Jeep Lawsuit, Owner Pays $26 Daily to Park His New Jeep at Airport—Fire Risk Affects 781,000 Vehicles
Stan Paris bought his dream vehicle in July 2024—a brand-new 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe. Six months later, he’s parking it at an outdoor airport lot, paying $26 every single day, because he’s terrified it will burst into flames and destroy his home or injure his family.
Class-action lawsuits filed January and March 2025 allege 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler, 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator, and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee models have defects causing spontaneous underhood fires—even when parked and turned off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation covers 781,000 vehicles. Stellantis recalls 320,000+ Jeep 4xe models for battery fires linked to 19 fires, one death, and multiple injuries. Owners claim Stellantis knew about the danger but failed to fix it despite three separate recalls.
What Is the Jeep Lawsuit About?
Stan Paris filed his class-action complaint January 7, 2025, in Michigan federal court, alleging Jeep sold him and hundreds of thousands of others vehicles with known fire hazards.
The lawsuit claims two separate fire risks:
Power Steering Pump Electrical Connector Fires:
Affects 2020-2024 Wrangler, 2021-2023 Gladiator, and 2022-2024 Grand Cherokee models. NHTSA investigation PE24024 covers 781,459 vehicles after reports of engine compartment fires—sometimes while parked.
High-Voltage Battery Fires:
Affects 2020-2025 Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid models. Samsung SDI lithium-ion batteries develop internal cell damage causing short circuits and fires.
Stellantis issued three separate recalls (November 2023, September 2024, November 2025) totaling 320,065 vehicles—yet fires continue.
The Reality Behind Jeep’s Fire Defects
Court documents reveal one Jeep “ignited six hours after being parked and turned off, resulting in the vehicle being completely destroyed.”
NHTSA linked at least one fatality to the fires. Stellantis confirms 19 vehicle fires and one injury connected to the battery defect.
Paris’s lawsuit states fires occur “without warning—sometimes while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied.”
Stellantis warned owners: “Park vehicles outside, away from structures, and stop charging them” until repairs complete.
One owner described receiving a letter from their dealership: “Do not drive my Jeep because it could cause a fire…I’m waiting on a part that is indefinitely on backorder.”
Which Parties Are Affected?
Investigation Class:
781,459 vehicles under NHTSA Investigation PE24024:
- 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler
- 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator
- 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Recall Class:
320,065 vehicles under Recall 24V-720000 (Chrysler Recall 95B):
- 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Lead Plaintiff:
Stan Paris, Pennsylvania resident who purchased 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe July 2024
Defendant:
FCA US LLC (Stellantis)
What the Lawsuits Specifically Allege
Paris Lawsuit (January 2025):
Violations of:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
- Breach of implied warranties
- State consumer protection laws
- Unjust enrichment
Paris seeks class certification, damages, attorney fees, costs, and jury trial exceeding $5 million.
Key Allegations:
✅ Stellantis “knew or should have known” about fire risks before recalls
✅ Three recalls failed to fix the problem
✅ Defects existed when vehicles left the factory
✅ Company concealed defects from buyers
✅ Owners face ongoing safety risks
✅ Vehicles depreciated in value due to known defects
March 2025 New York Lawsuit:
A separate lawsuit by a New York resident accuses Stellantis of “failing to resolve the ongoing fire risk despite multiple recalls and software updates.”
Stellantis’s Response
Stellantis denies wrongdoing but has issued three separate recalls:
November 2023 Recall (23V-787):
32,125 Wrangler 4xe vehicles. Software update to detect battery issues, with battery replacement if needed.
September 2024 Recall (24V-720):
154,032 vehicles. Expanded recall with Battery Management System update to detect early warning signs.
November 2025 Recall (25V-741):
320,065 vehicles. Third recall acknowledging previous fixes failed. No permanent remedy yet available.
Stellantis instructed dealers: Update software and replace battery packs when necessary. But court documents allege many dealers lack replacement parts, leaving owners stranded.
Current Status
January 7, 2025: Paris files class-action lawsuit
March 2025: Second lawsuit filed by New York resident
Current Status (December 27, 2025): Lawsuits in early stages; no settlements reached
NHTSA Investigation: Active investigation PE24024 ongoing
Recall Status: Parts on indefinite backorder at many dealerships
Evidence Supporting the Allegations
NHTSA Investigation:
September 2024 investigation opened after “multiple complaints, including at least one incident that caused injuries.”
Stellantis Admissions:
Company confirms 19 fires and one injury. Issued three recalls acknowledging defect exists.
Internal Battery Analysis:
Samsung SDI batteries contain defective separators allowing anode and cathode contact, creating short circuits and fires.
Owner Reports:
- Vehicles catching fire while parked six hours
- Dealerships warning owners not to drive vehicles
- Parts indefinitely backordered
- Fires occurring while vehicles powered off
Paris’s Experience:
Forced to park Jeep at airport lot costing $26 daily to protect family and property.
What Laws Apply?
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301):
Federal law requiring manufacturers honor written and implied warranties
Implied Warranty of Merchantability:
Vehicles must be fit for ordinary use—not catch fire spontaneously
State Consumer Protection Laws:
Prohibit deceptive practices and sale of defective products
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act:
Requires manufacturers notify NHTSA of safety defects and conduct recalls
Similar Cases
Jeep “Death Wobble” Settlement (2023):
2018-2020 Wrangler and Gladiator models with defective steering. Settlement provided 8-year/90,000-mile extended warranty and reimbursements. FCA paid $3.95 million in attorney fees and $4,000 to each lead plaintiff.
Tigershark Engine Oil Consumption Settlement (2022):
2015-2019 Jeep Cherokee and other FCA vehicles. $8 million settlement fund, extended warranties, automatic $340 payments.
Jeep 4xe FORM Lawsuit (Ongoing):
2021-2023 Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe. Alleges electric-only driving mode unavailable for months in cold weather.
What Legal Experts Say
The lawsuits emphasize NHTSA’s investigation “supports the claim that FCA was aware of the potential for thermal events but failed to take swift corrective action.”
Lemon law attorneys note: “With thousands of vehicles affected and serious safety concerns arising, Jeep owners are understandably frustrated when these dangerous issues aren’t resolved after multiple repair attempts.”
Consumer advocates point out three recalls for the same issue indicates Stellantis either doesn’t understand the problem or lacks willingness to properly fix it.
Do You Qualify for the Lawsuit?
You may qualify if:
✅ You own or lease 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler, 2021-2023 Gladiator, or 2022-2024 Grand Cherokee
✅ Your vehicle is part of NHTSA investigation PE24024 or Recall 24V-720000
✅ You experienced fire-related issues, expensive repairs, or loss of vehicle value
✅ Your vehicle has been affected by recalls that failed to fix the problem
✅ You’ve incurred costs parking vehicle away from structures
✅ You can’t use your vehicle due to safety concerns
Your Next Steps
If You Own an Affected Jeep:
Step 1: Check if Your Vehicle Is Recalled (5 minutes)
- Visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Enter your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Check for Recall 24V-720000 or Investigation PE24024
Step 2: Take Immediate Safety Precautions
- ✅ Park outside, away from structures and other vehicles
- ✅ Do NOT charge if you have 4xe plug-in hybrid
- ✅ Do NOT park in garage or near your home
- ✅ Contact your Jeep dealer about recall repairs
Step 3: Document Everything
- Keep all service records
- Document parking costs if you’re paying to park safely
- Save recall notices and dealer communications
- Photograph any issues or damage
- Note dates of dealer visits and repair attempts
Step 4: Contact Legal Resources
You do NOT need to take action to join the class-action lawsuit—you’re automatically included if you meet the criteria.
However, you may want to consult attorneys if:
- Your vehicle caught fire
- You suffered property damage or injuries
- You want to pursue individual lemon law claim
Lemon Law May Provide Faster Relief:
If your Jeep has recurring defects after multiple repair attempts, state lemon laws may entitle you to:
- Full vehicle buyback
- Replacement vehicle
- Cash settlement
Lemon law settlements for Jeep 4xe owners range $59,152-$129,631 depending on model year and circumstances.
Step 5: Don’t Delay Recall Repairs
Even if parts are backordered, get your vehicle into the repair queue. This creates documentation of the defect and your attempts to fix it.
What to Expect Next
Short Term (2025-2026):
- Class certification hearings
- Discovery process revealing internal Stellantis documents
- Potential additional settlements
- NHTSA investigation conclusions
- Possible expanded recalls
Medium Term (2026-2027):
- Trial proceedings if no settlement
- Additional lawsuits from injured parties
- Potential punitive damages if Stellantis concealed known defects
- Industry-wide scrutiny of EV battery safety
Compensation Possibilities:
Based on similar cases:
- Warranty extensions
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses (towing, parking, rentals)
- Vehicle buybacks for severely affected owners
- Cash payments ranging hundreds to thousands per claimant
- Attorneys’ fees paid by Stellantis
FAQ: Jeep Fire Lawsuit
Q: My Jeep is recalled but the dealer has no parts. What do I do?
Park outside away from structures. Don’t charge if it’s a 4xe. Document the delay—this strengthens potential legal claims. Consider renting a replacement vehicle and keep receipts for reimbursement.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for airport parking costs like Stan Paris?
If you incur similar costs parking away from your property due to fire risk, document everything. These damages may be recoverable in the lawsuit or lemon law claim.
Q: My Jeep already caught fire. Can I sue separately?
Yes. You can pursue individual claims for property damage, injuries, and other losses beyond the class action.
Q: Do I need to do anything to join the lawsuit?
No. If you own an affected vehicle, you’re automatically part of the class. You’ll receive notice if a settlement is reached.
Q: How long until I get money?
Class actions take years. The lawsuits were just filed in 2025. Expect 2-3+ years for settlement or verdict. Lemon law claims resolve faster—typically 3-12 months.
Q: What if I already sold my Jeep?
If you owned it during the affected period and suffered losses, you may still qualify for compensation.
Q: Should I keep driving my Jeep?
Stellantis and NHTSA warn against it until repairs complete. If you must drive, avoid charging (4xe models) and don’t park near structures.
Q: My vehicle isn’t recalled but it’s the same model year. Am I affected?
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Not all vehicles in affected model years have the defect, but if yours isn’t recalled, monitor for recalls/investigations.
Q: Can I get out of my lease or loan?
Possibly through lemon law. If vehicle has substantial defects after reasonable repair attempts, you may qualify for buyback. Consult lemon law attorney.
Q: What’s the difference between the class action and lemon law?
Class action: Automatic inclusion, share settlement with thousands, takes years
Lemon law: Individual claim, potentially much larger payout ($59k-$130k), resolves faster
Q: Has anyone died from these fires?
NHTSA investigation references at least one death connected to the fires. Multiple injuries reported.
Q: Why didn’t Stellantis fix it after the first recall?
Excellent question the lawsuits aim to answer. Three recalls suggest either the company doesn’t fully understand the defect or implemented insufficient fixes.
Q: What if I never received recall notice?
Check nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN. Manufacturers mail notices, but if you moved or mail was lost, you might not have received it. Ignorance of recall doesn’t remove your eligibility.
Q: Can I trade in my Jeep?
You can, but expect reduced trade-in value due to known defects and recalls. Document the value loss—it’s recoverable damages.
Take Action Today
Check Your VIN: www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Read Lawsuit: Paris v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:25-cv-10045 (E.D. Mich.)
Report Problems: www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem
Lemon Law Consultation: Most states require manufacturers pay your attorney fees if you win
Official Resources:
- NHTSA Recalls: www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- NHTSA Investigation PE24024: www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=PE24024
- Recall 24V-720: www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24V720000
This article is based on federal court documents, NHTSA investigation reports, official recall notices, and verified news reporting current as of December 27, 2025. For official recall information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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