NHTSA Complaint #11453270 — 2018 JEEP WRANGLER

Frame Welds failed, causing the lower control arm to completely detach from vehicle while driving on highway. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Yes, my safety was put at risk. Dealer refused to acknowledge problem, did not wish to see photos or video. The repair was completed elsewhere. December 29th - While driving on the highway I hear a loud bang and pull over. Turns out my front lower control arm mount COMPLETELY BREAKS OFF my frame (See attached photos). I call my dealership (Zappone CDJR in Clifton Park NY), they can’t get me in for a few weeks due to their availability. I get a major favor and get an extremely reputable, nationally known, off-road manufacture to fix it for me. While I am there, they tell me - take it in to the dealership, a lot of your welds need to be looked at. Apparently someone attempted to touch up some of the welds by hand, but didn’t do a great job. I purchased this JLUR brand new, actually ordered it from factory so no outside work was done on it. Feb 21st - Finally get it in to the dealership, explain to them the situation and without even looking at it, I already get hit with the “well hopefully your lift didn’t cause it” by the service advisor (Jeff Coon). I even reference the TSB out about welds and get told “well TSBs aren’t covered under warranty its an out of pocket expense”. So I call the support center and get told the same thing frame is not covered under my extended warranty, and my standard warranty is out. Ultimately I get told “inspected frame from star cases and damage to frame is not a known issue and is caused by off reading abuse and aftermarket lift kit and would put pressure on welds. Technician found would not be considered factory warranty due to aftermarket lift kit installed.