JEEP has recalled nearly 200,000 of its cars over fears they might suddenly catch fire, urging drivers to keep the “dangerous” vehicles outside.
The ignition doesn’t even have to be on for a fire to start thanks to an issue with the models’ batteries.
Jeep has recalled two of its hybrid models over fears they could spontaneously catch fire[/caption]
Jeep has been one of America’s favourite SUV and off-road brands for more than 80 years.
Its 4x4s gained iconic status before the firm even existed thanks to the original ‘jeep’ used by the Army in World War Two.
Today, though, the company has had to announce a massive recall in a blow to its usually excellent reputation for reliability.
Both of its current hybrid models are affected, with bosses estimating that around 5% of units sold are likely at risk of spontaneous combustion.
The problem is apparently related to battery instability during charging, which can cause fires.
What makes a car a lemon?
Each law has different parameters on what defines a lemon, but generally, a car is lemon when it’s in the shop for longer than it’s on the road.
Progressive Auto Insurance describes a lemon as a car with “a significant defect or malfunction that makes it unsafe to drive,” though exact parameters vary by state. All 50 states have lemon laws covering new vehicles, but only seven have lemon laws to protect used car buyers.
Federally, however, consumers are protected under U.S. Code Chapter 50 covering consumer product warranties. In layman’s terms, the law dictates that consumers be compensated by the manufacturer when “multiple attempts to repair a vehicle under warranty fail.”
What to do if you think you bought a lemon:
- Research your state’s lemon laws and their exact parameters.
- Contact the dealership, especially if it’s still under factory warranty.
- If the dealership refuses to repair the issue, contact the Automotive Consumer Action Program or the National Automobile Dealers Association.
- Send a certified letter to the manufacturer with an explanation of the issue, with documentation and proof that you’ve contacted a dealership.
- Depending on the outcome, you can report the dealership to the DMV for selling a car that needs immediate repairs.
- Consider small claims court.
- Consult an attorney specializing in lemon law through the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
Source: Progressive Auto Insurance
Jeep’s review of customer data discovered 13 instances so far, two of which resulted in injuries.
As a result, they have asked customers to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealer for repair.
Parent company Stellantis has said it is working on a fix, which will be available soon.
Until you can book a repair, official advice is to keep the vehicle parked outside and refrain from charging it.
The company added that the lower your charge percentage, the lower the risk of a fire.
The models affected are the Wrangler 4xE and Grand Cherokee 4xE hybrids manufactured between 2022 and 2024.
Most of the recalled models were sold in North America.
If you believe your vehicle might be impacted, you can call Jeep Customer Care on (800) 853-1403 or visit www.mopar.com/en-us.
And if your car does catch fire call 911 immediately.
Do not try to put it out with water as it is an electrical fire and this could make it worse.
It comes after rivals Toyota recalled around 50,000 vehicles after a similar issue developed.
