Consumers who bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, were initially excited about being first to own the American hybrid icon. However, now some are grappling with a dangerous stalling issue involving the electrical system.
Specifically, these plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were reportedly equipped with faulty electronic and/or computer systems. Now owners of the Jeep hybrid may experience a sudden shutdown — anytime and anywhere. Some drivers had their vehicle fail to start, but others were driving when it suddenly stopped — creating a serious safety issue.
Under California Lemon Law, the original owner of a defective vehicle purchased or leased in the state are protected if the vehicle is still under a manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty. If a vehicle such as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe suddenly shuts off while it’s driving down the road, this is certainly risky and unsafe, according to Attorney James Johnson.
“There’s no question that a sudden shutdown — whether it’s on a road or freeway — is a huge safety risk,” Johnson said. “Most people would agree and this is grounds to file a lemon law claim.”
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an electric hybrid version of the popular Jeep Wrangler from an automaker that’s been around for more than 80 years.
Many people learned about Jeep’s first hybrid Wrangler in early 2021 when the automaker released the Earth Odyssey Commercial. Also, the Wrangler 4xe “four-by-e” is the first plug-in hybrid for the iconic Jeep brand here in the United States.
Sales are positive for the mode. Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, reports 8,346 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2022. In fact, during this sales quarter, the electric hybrid Jeep outsold all other plug-in hybrids in the United States. There’s no doubt the venerable Jeep brand is popular, even this electric hybrid version.
However, a year later, some Jeep hybrid owners learned that maybe “Life Electrified” wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Apparently, Stellantis failed to disclose to consumers that the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were equipped with faulty electronic and/or computer systems that could cause sudden shutdowns. Also, it’s difficult to get parts for these vehicles and some have waited months to get their repaired vehicles back from the dealership.
Motorists Warned to Pull Over
Some owners of the Wrangler 4xe reported the vehicle’ “suddenly displayed an error screen” while driving on the highway. The report warned the driver to immediately pull over and put the car in park. Apparently, the Jeep’s entire system shut down — the engine, air conditioning system, navigation screen, and all other systems, according to a class action lawsuit filed last December against FCA US.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also received complaints about this issue on its website.
One owner of a new 2021 4XE reported their Jeep died on the highway. It was less than two weeks after it was purchased. There were flashing lights on the dashboard, the check engine light came on and tires locked up.
Engine Switches Out of EV Mode
Furthermore, another issue with the new hybrid is the engine starts running without warning and EV mode becomes completely disabled. There is a warning message: Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable OR Electric Mode Unavailable Cabin Cooling or Heating.
Odometer Recall 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Finally, there is already a recall for certain 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe models. The automaker says Wrangler 4xe models are equipped with digital instrument cluster software. This software may prevent the odometer from displaying after it hits 13,342 miles or 21,437 km.
Apparently, the issue came about between September 8, 2020 and September 13, 2021, when vehicles on the production line received a suspect software service update. Jeep fixed the issue with a new gauge cluster software version that was implemented into vehicle production but a total of 2,903 Wranglers are now involved in the recall and all of them are thought to have the issue.
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson
Did you purchase a 2021 or 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe with a major safety issue or other problems? Is it no longer enjoyable to own your vehicle? If so, you may need help. Also, vehicles in the shop for 30 days or more may have a cause for legal action.
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.
Also, we recommend that you obtain an invoice for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 1-800-235-6801.
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