Chrysler issued a new, expanded recall for more than 300,000 model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Why? Because these vehicles may have a defective high voltage battery that is prone to fail internally and lead to the Jeep vehicle setting on fire while parked or driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA advised owners of impacted plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokees and Wranglers to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until a remedy is deployed.
Is My Recalled Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid SUV a Lemon?
Possibly. Under certain state lemon laws, a vehicle may be deemed a “lemon” when it has a recurring defect that isn’t repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, while under the manufacturer’s warranty.
What qualifies as a “reasonable” number of repair attempts varies by state. Nevertheless, this term often encompasses repeated repairs for the same problem, lengthy time in the shop, or defects that create serious safety risks (like a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler suddenly catching fire).
My Leased Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler Was Included in the Recall – Do I Have a Lemon Law Claim?
Possibly yes. Leased vehicles are oftentimes covered under applicable state Lemon Law, if they meet the state’s criterion for defects and repair attempts. Keeping detailed records of all problems and repairs is essential, as strong documentation is the key to a successful claim.
How Much Financial Restitution Can I Receive for My Jeep Lemon?
It depends on your specific circumstances. Lemon Law compensation varies from case to case, depending on the specific aspects of the claim. The ideal outcome is a Lemon Buyback, in which the manufacturer repurchases the vehicle from you. In a Lemon Buyback, you may be eligible to receive the following forms of financial restitution:
- Your full down payment
- All monthly payments for the vehicle
- Taxes related to the purchase
- Finance charges
- A pro-rated portion of your registration fees
You may also be eligible to receive compensation for towing fees, service costs (including parts), and car rental fees
The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan and discharge it. There is a standard depreciation deduction for your use of the vehicle. Depreciation is calculated based on mileage when you first brought the vehicle in to repair a defect.
You may also be able to negotiate with the manufacturer to replace your lemon with another vehicle of equivalent or lesser value, essentially swapping your defective vehicle for one that works.
Take Action Today – Contact Bad Vehicle About Your Plug-in Hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler
If you own or lease a plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler that is subject to the NHTSA recall about potential fire risks, then you may have a viable state lemon law claim.
If you find yourself in this situation, contact Bad Vehicle to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation. We have represented numerous individuals against vehicle manufacturers, and car dealerships who have sold our clients’ lemon vehicles.