Stellantis Discontinues Jeep 4xe Models Amid Battery Fire Concerns and Lawsuits

Stellantis has been accused of failing to adequately address battery defects in its Jeep 4xe plug-in hybrid models, prompting recalls and multiple lawsuits. The controversies culminated in the discontinuation of the 4xe lineup in late 2023.

Battery Defects and Recalls

In November 2023, Stellantis issued a recall for approximately 320,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models due to damaged battery separators that increased the risk of thermal runaway and fire. Owners were instructed to park their vehicles away from structures such as garages and carports to mitigate fire hazards.

The recall highlighted a critical flaw in the lithium-ion battery packs supplied by Samsung, which power both the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe. These packs were alleged to be defective, posing serious safety risks even when the vehicle’s ignition was off.

Class Action Lawsuits and Legal Challenges

A new class action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, adds to the growing legal pressure on Stellantis. The complaint, which names 16 plaintiffs, seeks damages and attorneys’ fees, alleging that Stellantis downplayed the severity of the battery issues and delayed recalls and remedies.

The lawsuit further claims that Stellantis chose to discontinue the 4xe lineup in 2023 rather than invest in the engineering work required to fix the underlying problems. This decision came despite the Wrangler 4xe being one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in America prior to its discontinuation.

Previous Legal Actions

This is not the first lawsuit filed against Stellantis in 2023 regarding battery issues in its 4xe models. In February, a separate class action was filed in Utah, accusing Stellantis of violating state and federal consumer laws. The lawsuit alleged that vehicles could catch fire even when parked and the ignition was off.

Ongoing Concerns and Industry Impact

The recurring issues with the 4xe models have raised broader concerns about the safety and reliability of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Owners and industry observers continue to question Stellantis’ response to the battery defects and the long-term implications for the company’s reputation and customer trust.