NHTSA Complaint #11717097 — 2024 JEEP WRANGLER

Summary of Risk: 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Thermal Runaway/Fire Hazard: Per NHTSA Recalls 25V741000 and 25V766000, the high-voltage battery contains damaged separators, causing internal short circuits that lead to fires even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. Non-Stop "Turnover" Failure: The vehicle’s current state (constantly attempting to start/turn over without stopping) is a documented electrical/hybrid system malfunction. This indicates the high-voltage system is in a state of failure, significantly increasing the risk of a "thermal event" (fire). Proximity Danger: Per manufacturer guidelines, this vehicle is currently a Life-Safety Risk as it is immobilized within 50 feet of a residential structure housing a toddler and pets, violating the "Park Outside and Away from Structures" safety directive. Absence of Remedy: The dealership has admitted there is no current fix or available parts to resolve this hazard, rendering the vehicle "permanently impaired" under Maine Law. Summary of Dealership Response Failure to Secure Safety: Despite the vehicle being a non-drivable fire hazard, the dealership has not provided an emergency tow or a no-cost loaner vehicle to remove the threat from the residence. Predatory Pricing: The dealership is attempting to leverage a safety crisis to increase the lease payment by over 60% (from $500 to $800+). Misuse of Incentives: The dealership is failing to apply the $8,000 Stellantis "Recall Relief" rebate to lower the monthly payment. Instead, they are using it to absorb "negative equity" on a defective vehicle that should legally be subject to a full manufacturer buyback. Unreasonable Terms: The dealership is effectively demanding a $10,000+ total cost increase over the life of a new lease to replace a vehicle they admit is unfixable and dangerous.