Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango Recalled for Rollaway Risk

Stellantis recently announced it will be recalling certain Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos due to a problem with the antilock braking system that could potentially cause vehicles to unexpectedly roll away. Over 270,000 models built between June 2018 and April 2019 are included in the recall. Critically, because the issue can potentially cause a crash, owners should get the available recall fix as soon as possible.
What is the Problem That Led to the Jeep and Dodge Recall?
A defect in the ABS sensor may cause the brake lights on the vehicle to illuminate, making it possible for drivers to start their vehicles and shift out of the “Park” position without pressing the brake pedal. If this occurs, there is the possibility that a vehicle can roll away and a crash can happen causing serious injury.
The problem relates to an issue in the ABS modules, which can also light up the vehicles’ brake lights even when the vehicle is not in use. In such instances, a driver may notice that the warning light appears on the dashboard, or the brake lights are still on when the vehicle is off. Stellantis has said it does not yet know why the modules have failed and has yet to identify a remedy.
What are Your Options if Your Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango is Recalled?
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango was among those affected by the recall, you should receive a notice in the mail from the manufacturer. The notice informs owners about the specific issue that led to the recall and advises regarding the available remedy. As with all vehicle recalls, Stellantis will be providing a fix at no cost to owners.
In the event you didn’t receive a notice in the mail or aren’t certain whether your Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango is part of the recall, you can contact the manufacturer by calling (800) 853-1403. The automaker’s number for the recall is Z48, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s campaign number for the recall is 22V426.
You can also check the NHTSA’s website to determine whether your vehicle is part of the rollaway risk recall — or any other recall. This can be done by entering your 17-digit VIN into the search bar. The search feature on the website reveals any vehicle that has been affected by a recall in the last 15 years that has not been repaired.
Does the Recall Mean Your Jeep or Dodge is a Lemon?
Just because your Jeep or Dodge was part of the rollaway risk recall does not mean it is a lemon. With a recall, the problem in the vehicle is identified by the manufacturer and, in most cases, it is easily fixed with one trip to the dealership. However, in order for a vehicle to qualify as a lemon, there are very specific criteria that must be satisfied to obtain a remedy under California’s Lemon Law.
To be a lemon vehicle in California, the following criteria must be met:
- The vehicle must be under the original manufacturer’s warranty when the nonconformity arose
- The defect must be a problem that cannot be repaired
- Several reasonable repair attempts must have been made
- The vehicle’s safety or value must be substantially impaired by the defect
Usually, four repair attempts are sufficient for a vehicle to qualify as a lemon. However, only two trips to the repair shop may be necessary if the issue is one that could cause a risk of danger to the driver, their passengers, or others on the road.
A vehicle may also satisfy California’s Lemon Law criteria if it was in the repair shop for a period of 30 days or more and was not fixed. There is also a legal presumption that a vehicle is a lemon if the defect occurred within the first 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery or the first 18,000 miles driven. The lemon law presumption can make it easier for an owner to pursue a lemon law claim since the burden of proof is not on them to prove their case.
Contact an Experienced Southern California Lemon Law Attorney
If you purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, or another vehicle that did not conform to the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be entitled to pursue a claim under California’s Lemon Law. It’s best to consult with an experienced California Lemon Law attorney who can best advise you regarding your options. The attorneys at the Ledbetter Law Firm are adept at providing consumers with the advocacy and counsel they need to obtain the refund or replacement vehicle they deserve.
The Ledbetter Law Firm helps clients throughout Southern California who have purchased lemons and assists them with obtaining the compensation to which they are entitled from the manufacturer. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (310) 878-0067 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.