Recall Round-Up: May 1, 2020
This edition of Recall Round-Up features 2 recalls and one pending lawsuit with Fiat Chrysler (FCA) for Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge Ram vehicles. If you own any of these vehicles, you should most certainly check to see if the below issues apply to you.
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Defective Backup Camera
FCA recalled more than 300,000 vehicles for defective backup cameras. The issue arises when the image on the backup camera remains on the screen even after the driver has shifted the vehicle out of reverse. Federal safety standards require this image change because it could unnecessarily distract the driver and increase the likelihood of a crash. The following models are included in the recall: 2019-20 Jeep Gladiator, Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokees; Dodge Durango, Challenger, 1500 and 2500 Ram pickups, and the Chrysler Pacifica. Owners can expect to hear from FCA about the recall around May 22.
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Defective Windshield Wipers
FCA also recalled more than 400,000 vehicles for faulty windshield wipers. According to the manufacturer, one or both of the windshield wipers could loosen over time which could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. One report to NHTSA stated the wiper detached completely during a storm. The recall covers 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles and Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
Dangerous Sway Bar: Class Action Lawsuit
A recent class action lawsuit was filed against FCA for knowingly selling vehicles with a sway bar that is ‘prone to failure’ (Flores et al v. FCA US LLC, filed 04.20.2020 in Michigan). Certain FCA vehicles designed for navigating rough terrain have an electronic disconnect switch for the sway bar which allows them to better navigate those ‘off-road’ areas by improving the handling and stability functions. The driver can manually disconnect the sway bar function when leaving normal road conditions, and then reconnect once returned. The lawsuit alleges that the design and location of electronic circuit board prevents it from working properly and runs the risk of prematurely failing. The circuit board is located on the undercarriage of the vehicles which are more likely to be damaged when the vehicle is operated in off-road wet and muddy conditions. The initial plaintiff visited the dealership on multiple occasion to have the circuit board repaired or reconnected. Replacing the part can cost owners as much as $1500 each time and is not covered under the vehicle warranty, another issue addressed in the lawsuit. The following models are noted in the suit: 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK and Rubicon Unlimited JKU, 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL and Rubicon Unlimited JLU, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and the 2005-2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon. Owners are encouraged to file a complaint with NHTSA if you have similar issues.
If you’ve been injured as a result of a recalled product, please contact us today. We also encourage anyone to visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites to file formal complaints about potential safety hazards.