The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a recall of more than 90,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid SUVs due to a problem that could lead to a loss of drive power.
Specifically, the plug-in hybrid vehicles may have a defect in their onboard software that could malfunction, increasing the risk of a serious accident, according to the NHTSA recall notice. These vehicles may have a defective battery pack control module microprocessor that is causing the issue. The battery pack control module issue has been identified in Jeep Grand Cherokees hybrid models produced between 2022 and 2026.
Is My Recalled Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-in Hybrid SUV a Lemon?
It depends. Under state lemon laws, a vehicle is generally considered a lemon when it has a recurring defect that isn’t repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, typically while under the manufacturer’s warranty.
What qualifies as “reasonable” will vary 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.
My Leased Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you own or lease a Jeep Grand Cherokee that exhibits persistent problems or has been with the dealership for more than 15 days, then you may have a viable state lemon law case. 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.