FCA – California Lemon Law blog

Owners of certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) should be aware of a problem involving a potential high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall affects vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs manufactured during a limited production period.

What Is the Problem?

According to Chrysler, some affected Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). Engineers have determined that these battery packs may experience an internal failure that can result in thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells rapidly overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the fire risk may exist even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, during the period when batteries containing cells from the alternative LG Energy Solution production line were installed. Vehicles built before or after this time frame, non-hybrid Pacifica models, and vehicles equipped with battery cells from LGES’s primary production line are not included in this recall.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

Federal regulators have been investigating reports of battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs for more than two years. The timeline includes:

January 17, 2024: NHTSA opened an investigation into battery-related thermal events in earlier model Pacifica PHEVs.
March 27, 2026: The investigation expanded to include 2017-2026 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
April 30, 2026: Chrysler launched its own internal investigation into fires involving 2020-2022 models.
May 28, 2026: Chrysler concluded that a safety defect exists and initiated a recall.

How Many Fires Have Been Reported?

As of May 15, 2026, Chrysler reported:

4 confirmed field reports of fires
3 customer assistance records
No reported injuries
No reported crashes

While Chrysler describes the incidents as occurring at a very low frequency, each reported fire involved battery cells manufactured on the alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. Engineers have analyzed the one recovered battery pack involved in a fire, but the exact root cause has not yet been determined. Chrysler and LG Energy Solution continue to investigate.

What Should Owners Do?

Until repairs are completed, Chrysler is advising owners to take the following precautions:

Do not charge the vehicle.
Park the vehicle outside.
Park away from homes, garages, and other structures.

These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk should a battery failure occur.

What Is the Repair?

Chrysler dealers will perform repairs including:

Updating the high-voltage battery control module software
Inspecting the high-voltage battery pack
Replacing the battery pack if inspection determines replacement is necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing June 23, 2026.

Recall Information

Manufacturer Recall Number: 52D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-362

If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to follow Chrysler’s safety recommendations and schedule repairs as soon as they become available.

At Edzant Price LLP, we encourage vehicle owners to stay informed about manufacturer recalls and to document any issues they experience with their vehicles. If a defect results in property damage or personal injury, understanding your legal rights can be an important part of protecting yourself and your family.

Owners of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious drivetrain issue that could lead to sudden loss of power while driving. Chrysler parent company FCA US LLC has officially recalled certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee models due to potential failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

The issue has been under investigation for years and has now resulted in multiple recalls, government inquiries, warranty claims, and at least one reported accident and injury.

What Is the Jeep Cherokee PTU Problem?

According to FCA, some 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles were built with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that may fail internally. The PTU is a critical drivetrain component used in four-wheel-drive systems. When the PTU fails, it can cause:

Sudden and unrecoverable loss of motive power
Vehicle rolling while in PARK
Unexpected drivability problems at any speed

FCA warns that these failures can occur without warning and may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Symptoms of a Failing PTU

Drivers may notice warning signs before complete failure occurs. FCA says symptoms can include:

Service 4WD Warning Message: A “Service 4WD” message may appear on the dashboard.
Noise or Vibration: Some owners report grinding noises, vibration, or unusual drivetrain sounds.
Changes in Drive Quality: Drivers may notice hesitation, jerking, binding, or inconsistent power delivery.

However, FCA also warns that some failures may happen suddenly without significant warning.

The suspect production period began on December 12, 2018 and continued through February 24, 2023.

Vehicles outside the recall population may:

Use a different PTU design
Not have a PTU installed
Have been manufactured before the suspect period

A Problem Years in the Making

The PTU issue did not appear overnight. FCA and government safety agencies have been investigating similar Jeep Cherokee drivetrain failures for years.

Recall History Timeline

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has been developing for several years through multiple recalls and investigations. In June 2020, FCA issued Recall W47 (NHTSA 20V-343) for certain 2014–2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to PTU input spline failures. The problem expanded in April 2023 when FCA launched Recall 45A (NHTSA 23V-302), adding more 2016–2017 models to the recall population. In January 2025, FCA issued Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011) for certain 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokees involving improperly seated PTU snap rings that could also lead to drivetrain failure. By January 2026, FCA had opened yet another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles, further widening concerns surrounding the reliability and safety of the PTU system.

FCA launched another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

By April 2026, FCA reported:

387 warranty claims
9 customer assistance records
5 field reports
16 service records
1 reported accident
1 reported injury

On April 30, 2026, FCA officially determined that a safety defect exists in certain affected vehicles.

Recall Information

The current recall identifiers are:

FCA Recall Number: 40D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-290

At this time, the final repair solution is still under development. FCA says interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 25, 2026. Additional notices will be sent once a permanent remedy becomes available.

What Should Jeep Cherokee Owners Do?

If you own a 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee, especially a four-wheel-drive model, it may be wise to:

Watch for warning lights or drivetrain symptoms.
Do Not ignoring vibration or unusual noises.

Because the defect can potentially cause sudden loss of motive power or vehicle movement while parked, owners should take any PTU-related symptoms seriously.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has evolved from isolated drivetrain complaints into a major multi-year safety investigation involving NHTSA, and FCA US. With hundreds of reported incidents and multiple recall expansions over several model years, affected owners should stay informed and monitor recall updates closely as FCA develops a final repair solution.

Owners of certain electric vehicles from Stellantis should be aware of a newly announced safety defect involving the instrument panel display system in select 2024–2025 model year vehicles. The recall affects certain versions of the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona electric vehicles and has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-262. According to recall documents, approximately 20,271 vehicles may be affected.

What Is the Problem?

According to the recall report, affected vehicles may experience a software-related failure that causes the digital instrument cluster display to stop functioning properly.

Modern EVs rely heavily on digital displays for critical vehicle information, and in these vehicles the issue may prevent drivers from seeing important warnings and status indicators, including:

Brake system warning lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warnings
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts
Gear selection indicators
Other federally required safety information

Because these warnings may not appear, the vehicles may no longer comply with several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), including:

FMVSS No. 108 – Lamps and reflective devices
FMVSS No. 126 – Electronic stability control
FMVSS No. 135 – Brake systems
FMVSS No. 138 – Tire pressure monitoring systems
FMVSS No. 208 – Occupant crash protection

Why This Recall Matters

Unlike cosmetic software glitches or infotainment bugs, this issue directly affects the driver’s ability to monitor the vehicle’s safety systems. If the instrument panel display fails, a driver may unknowingly continue operating the vehicle while critical systems are malfunctioning or while warning conditions exist. For example:

A braking system warning may not appear.
ESC faults may go unnoticed.
Tire pressure warnings could be hidden.
Drivers may not clearly see gear selection status.

The concern is not necessarily that the vehicle instantly becomes unsafe, but rather that drivers may lose the warning systems designed to alert them before a dangerous situation develops. Operating the vehicle without these safety warnings increases the risk of a crash.

How the Investigation Started

The issue was formally investigated by FCA US in March 2026. According to the chronology provided in recall documents:

On March 10, 2026, FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into reports of inoperative instrument panel clusters in affected vehicles.
Throughout March and April 2026, engineers reviewed the issue and analyzed possible failure modes.
On April 1, 2026, FCA US identified a vehicle build-related issue connected to the instrument panel failures.
On April 16, 2026, the company officially determined that the vehicles did not comply with several federal safety standards.

The recall was then issued under FCA recall number 39D and NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-262. .

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain:

2024–2025 Jeep Wagoneer S models
2024–2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV models

What Is the Fix?

Fortunately, the repair appears relatively straightforward. Dealers will correct the issue by performing a software update to the instrument panel system. No hardware replacement has been announced at this time.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on May 21, 2026.

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Watch for recall notices from FCA/Stellantis.
If your vehicle is affected, schedule the software update with your dealer once procedures are available.
Pay close attention to any unusual instrument panel behavior in the meantime.

Drivers experiencing intermittent blank screens, missing warning lights, or display glitches should consider having the vehicle inspected promptly.

A Reminder About Modern EV Complexity

This recall highlights how dependent modern electric vehicles have become on software-controlled systems and digital interfaces. In many new EVs, the instrument cluster is no longer just a speedometer — it acts as a central communication hub for safety-critical information. As automakers continue transitioning toward software-defined vehicles, recalls involving code, firmware, and digital displays are becoming increasingly common across the automotive industry. While software updates are often easier to deploy than mechanical repairs, failures involving digital dashboards can still create serious safety concerns when critical warning systems disappear from view.

Owners of certain 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious suspension-related safety defect involving the rear coil springs. According to federal safety investigations and manufacturer findings, rear coil springs on some vehicles may have been incorrectly installed during a prior recall repair, allowing the spring to detach and come out of position.

This defect has prompted a new safety recall and may raise important lemon law concerns for affected owners—especially those who already had recall repairs performed.

What Is the Problem?

The issue traces back to recall 64A, which addressed an earlier safety concern. Some vehicles that underwent the 64A repair—or had an incomplete recall status—may have had the rear coil spring incorrectly installed. As a result, the spring can shift or detach from its proper position.

A displaced rear coil spring can affect:

Vehicle stability
Ride height and handling
Suspension integrity
Overall driving safety

Even more concerning, vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recall may still be defective, requiring an additional remedy.

Vehicles Potentially Affected

The suspect vehicles were produced between December 5, 2020, and May 31, 2023, based on production and recall status records.

Affected models include:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicles not included in this recall generally fall into one of the following categories:

Did not receive a 64A recall repair
Were built outside the suspect production period
Were equipped with an air suspension system

How the Issue Came to Light

June 1, 2023 – FCA US LLC determined a safety defect existed related to recall 64A
September 30, 2025 – NHTSA contacted FCA US after receiving 20 complaints involving rear coil spring separation after recall repairs
October 14, 2025 – FCA US reported 70 potentially related internal claims
November 20, 2025 – FCA US opened a formal investigation into coil spring detachment after recall repairs
November 2025 – January 2026 – Engineering and safety teams reviewed failure modes and customer records

As of January 9, 2026, FCA US reported:

20 customer assistance records
284 warranty claims
No reported accidents or injuries

On January 22, 2026, FCA US again determined that a safety defect exists, leading to a new recall.

The New Recall: What Owners Should Know

Recall number: FCA US LLC 20D; NHTSA campaign number 26V-051
Replaces: NHTSA recall 23V-413
Important: Vehicles already repaired under the prior recall must still receive the new remedy

What Dealers Will Do

Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary.

Owner Notification Timeline

Interim safety letters: Expected February 12, 2026
Final remedy letters: Anticipated March 2026

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

This recall may be especially significant for lemon law cases because:

The defect involves a critical safety component
The issue may persist after a prior recall repair
Owners may experience repeated service visits or unresolved defects
Vehicles already “fixed” may still be unsafe to drive

Under many state lemon laws, a vehicle that cannot be properly repaired after multiple attempts—or that remains unsafe—may qualify for repurchase, replacement, or compensation.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Do not ignore suspension noises, uneven ride height, or handling changes
Document all repairs, recall notices, and service visits
Schedule the recall inspection as soon as notified
Consult a lemon law attorney if:
- The issue persists after repair
- Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times
- You feel the vehicle is unsafe or unreliable

Certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles were manufactured with high-voltage (HV) battery packs that may contain defective cells. The defect can lead the battery to internally fail and potentially cause a vehicle fire – whether the vehicle is parked or driving.

What’s the problem?

On July 3, 2025, the manufacturer’s technical safety organization opened an investigation after reports of fires originating in the HV battery packs of these plug-in hybrid vehicles – including vehicles that had already undergone the earlier remedy under Recall ID 95B (NHTSA ID 24V-720).
The battery supplier Samsung SDI obtained a pack from a vehicle that had experienced a fire with cells manufactured outside the original recall’s scope. They found the fire was caused by the same defect identified under 95B and are working to identify additional causal factors.
As of October 13, 2025:
- 9 fires reported in vehicles which had already had the 95B software remedy applied.
- 10 fires reported in vehicles whose cells were outside the original 95B scope.
- 19 customer-assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 19 field reports tied to this issue (dates from Jan 27 to Sept 2, 2025).
- 1 injury and no confirmed accidents tied to this issue.
On October 24, 2025, the manufacturer determined there is a defect affecting motor vehicle safety in all affected vehicles.
The manufacturer states that in rare cases, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage which, combined with other complex interactions within the cell, may lead to a fire.
A key interim safety measure: risk is lower when the battery charge level is low or depleted, and higher when the battery is fully or highly charged.
Owner advice: refrain from recharging the vehicle, and park away from structures or other vehicles until the final remedy is available.
The recall campaign number is 68C (NHTSA campaign number 25V-741) and even vehicles previously recalled under 24V-720 or 23V-787 will need the new remedy.

Affected vehicles

Model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What should owners do now?

Minimize risk until fixed:
- Avoid charging the plug-in-hybrid battery.
- Park the vehicle outdoors or away from other vehicles/structures (such as garages) when practicable.
- Try to keep the battery’s state of charge as low as is reasonable for your use.
Wait for the remedy: The final repair or battery replacement is under development. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed starting December 2, 2025, with additional letters once the remedy is ready.
Follow dealer instructions: Once the remedy is available, schedule service promptly. The remedy may include software updates to the battery management/control module plus potentially a full HV battery pack replacement.
Stay informed: Keep track of recall updates and announcements.

Why this matters: safety & resale considerations

A fire originating from a plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage battery is a rare but serious risk: it can pose danger to occupants, first-responders, and bystanders, and damage property.
Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of the defect, being part of the recall means you should treat it as a potential risk and act accordingly.
From a resale/ownership value perspective, vehicles under open safety recalls can be harder to sell or may need disclosure depending on local laws. Completing the remedy promptly is beneficial for overall vehicle value and peace of mind.

Bottom line

If you own a 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, this is a recall you cannot ignore. While the risk may only affect a minority of vehicles, the potential consequence is serious. Until the permanent fix is installed, follow the safety advice strictly: no recharging, park away from buildings, and monitor for dealer communications. Once the remedy becomes available, book the service as soon as possible. Your safety – and the safety of others around your vehicle – depends on it.

A potential safety issue has been identified in some 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) that may have been produced with insufficient bolt torque on the front brake caliper bracket. The problem, which affects vehicles produced on December 19, 2024, can lead to a range of serious consequences, including reduced steering control, brake fluid leakage, and diminished front braking performance.

According to FCA US LLC (FCA US), the issue was first identified on February 20, 2025, when the Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization opened an investigation into the matter. The company worked with its engineering team and supplier to understand the potential consequences of the problem and determine if any vehicles with suspect front brake caliper brackets had left the factory.

As of March 13, 2025, FCA US is aware of one warranty claim related to this issue, which was received on January 8, 2025. However, there have been no field reports of accidents or injuries resulting from the problem.

The suspect vehicles were produced with front brake caliper bracket bolts that were not properly torqued, which can cause the bracket to separate from the steering knuckle. This can lead to a range of serious safety issues, including reduced steering control and diminished braking performance. In certain crashes, this can increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle.

To address the issue, FCA US will be conducting a recall of affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper brackets and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 24, 2025. The recall is identified as FCA’s number 27C and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-191.

Vehicle owners who receive a notification letter should contact their local Chrysler dealer to schedule an appointment for the inspection and repair. It is essential to have the issue addressed promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s occupants and other road users. The recall highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to identify potential safety issues before they become major problems. FCA US’s prompt action in addressing the issue demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its vehicles.

If you own a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, it is essential to be aware of this potential issue and take immediate action if you receive a notification letter. By doing so, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

If you own a 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee or a 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L , it’s crucial to be aware of a recent safety recall. A small number of these vehicles may have an improperly secured connector for the front seat side airbags (SAB), which could prevent the airbags from deploying in case of a crash. This issue compromises compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for side impact protection.

Discovery and Investigation

On April 25, 2023, FCA US LLC’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was notified of a potential safety issue involving improperly secured seat wiring connectors in certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles .

From May 2023 to October 2023, the TSRC organization conducted a thorough review of warranty data, vehicle production records, field reports, and customer assistance records. This comprehensive analysis aimed to understand the potential impact on customers.

Regular meetings were held from October 2023 to September 2024 between FCA US TSRC, Engineering, and Supplier Quality teams. These discussions focused on identifying all possible failure modes of the issue and determining which vehicles were at risk.

On October 9, 2024, the TSRC organization officially recognized that a front seat SAB squib connector problem existed in certain vehicles due to improperly secured connectors. This defect could result in non-compliance with FMVSS No. 214, which governs side impact protection.

Recall Announcement

On November 21, 2024, FCA US decided through the Vehicle Regulations Committee to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles. This proactive step ensures that owners are aware of and can address this critical safety concern.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

If your vehicle is affected by this issue, you may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard. This light indicates a potential problem with the front seat side airbags.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 19, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with the recall process.

Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Jeep dealership. There, technicians will secure the improperly connected front seat side airbag connectors free of charge.

Recall Details

FCA US Recall Number : B3B
NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V-897

Ensuring your vehicle complies with federal safety standards is essential for protecting yourself and others on the road. By staying informed about recalls like this one, you can take necessary actions to maintain your vehicle’s safety features.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has identified a software error in the airbag control module of certain 2017-2020 Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles. This issue can cause the airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash, which poses a safety risk. As a result, these vehicles do not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for occupant crash protection, specifically FMVSS No. 208, which governs crash protection and performance requirements for automotive airbags.

The problem came to light in July 2024, when Mazda Motor Corporation, a partner in the development of these vehicles, notified Stellantis Europe S.p.A. about a potential issue with the airbag control module. Mazda discovered this error during the development of new airbag sensors for upcoming vehicle models. As part of the research and testing process for these sensors, engineers identified a misconfiguration in the calibration tool used to program airbag control modules.

This discovery prompted Mazda to take a closer look at the settings of airbag control modules in previous models, including the 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata. During extensive simulation tests, Mazda engineers uncovered a potential flaw in the collision detection sensitivity of the airbag system. This flaw could cause airbags in these models to deploy improperly, failing to meet the safety standards designed to protect passengers from serious injury. The main concern is that the system might trigger the deployment of the dual-stage front airbag rather than the single-stage deployment that is appropriate for certain types of collisions. This misconfiguration increases the risk of neck injuries during a frontal crash.

FMVSS No. 208 requires that vehicles meet specific performance standards related to neck injury prevention during a 26 km/h frontal impact. The dual-stage airbag deployment in the affected Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles increases the force of the airbag during deployment, potentially leading to a higher risk of neck injuries, which would prevent the vehicles from meeting these safety requirements.

The issue is not related to a defective part, but rather a design oversight in the programming of the airbag control module. The voltage specifications for the accelerometer, a key component of the system that detects a crash and triggers the airbags, were incorrectly set. This misconfiguration leads to improper airbag deployment, which could result in the failure to meet safety regulations.

To remedy this issue, Chrysler will reprogram the airbag control module in all affected vehicles with the correct specifications. This software update will ensure that the airbags deploy at the appropriate force in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of injury and bringing the vehicles into compliance with federal safety standards.

Chrysler plans to begin notifying vehicle owners about the recall on November 7, 2024. Once notified, owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for the airbag control module to be reprogrammed at no cost. In the meantime, Chrysler has assigned the recall number A3B to this issue, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 24V-694.