Jeep Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Violent Vibrations Referred To As “Death Wobble” in Certain Wrangler, Gladiator Vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) faces a class action lawsuit over Jeep models sold in recent years, which allegedly contain a defective font axle, which may cause violent vibrations while the vehicle is in motion, commonly referred to as a “death wobble”.

The Chrysler class action complaint (PDF) was filed by Melinda Martinez in the United States District Court Central District of California on March 2, claiming that certain Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles are prone to experience the “death wobble” problems, due to a defective solid front axle and damping system that causes the steering wheel to shake violently after encountering common and expected road variations while operating at highway speeds.

Martinez, of California, indicates that the phenomenon causes an uncontrollable and vigorous side-to-side shaking of the Jeep models’ front end steering components, which may increase the risk of an auto accident and serious injuries.

Death-wobble typically occurs when traveling more than 45 mph, and while Fiat Chrysler has denied that there are safety hazards, Martinez indicates that it is the result of a known defect with the solid front axles used for the Jeep models over the last ten years.

The lawsuit also alleges Chrysler tried unsuccessfully to remedy the issue, noting previously ordered dealer work in June 2019 to replace the front suspension steering damper failed.

To date, at least 192,000 customers of model year 2018 through 2020 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiators have reported experiencing the death wobble and other steering-related complaints, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges Chrysler has knowledge of the defective condition, yet still continued to sell the models without warning or disclosing the known issue to customers. Chrysler is alleged to have also conducted secretive repair orders to customers rather than issuing a public recall and notifying the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The lawsuit claims Chrysler strategically refrained from acknowledging the defective condition as a “safety risk” to avoid costly recall and repair programs until the warranty coverage period expires, ultimately leaving the owners responsible for damages and costs of repairs.

As a result of these alleged wrongful acts, Martinez seeks class action status for the lawsuit, indicating she and other similarly situated should be entitled to damages due to the diminished value of their vehicles, reimbursement for parts and labor incurred and a temporary replacement vehicle until a repair remedy can be applied.

Martinez also wants Chrysler to issue a formal recall, in addition to compensatory and punitive damages.