Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Face Lawsuit Over Fire Risks

For years, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator have been some of the most popular and recognizable vehicles on the road. Known for their rugged design and off-road capability, these models have built a strong following among adventure seekers and Jeep enthusiasts alike. However, recent reports have raised serious safety concerns, as multiple owners have claimed that their Wranglers and Gladiators have spontaneously caught fire—sometimes while parked and turned off.

This alarming issue has prompted a federal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is looking into nearly 800,000 Jeep vehicles for potential defects that may be responsible for these fires. Meanwhile, some owners are taking legal action against Jeep, filing lawsuits that accuse the manufacturer of multiple violations, including breaches of warranty and consumer protection laws.

At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping vehicle owners fight back against automakers that sell defective cars. If your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator has experienced unexplained mechanical failures or safety hazards, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim. You should not have to risk your safety or financial well-being due to a known vehicle defect.

Why Are Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Owners Filing Lawsuits?

Jeep Vehicles Are Catching Fire—Even When Parked

According to multiple reports, Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners have experienced spontaneous vehicle fires under unusual circumstances. In several cases, these vehicles burst into flames hours after being parked, with no prior warning signs of mechanical failure or overheating.

Unlike typical vehicle fires that can be attributed to fuel leaks, overheating engines, or electrical malfunctions, these incidents appear to occur without an obvious cause, raising concerns that Jeep vehicles may have an undetected manufacturing defect.

Due to the growing number of reports, the NHTSA has launched an investigation into 781,459 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models to determine whether a design or mechanical defect is responsible for the fire risk.

Jeep Owners File Lawsuits While Waiting for Federal Investigation Results

Rather than waiting for an official determination from federal investigators, some Jeep owners have decided to pursue legal action against Stellantis (Jeep’s parent company), claiming that the automaker has failed to address the issue and has not taken appropriate steps to protect consumers.

According to Car Scoops, the lawsuit claims Jeep has committed four major violations, including:

1. Breach of Implied Warranty – Jeep allegedly sold vehicles that do not meet minimum safety standards.
2. Violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act – The company may have misrepresented the safety and reliability of its vehicles.
3. Unjust Enrichment – Stellantis has profited from selling defective vehicles while failing to provide proper remedies.
4. Violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – Jeep may have failed to uphold its written and implied warranties regarding vehicle safety.

Plaintiffs argue that Stellantis was aware of these fire risks but failed to warn consumers or issue a recall, leaving thousands of Jeep owners unknowingly driving unsafe vehicles. Some Jeep owners claim they have repeatedly taken their vehicles to dealerships for related issues, only to be told that no problem could be found or that the fire risk was not a known defect. As more reports surface, legal experts predict that additional lawsuits could follow in other states, putting further pressure on Stellantis to take accountability. 

If the NHTSA investigation confirms a manufacturing defect, Stellantis may be required to issue a massive recall, providing repairs or compensation to affected owners. However, until an official ruling is made, Jeep owners remain at risk.

What to Do If Your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator Is Affected

If you own a 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, it is essential to stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your vehicle. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Safety Recalls

Even though Jeep has not yet issued an official recall for fire risks, the company has previously recalled Wrangler and Gladiator models for fuel system issues, electrical malfunctions, and other safety concerns.

• Visit NHTSA’s recall website and enter your VIN number to check for active recalls on your vehicle.
• Contact your local Jeep dealership and ask whether any service bulletins or software updates are available for your model.
• Monitor Jeep and Stellantis announcements for any updates regarding the fire risk investigation.
• Join Jeep owner forums or consumer safety groups to stay updated on common issues and potential legal actions.
• If your vehicle is under investigation but not yet recalled, document your concerns in writing with the manufacturer to establish a record.

2. Take Preventive Safety Measures

Until the NHTSA determines the cause of these fires, Jeep owners should take extra precautions to reduce risk:

• Park your Jeep away from structures or flammable materials, especially if the engine has been running recently.
• Inspect your vehicle regularly for any signs of electrical malfunctions, burning smells, or unusual overheating.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle idling for extended periods, as some fires have been reported hours after the engine was turned off.
• If you notice any smoke, sparks, or warning lights, turn off the engine immediately and seek professional inspection.
• Consider installing a fire extinguisher in your vehicle, particularly if you frequently take your Jeep off-road or on long drives.

3. Document Any Issues with Your Jeep

If you have experienced unexplained electrical issues, overheating, or other safety concerns, you should document the problem in case legal action is necessary.

• Keep copies of repair invoices, dealership visits, and Jeep service records.
• Take photos or videos of any warning lights, smoke, or unusual vehicle behavior.
• Save any written communication from Jeep regarding service repairs or defect investigations.
• Track the dates and frequency of any incidents, including failed repair attempts, for a potential Lemon Law claim.
• If your vehicle experiences repeated issues, escalate your complaint to Jeep’s corporate office or file a report with the NHTSA.

How The Barry Law Firm Can Help

At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping consumers hold automakers accountable when they sell defective vehicles. If your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator has experienced fire risks, persistent electrical issues, or repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, you should not have to continue driving a vehicle with serious safety concerns. Under California’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or financial compensation.

Why Choose The Barry Law Firm?

• Lemon Law & Auto Defect Experts – We focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases and vehicle defect claims.
• No Costs to You – At The Barry Law Firm will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
• Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
• Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress.

If your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator has been affected by fire risks or persistent mechanical failures, and Jeep has failed to provide a proper solution, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.

Get a FAST and FREE consultation to learn more about your legal rights. Call us now or fill out our online form—you have nothing to lose, and we never charge you a dime. Jeep owners should not have to wait indefinitely for answers—take action today.

The Growing Safety Concerns of Jeep Fires and the Need for Action

The investigation into 781,459 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models raises significant safety concerns, as unexplained fires continue to affect vehicle owners across the country. While Stellantis has not yet issued an official recall, the number of reported incidents is increasing, putting more Jeep owners at risk.

Unfortunately, waiting for Jeep to announce a solution could take months—or even years. If you rely on your Wrangler or Gladiator for daily use, a sudden fire risk could leave you with severe damage, expensive repair costs, or worse—serious injuries. Jeep has an obligation to address these failures as quickly as possible, but in the meantime, affected owners should explore their legal rights to ensure they are not stuck with an unsafe vehicle.

At The Barry Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping consumers hold manufacturers accountable. If your Jeep has experienced persistent issues, repeated unsuccessful repairs, or remains unsafe to drive, you should not have to wait indefinitely for Stellantis to act.

A history of delayed recalls and ignored safety complaints shows that automakers do not always act in consumers’ best interests. If your Jeep has been in for multiple repairs with no resolution, you should not assume the problem will fix itself. Without legal action, some manufacturers may continue to delay taking responsibility for these dangerous defects. Many Jeep owners have already reported severe damage or total losses from fires, and the risk only grows as more cases emerge. If you are concerned about your vehicle’s safety, now is the time to take action.

Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation to discuss your case and find out if you qualify for compensation under California’s Lemon Law. Our team is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the resolution you deserve. You have nothing to lose, and The Barry Law Firm will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.