If you own a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator manufactured between 2019 and 2022 or thereafter, and you've noticed bubbling paint, flaking, peeling, or rust on your vehicle, you're not alone. A recent Jeep corrosion class action, Orozco v. FCA US, LLC, has brought to light widespread Jeep corrosion issues that are affecting these models.
This lawsuit reveals that FCA, the manufacturer of Jeep vehicles, knowingly sold cars with a latent corrosion defect while marketing them as durable and high-quality.
The problem stems from Jeep's use of aluminum panels to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. While FCA touted these panels as a technological upgrade, they failed to disclose their susceptibility to corrosion.
As a result, Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Gladiators have been plagued with paint bubbling, flaking, and blistering, as well as premature rusting of the aluminum panels. This defect not only affects your vehicle's appearance but also its resale value, leading to significant financial loss for owners.
Jeep Corrosion Recall and Warranty Shortcomings
FCA issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address these Jeep corrosion issues, instructing dealers to sand and repaint affected areas. However, these repairs have proven ineffective.
Owners report that repainted areas show inconsistent finishes and quickly deteriorate again. Worse, the Jeep paint warranty and Jeep rust warranty offer little to no relief. The corrosion warranty requires perforation of the panels to qualify for repairs—a condition that aluminum panels are unlikely to meet.
For many Jeep owners, this means paying out of pocket for the cost to replace rust damage to a Jeep Wrangler, which can run into thousands of dollars.
Plaintiffs Share Their Stories in the Jeep Corrosion Class Action
Several Jeep owners involved in the class action shared their experiences:
- Domingo and Irma Orozco: Purchased a 2019 Jeep Wrangler and noticed corrosion on the tailgate within days. A dealership repainted their vehicle, but bubbling paint returned on doors and fenders shortly after.
- Antoine Louvat: Purchased a 2020 Jeep Gladiator and found corrosion on door hinges within months. His dealership dismissed the issue as “normal” and offered no solutions.
- Mark Bordelon: Bought a Jeep Wrangler and discovered bubbling paint in early 2021. Despite multiple trips to the dealership, repairs were either delayed or inadequate.
These are just a few examples of how FCA has left Jeep owners frustrated and burdened with costly repairs. If this sounds familiar, you may have legal options.
Your Rights as a Jeep Owner
Under federal and state laws, you may be entitled to compensation.
Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act, which protects consumers from defective products and inadequate warranty service.
How We Can Help
If your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator (2019–2022 or thereafter) is experiencing paint bubbling, corrosion, or rust, contact us for a free consultation.
We specialize in lemon law and warranty claims, working to help owners secure compensation for defective vehicles. Our firm may handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us today to learn more about your rights and options, and let's hold FCA accountable together.
Sources:
- Class Action Complaint (Orozco v. FCA US, LLC).pdf
- Jeep Lawsuit: Jeep wrangler Corrosion Warranty a ‘Sham’
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