicles or buildings due to the risk of battery fires.
In September 2024, Transport Canada recalled the Jeep 4xe again, replacing the previous recall because the quality of the previous repairs was not good enough. Jeep 4xe owners are once again being warned not to charge their vehicles.
The plaintiffs allege that Jeep hybrid owners “have to wait months for ineffective recall service to begin.”
“Despite being repeatedly provided with evidence of the electrical defect, Defendants knowingly or recklessly concealed the defect from consumers and regulators.” — Jeep 4xe battery class action lawsuit
Jeep 4xe class action lawsuit filed in British Columbia Supreme Court: Jason Hydamacka v. FCA Canada Inc. et al..
The plaintiffs are represented by Rice Harbut Elliott LLP and Rochon Genova LLP.
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