FCA Faces Class Action Lawsuit for Alleged Jeep Wrangler Issue

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been hit with a class-action lawsuit over the alleged 'death wobble' issue plaguing its recent Jeep Wrangler releases.

Owners of late-model Jeep Wranglers, said to involve units from the 2015 to 2018 model years, are taking the car manufacturer to the courts, alleging that the FCA knew about the issue but failed to warn buyers about the potential problem. The owners also purported that FCA has no plans to address the root cause, and is merely satisfied with applying 'band-aid' fixes to alleviate customer concerns.

Owners identified the problem as a steering wheel vibration that can get difficult to control. The problem typically appears at higher speeds after hitting a bump, compelling the driver to slow down the vehicle to regain control. Some owners experienced 'uncontrollable side-to-side shaking.'

FCA reasoned to the owners that the issue is nothing new, and often presents itself in 'any vehicle that has a solid front axle' such as the Wrangler.

The class action wants FCA to pay damages to affected drivers via a buyback program that compels the car maker to pay for the repairs as well as their car's lost value. It also seeks to provide owners with replacement vehicles while their cars are being repaired.

The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages from FCA on the basis that they deliberately put "drivers and members of the public nationwide at risk."

When asked for comment regarding the pending lawsuit, FCA replied with this statement: "FCA has not been served with this lawsuit and cannot comment on its allegations at this time."