Jeep is offering a settlement for owners of certain 2018-2020 Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator models who experienced an issue known as “Death Wobble.” This problem, characterized by strong shaking in the front of the vehicle, has been a source of frustration and concern for Jeep owners for years.
Under the draft settlement obtained by Detroit Free Press, Jeep extends warranty coverage up to eight years or 90,000 miles to include “all parts and labor necessary to replace a defective front suspension shock absorber.” This is a significant increase over the standard limited warranty, which typically lasts three years or 36,000 miles.
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In addition to the extended warranty, Jeep is offering reimbursement to owners who have already paid for repairs related to the front suspension steering damper. These individuals can submit a claim for reimbursement through the company’s website.
FCA US, the US arm of Stellantis, owner of the Jeep brand, is also covering plaintiffs’ attorney fees in the class action. This amount is capped at $3.95 million, with an additional $4,000 for each of the six class representatives.
Despite the settlement, Jeep denies any admission of liability or wrongdoing. The proposed settlement is subject to court approval. A Stellantis representative said Detroit Free Press that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation.
The Death Wobble issue has been a thorn in Jeep’s side for years, with previous incidents leading to a class action lawsuit in 2019. The company also released a fix in 2019, replacing the steering damper/stabilizer for free. The proposed settlement provides a solution for affected Jeep owners and a step toward resolving the issue.
In conclusion, the proposed settlement is good news for Jeep owners who have experienced the Death Wobble issue. The extended warranty and potential refund is a positive step towards resolving the long-standing issue and providing peace of mind for Jeep owners.
