New Jeep Gladiators are Already Being Recalled

Months before we even ring in the New Year, Fiat Chrysler started recalling 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup trucks.

The company announced in September that it wants to take another look at some 3,400 vehicles whose rear driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, according to Cars.com. The driveshafts don’t have sufficient lubrication, a problem that could cause the cars to overheat and driveshafts to fracture.

“A fractured rear driveshaft could separate which may result in loss of motive power, if the vehicle is in rear wheel drive mode, or potential road debris, if the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle,” the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Either condition can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”

The company began notifying owners of defective vehicles in October. Fiat Chrysler said it will inspect vehicles and replace the driveshafts. Owners who have already had their vehicles repaired can seek reimbursement.

This is not the first time that Fiat Chrysler has had to take another look at vehicles for defects after they’ve left the factory floor. The company last year recalled some 4.8 million vehicles, including some Jeep models, because cruise control settings might not shut off when directed by drivers. That snafu could put drivers and everyone else on the road at risk.

Legal Rights for Defective Car Owners in California

The Jeep recall is just another example of the serious defects that new cars often come with when the leave a dealership lot.

For California car owners and lessors, it is important to understand that the state lemon law offers some valuable protections. The law requires carmakers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty and to buy back or replace those that cannot be fixed. It also obligates a car manufacturer to pay any legal fees than an owner or lessor incurs while enforcing their rights.

It is important that anyone stuck with a lemon seek the advice and counsel of an experienced California lemon law attorney.

Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you are a car owner or lessor who is being haggled by a manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options to work to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.

At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping the people we represent the compensation they deserve.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.