by Problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
A Michigan couple has filed a lawsuit against Jeep after their Grand Cherokee 4xe suddenly stopped while driving. Their hybrid SUV allegedly shut down in the fast lane of Interstate 75. Since then, the vehicle has been sitting for months at the dealer’s lot, but the owners continue to pay about $1000 per month for leasing and insurance.
Incident Background
In 2023, PJ Phillips and his wife leased a new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with only 16 miles on the odometer. According to the lawsuit, they later discovered that the SUV had already undergone major repairs related to key components of the hybrid powertrain. Since then, the vehicle has been a constant source of problems.
Dangerous Situation on the Highway
In May of this year, the situation became particularly dangerous when Carly Phillips was driving in the fast lane of I-75 and the Jeep suddenly shut off. Fortunately, she managed to safely pull over to the shoulder, but since then the Grand Cherokee has been at the Jeep dealer, and the family continues to bear the financial costs. The local dealer refused to service the vehicle, citing its complex repair history.
Arbitration Processes
Last year, the owners began researching the local “lemon” car law and organized an arbitration with FCA in April 2024. That arbitration ruled in favor of FCA, citing warranty coverage and claiming the issues had been resolved. However, after the I-75 incident, a second arbitration was organized, which this time sided with the family.
Electrical Malfunctions
The couple reports that their SUV had a series of electrical malfunctions: from incorrect operation of the rearview camera and collision detection system to problems with controls and navigation. They demand that Jeep buy back the Grand Cherokee 4xe at a fair price, as they have lost trust in further repairs.
Every problem we’ve had with this car isn’t mechanical – it’s not the transmission, not wheels falling off – it’s all electrical components
For us, as a middle-class family – I work full-time, my wife part-time – we cannot take a $10,000 financial hit
Common Model Problem
In September, Stellantis announced a recall of 91,787 Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2022-2026, stating that a software error could lead to a loss of power. The company explained that an overloaded microprocessor in the battery management module could cause a shutdown. Whether this particular error caused the Phillips’ Jeep to stop on the highway remains unclear.
This story highlights the complexity of resolving issues with modern high-tech vehicles, especially when they involve software and electronic systems. Such cases demonstrate how important effective support from manufacturers and dealers is, particularly when driver safety is at risk. The financial burden for ordinary families facing such problems can be significant, further complicating the situation.
