Jeep Wrangler Door Hinge Recall Overview
In 2018, Fiat Chrysler began using aluminum in the body panels and chassis on its newly designed Jeep Wrangler to increase fuel efficiency. In brochures for the 2018 Wrangler model, Jeep highlighted the use of aluminum as an environmentally friendly solution. However, despite the decrease in weight of 200 pounds, the use of aluminum has caused premature rusting door hinges and door panels for many Jeep drivers.
A 2021 Jeep Rust class action lawsuit claims that Chrysler has failed to issue a Jeep Wrangler Frame Rust Recall for affected vehicles and instead released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) in March 2018.
The TSB, titled “Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair” recommended that dealers inspect and refinish the corroded and rusted door panels and hinges on 2018 Jeep Wranglers instead of addressing the root cause of the issue, the lawsuit claims. The TSB also suggested dealers to apply pre-treatment wipes and an anti-corrosion pen on corroded rusted door panels and hinges prior to refinishing aluminum panels. Unfortunately, these fixes did not completely resolve the rusting issue.
Jeep Rust Corrosion Lawsuit
The Jeep Rust Corrosion Lawsuit refers to a 2021 class-action lawsuit filed against FCA US, LLC. (now known as Stellantis) on behalf of owners and lessees of certain Jeep vehicles. The lawsuit alleges that the vehicles have a defect that causes rust and corrosion to form on the undercarriage and frame, which can lead to serious mechanical problems and can even cause the vehicles to become unsafe to drive.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the rust and corrosion is caused by a lack of adequate rust protection in the design and manufacturing of the vehicles, and that Chrysler has known about the issue for some time but has failed to address it through a recall or permanent fix. The lawsuit is seeking damages for the cost of repairs and for the decreased value of the affected vehicles.
Jeep Corrosion Warranty
Many affected Jeep Wranglers were initially sold with a 3-year, unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, which covered corrosion to sheet metal panels.
FCA later extended the warranty period to 5 years, while also expanding the coverage to include rust to the outer-body sheet metal panel, which is defined as a panel that is visible on the exterior of the vehicle when it is finish-painted—covering any corrosion or rust found on the outer-body sheet metal panel.
The 2021 suit says that FCA is not honoring new corrosion warranty coverage, calling it a “sham.” The automaker has also not issued any recalls to address Jeep Gladiator frame issues or Jeep Wrangler frame rust problems. Repairs in TSBs (technical service bulletins) dating back to 2018 direct dealers to repaint rusted outer panels instead of replacing them.
Why do Jeep door hinges rust?
Metals used in certain Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles may be prone to more oxidization and rust. Rust is an oxidation process that occurs when iron is exposed to water and oxygen, creating iron oxide (Fe2O3), which is commonly known as rust. It is a common problem for metal structures and objects, as it can weaken and degrade them over time.
What makes are affected?
The following Jeep models may be affected by the door hinge problem:
- 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler
- 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator
On October 27, 2020, FCA released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 31-002-20, which includes information about the 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler and the 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator models.
Three plaintiffs who filed the Jeep Wrangler Rust class action are: a Louisiana Jeep Wrangler customer who bought a new 2018 model, a Maine customer who purchased a new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, and two Florida owners who bought a new 2019 Jeep Wrangler while residing in New York.
Both Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators can suffer from corrosion, resulting in rust development on the doors panels and door hinges. This rust can cause the doors to malfunction, making it difficult or impossible to open and close the doors, and can also lead to an unsightly appearance, diminishing the vehicle’s value.
The plaintiffs in this class action claim that the manufacturer knew or should have known about this issue and failed to take appropriate action to address it, and they are now seeking compensation for the damage caused by the rust problem.
Additional issues caused by corrosion include peeling, flaking, bubbling, or blistering of the paint. Jeep wrangler door hinge rust and corrosion can cause problems that not only affect the vehicle’s appearance but can also produce structural damage to the car. Rust can spread and weaken metal in the vehicle, making it susceptible to additional premature damage and wear.
What are my options?
Instead of joining a class action lawsuit, we recommend pursuing an individual lemon law claim if you have experienced repeat repairs for premature wear on the door hinges of your vehicle.
An individual claim has the potential to get you greater compensation for your specific damages and losses, more control over the outcome, a potentially faster resolution, a tailored legal strategy and a higher likelihood of a successful outcome—as the attorney can focus on your specific case and evidence.
However, it’s important to note that every case is different, and speaking with an attorney who specializes in Jeep lemon law can give you a better understanding of the options available to you.
When it comes to resolving disputes with manufacturers and dealerships over lemon vehicles, it is critical that you choose a highly reputable firm with years of experience handling cases just like yours. The Lemon Law Experts have a proven record of accomplishment of success in resolving lemon vehicle claims for clients across California, making us one of the top consumer protection firms in the state. Our
attorneys have extensive knowledge of California lemon law and know how to ensure that your rights are protected so that you receive fair compensation for any losses or damages you sustained as a result of your lemon.
In addition to our experience and knowledge of California lemon law, we also offer strong representation for our clients. Our attorneys are aggressive and dedicated advocates who will use all our resources to fight for your rights. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless you win. With our incredible success rate, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in great hands.
If you live in California and have any questions about your Jeep or other vehicle, please let us know. Through a free, no-obligation consultation, our team can review your case to see how much you could receive in lemon law recovery. Give us a call at 877-885-5366 or fill out an online form on our site today.
