by Jeep 4xe Battery Problems Lead to Class Action Lawsuit
For several years, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe was the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in the United States, which prompted the brand to also introduce the Grand Cherokee in the 4xe version. However, after a series of recalls and a shift in buyer sentiment, Jeep unexpectedly halted production of both models last month.
Now the company faces a new challenge. A class action lawsuit filed against FCA US in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah alleges that the batteries used in Jeep 4xe models are “dangerous.”
The Essence of the Allegations
The lawsuit states that the 17 kWh high-voltage battery pack, sourced from Samsung, has internal defects that can cause overheating and thermal instability. It is reported that several Jeep 4xe models have already caught fire because of this. According to the complaint, the batteries suffer from “separator damage,” and the plaintiffs claim that FCA has not done enough to properly resolve the issue.
Questionable Recall Effectiveness
The class action lawsuit also criticizes previous recalls announced by Jeep, claiming they did not eliminate the defect. The plaintiffs are also outraged that Jeep advised them not to charge their vehicles due to fire risk and to park them away from buildings while awaiting repair.
FCA still claims it does not know the root cause of the high-voltage battery defect, beyond vague statements about separator damage. FCA has again acknowledged that the previous remedy offered during the 2024 recall was ineffective and did not eliminate the defect present in the high-voltage batteries of the vehicles covered by the lawsuit.
Failed Repair Attempts
For certain vehicles covered by the lawsuit, FCA provided two separate repair attempts since 2023, but neither successfully fixed the defect, as alleged in the complaint. The lawsuit also claims that FCA delayed the recall of 2024 Jeep 4xe models to save money, despite being aware of the risks associated with the batteries.
Series of Recalls
At least three recalls were announced for Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models in the final months of 2025. The models were recalled not only due to battery issues but also in November due to possible sand contamination from the casting process in the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.
This Jeep 4xe situation highlights a broader problem in the automotive industry related to the rushed transition to electric vehicle technology. Battery incidents and failed correction attempts can significantly undermine consumer trust in hybrid and electric vehicles, especially when manufacturers seem to prioritize a quick market entry over comprehensive safety validation. For Jeep owners, the recommendation not to charge the vehicle and to avoid parking near buildings essentially turns a modern technological product into a burdensome asset, contradicting the very idea of convenience and innovation that the brand promotes.
