What's the Problem?
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this recall affects the following Jeeps equipped with manual transmissions:
- 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator
- 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler
The clutch pressure plate on the above vehicles may overheat and fracture, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components may cause debris to fall onto the road or a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler is notifying owners and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge.
This recall began on March 4, 2021.
Jeep Agrees to Settlement Over Gladiator "Death Wobble"
In January 2023, it was announced that a class-action lawsuit against FCA US is moving forward and owners of certain Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles suffering from “death wobble” may be getting an extended warranty and cash back for certain repairs paid out of pocket.
Death wobble is an issue that can affect vehicles with live-axle-type front suspensions, because of the need for several linkages to steer. Ball joints are needed to articulate the linkages, and a steering damper is needed to attenuate any unwanted vibration.
However, the multitude of linkages can lead to a harmonic vibration to form that self-amplifies. A steering damper normally fixes this, but steering components in a live axle vehicle wear more quickly than a rack-and-pinion.
As part of the settlement, FCA US will admit no wrongdoing and also pay up to $3.95 million for attorney fees and $4,000 for each class representative, including an extension to an 8-year, 90,000-mile warranty. The extended warranty would cover parts and labor needed to replace a front suspension damper.
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Do I Have a Jeep Gladiator Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Jeep Gladiator Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled Jeep Gladiator, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.