Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that it knowingly sold Jeep vehicles with defective power-steering pump electrical connectors, significantly increasing the risk of spontaneous under-hood fires. The lawsuit, filed Monday in a Michigan federal court, claims that the defect has already resulted in at least one fatality.
Consumers Accuse Stellantis-Owned FCA of Concealment
The plaintiffs argue that FCA, now part of Stellantis, was aware of the defect but failed to disclose it to consumers. According to the complaint, the faulty electrical connector could trigger fires even when the vehicles are parked and not in use.
“Properly designed and manufactured cars do not spontaneously catch fire or pose a risk that they will spontaneously catch fire. Cars that do are inherently dangerous,” the lawsuit states.
Leading the class action is Illinois resident Nikki Bell, who, along with other plaintiffs, is seeking to represent owners and lessees of 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT models. The complaint suggests that approximately 781,000 vehicles could be affected by the defect.
Reports Highlight Pattern of Mysterious Fires
The lawsuit references multiple complaints to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), with many reports detailing fires originating from the passenger-side engine compartment while vehicles were off. Others described fires that erupted suddenly while the vehicles were in motion.
