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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.

Since 2021, at least nine separate reports about the defect have surfaced, some describing complete vehicle destruction. One consumer reported that their Jeep "burned to the ground" while parked next to a home, leading to total loss.

In response to the escalating concerns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a formal investigation into the fires in September.

Allegations of Deception and Breach of Warranty

The lawsuit asserts that FCA knowingly concealed the defect when marketing the vehicles as having advanced "safety and security features." The automaker has yet to issue a recall addressing the alleged issue, further aggravating consumer concerns.

Bell, who purchased a used 2023 Jeep Wrangler in Illinois, said she reached out to a dealership about a different recall and was assured that her vehicle was not affected. However, the class action alleges that the fire risk stems from FCA's improper manufacturing and installation of the power-steering pump electrical connector.

The plaintiffs are pushing for the certification of a nationwide class and an Illinois subclass. They are bringing claims of breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment, violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.

Legal Teams Mobilize

Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys from The Miller Law Firm PC, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, McGuire Law PC, Sawin Law LTD, and Morgan Law Firm LTD. FCA’s legal counsel has not yet issued a statement regarding the lawsuit.

As the case unfolds, Jeep owners nationwide will be closely watching for potential legal and regulatory action that could impact vehicle safety and potential recalls.