FCA US LLC Jeep Defect Settlement

proposed class action settlement has been reached in the case of Reynolds et al. v. FCA US LLC. The legal dispute, which has been ongoing for some time, revolves around allegations of a defect in certain Jeep models that purportedly causes the steering wheel and front suspension to shake after contact with a bumpy road surface at highway speeds. FCA US LLC, the defendant in the case, has consistently denied these allegations and has not been found liable for any claims.

Unraveling the Settlement's

The settlement, while not disclosing a specific total dollar amount, offers significant benefits to the affected class members. It extends the warranty covering the front suspension steering damper for up to 8 years or 90,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was first sold to its original owner or lessee. This extension covers the cost of parts and labor needed to replace a failed front suspension steering damper.

Moreover, class members who have paid out of pocket for repairs of the front suspension steering damper can submit a claim for reimbursement. This provision of the settlement ensures that those who have already incurred expenses due to the alleged defect can recoup their costs.

Key Dates to Remember

The court has given preliminary approval to the settlement, and a final fairness hearing is scheduled for April 19, 2023. This hearing will determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate.

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Who Are the Class Members?

The class members in this case are all individuals who purchased or leased a Model Year 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler or 2020 Jeep Gladiator in the United States. This includes both original owners and lessees, as well as subsequent owners.

However, there are several exclusions from the class. These exclusions include FCA US, any affiliate, parent, or subsidiary of FCA US, any entity in which FCA US has a controlling interest, any officer, director, or employee of FCA US, any successor or assign of FCA US, and any judge to whom this Action is assigned, among others.

What Can Class Members Claim?

Class members are eligible for two major benefits under the settlement. The first is a Warranty Extension covering the front suspension steering damper for up to 8 years or 90,000 miles from the date of purchase or lease. The second is reimbursement for repairs of the front suspension steering damper that they have already paid for.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Class members who are claiming reimbursement for repairs must provide proof of payment for the repairs.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement stems from allegations that certain Jeep models suffer from a defect causing the steering wheel and front suspension to shake after contact with a bumpy road surface at highway speeds. The plaintiffs allege that FCA US was aware of this issue but failed to disclose it to consumers. FCA US denies these allegations and has not been found liable for any claims.

The settlement represents a compromise to avoid the costs and risks associated with further litigation. It is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by FCA US. The next steps in the process will be the final fairness hearing on April 19, 2023, and the effective date of the settlement on August 11, 2023.