Jeep Wranglers Recalled for Fire Risks

Jeep is recalling certain Wrangler sport utility vehicles over fire risks.

The recall covers about 36,000 Wrangler SUVs, Jeep recently told federal regulators. A production error puts them at risk of bursting into flames. 

“These recalled vehicles have an unnecessary fastener—known as a frame stud—that was erroneously installed during production,” Keith Barry writes for Consumer Reports. “In a crash, this fastener might puncture the gas tank and cause a leak, which could lead to a fire.”

The recall covers Wrangler SUVs from model years 2020 through 2023, which were manufactured between Oct. 16, 2019, and May 14, 2022. The automaker earlier this year recalled Wrangler SUVs from the same model years over a separate fire risk posed due to a problem with clutch pressure plates.

Jeep is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect behind the latest recall, the company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Jeep owners whose Wrangler SUVs are being recalled will be notified by the company to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for inspection and repair.

Jeep Defects Pose Safety Risks

These kinds of recalls are unfortunately old hat for Jeep and other major auto manufacturers. 

The callbacks often involved serious defects that pose significant safety risks for everyone on the road. They are often announced long after the defective vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting owners.

Last year, NHTSA announced that it was investigating a possible parking brake defect in certain Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles. The probe, covering some 1.3 million Jeep Cherokees vehicles, came in response to roughly 80 complaints that water leaking into SUVs makes parking brakes inoperable.

How California's Lemon Law Works

Many car owners and lessors in California do not have to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. You have some important rights under the state’s lemon law.

The California lemon law requires GM and other car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

The law also forces manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) cars that they cannot or will not fix. That means compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options. The law forces manufacturers to pick up the tab for certain legal fees incurred by car owners while enforcing their rights.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.