How to Join a Jeep Class Action Lawsuit

Short answer: To join the Jeep class action lawsuit, you should confirm your eligibility, gather essential documentation, and submit a claim form before the deadline.

Participation begins with verifying whether your Jeep model is included in the lawsuit, which can often be determined through official notifications or by reviewing lawsuit details online.

Once eligible, you’ll need to collect supporting documents like repair records, purchase receipts, and any correspondence with the manufacturer or dealership to strengthen your claim.

However, depending on your situation, filing a Lemon Law claim may be another option. An individual lemon law claim may offer a more tailored solution for individuals with persistent vehicle issues.

Consulting a Lemon Law expert could help you understand the best course of action for your specific situation, especially if your vehicle’s defects have significantly impacted your ownership experience.

Below are steps on how to join a Jeep Class Action Lawsuit, comparing its pros and cons with pursuing an individual Lemon Law claim.

Steps to Join a Jeep Class Action Lawsuit

If you believe your Jeep is included in a class action lawsuit, joining is a fairly simple process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify whether your specific Jeep model is included in the lawsuit. You may receive a notification by mail or email if your vehicle qualifies.

2. Automatic Inclusion: For eligible vehicles, owners are often automatically included in the lawsuit unless they choose to opt out.

3. Submit a Claim: Once a settlement is reached, you’ll need to complete a claim form. This is typically available online or via mail and requires details about your vehicle and the problems experienced.

4. Provide Documentation: Supporting evidence, such as repair records or proof of ownership, may be necessary to validate your claim.

5. Await Compensation: After submitting your claim, you’ll wait for the settlement to be finalized. Compensation may include cash payments, reimbursements, rebates, or extended warranties.

Recent Jeep Class Action Lawsuits

1. Jeep 4xe FORM Class Action Lawsuit: The Jeep 4xe FORM class action lawsuit involves 2021–2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid models. The central allegation is that the Fuel and Oil Refresh Mode (FORM) system disrupts electric-only or electric-assisted driving, rendering the vehicle heavily reliant on its gasoline engine for extended periods.

The FORM system was designed to preserve engine lubrication and prevent damage when the gasoline engine remains inactive for long periods.

Jeep manuals initially indicated that FORM activation would last around 20 minutes. However, this estimate was later revised to allow for up to 2.5 hours of operation.

Owners have reported instances where FORM mode persists for weeks or even months, effectively disabling the electric functionality they purchased the vehicle for.

The lawsuit highlights the significant inconvenience for owners who bought these vehicles primarily for their electric capabilities.

In some cases, Jeep 4xe customers have stated that they experienced “almost no pure electric-powered transport for months while their Class Vehicles remained in FORM.”

• Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator ‘Death Wobble’ Settlement: The notorious “death wobble” issue affecting 2018–2020 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models has led to a proposed settlement with FCA US. The “death wobble” occurs when the front suspension oscillates uncontrollably, typically at highway speeds, causing significant safety concerns. Key terms of the settlement include:

• An extended warranty covering front suspension dampers for up to eight years or 90,000 miles.
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket repairs incurred by affected owners.
• FCA US’s commitment to pay $3.95 million in attorney fees and provide $4,000 to each lead plaintiff involved in the case.

While FCA US denies any admission of wrongdoing, the settlement is aimed at addressing the safety concerns of affected vehicle owners, providing both financial relief and extended protection for impacted vehicles.

•  Corrosion and Paint Problems: Another class action lawsuit alleges that FCA US failed to address defects in the aluminum body panels of 2018–2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020–2021 Jeep Gladiator models. Owners report that these panels are prone to corrosion, bubbling, peeling, and flaking paint, leading to both cosmetic and structural issues.

The plaintiffs argue that these problems stem from a hidden defect in the manufacturing process, with FCA allegedly failing to disclose these vulnerabilities to consumers.

Despite the warranty coverage offered by FCA, many owners claim the issues have significantly reduced the value and appearance of their vehicles.

This lawsuit emphasizes that FCA’s failure to provide adequate solutions or inform buyers of potential problems constitutes a breach of consumer trust, prompting affected owners to seek legal remedies.

Drawbacks of Joining a Jeep Class Action

While class action lawsuits can streamline the legal process for vehicle owners, they come with potential downsides:

• Limited Involvement: Decisions about the case, including settlements, are controlled by lead plaintiffs and attorneys, leaving you with little influence.
• Smaller Compensation: Any financial award is divided among all class members, often resulting in less money compared to individual claims.
• Binding Results: Once the class action is resolved, you generally cannot pursue individual legal action for the same issue.
• Extended Timelines: Class action lawsuits can drag on for years before reaching a resolution.

If you feel your situation requires individual attention or you’re dissatisfied with these limitations, consulting a Lemon Law attorney may be a better alternative.

Advantages of Filing an Individual Jeep Lemon Law Claim

Filing an individual Lemon Law claim offers several advantages over joining a class action lawsuit:

• Substantial Compensation: Individual claims allow for tailored compensation based on your specific losses, such as repair expenses, diminished vehicle value, or even a full buyback.
• Quicker Resolution: Lemon Law cases typically move faster than class actions, meaning you’ll see results sooner.
• Focused Representation: Your case receives personal attention, ensuring all unique details of your vehicle’s defects are addressed.
• Greater Influence: You maintain control over the legal process, including negotiations and settlement terms.
• Minimal Legal Fees: Many states require manufacturers to cover attorney fees for successful Lemon Law claims, reducing your financial burden.

If your Jeep suffers from persistent defects, taking action under Lemon Law can provide a more personalized and effective resolution than a class action.

Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your options and secure the compensation you deserve.

Connect with Our Attorneys

If you’re experiencing unresolved issues with your Jeep and believe it may be included in a class action lawsuit, now is the time to explore your legal options.

Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of joining the lawsuit and seeking a resolution.

Whether you are pursuing compensation, a vehicle replacement, or another remedy, having knowledgeable legal support ensures you understand your rights and maximize your claim.

Our team of Lemon Law Experts has been helping consumers handle complex vehicle defect cases since 2009.

With extensive experience in addressing recurring issues and legal claims, we can provide the guidance you need to join a Jeep class action lawsuit or pursue an individual claim.

Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you in taking the next steps toward resolution.