A family from Monroe is taking legal action against Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, due to ongoing issues with their 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. After experiencing a significant power loss on the freeway in May, the vehicle has remained inoperative, prompting a lawsuit after failed arbitration attempts.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Stellantis
PJ Phillips, a 34-year-old Monroe resident, purchased the hybrid vehicle to accommodate his expanding family. However, in May, his wife found herself stranded on Interstate 75 when the car suddenly lost power. Since that incident, the Jeep has been in the shop, and Phillips has incurred monthly expenses exceeding $1,000 for payments and insurance on a car he cannot use.
Recall of Hybrid Grand Cherokees
Stellantis has issued a recall affecting over 91,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with 4xe technology. The recall, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on September 4, addresses a potential software error in the hybrid control processor that could lead to the sudden loss of power, similar to what Phillips experienced. The vehicle models under recall include:
- 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Arbitration and Legal Proceedings
Following the initial issues with his vehicle, Phillips engaged in arbitration as part of Michigan’s lemon law, which allows consumers to resolve disputes privately. After months without resolution, Phillips took the case to court in July. A circuit court judge later vacated the arbitrator’s ruling, deeming it unfair. Throughout this period, the family’s vehicle continued to sit at the dealership as they faced mounting financial pressures.
Stellantis’ Response and Customer Commitments
Frank Matyok, a spokesperson for Stellantis, stated that the company aims to provide a positive customer experience and is committed to resolving the matter. Despite these assurances, Phillips reported communication breakdowns, feeling ignored by the company following the initiation of legal proceedings.
Current Status of the Vehicle
Official remedies for affected models began on September 29, approximately five months after Phillips first experienced issues with his vehicle. While Stellantis assures that fixes are in progress, Phillips remains frustrated and reassessing his loyalty to the Jeep brand.
This ongoing situation raises significant questions about customer safety, corporate accountability, and how automakers manage recalls, especially when lives may be at risk. The Phillips family hopes for a swift resolution that ensures their safety and fairness.
