Park Outside Warning

If you own an electric or hybrid Jeep, it’s important to tune into the current warning issued by the manufacturer: park it outside.  That’s because a problem with faulty batteries has led to at least 19 fires involving Grand Cherokees and Wranglers. Until further notice, owners are advised to stop driving the vehicles and avoid keeping them in garages.

Electric Battery Issues

 It seems Chrysler, Jeep’s parent company, has a problem with the electric batteries in their plug-in hybrids and is recalling one million of them. It’s the second shot at rectifying the issue, involving a battery pack with potential separator damage. In some cases, it’s thought that a battery connection to the hydraulic power steering could be the root of the problem. An earlier software update did nothing to remedy the situation, and nine of those that experienced that fix had later issues with fires. Alarmingly, a vehicle can burst into flames whether or not it’s moving, and whether or not it’s even turned on. There are some reports that there is no current solution to the problem.

A Few Examples

 Alarming is not extreme enough to describe the incidents that have already occurred:

•  A Jeep that was off and parked on a NYC street burst into flames.
• A fiery Jeep caused the garage door to burst off someone’s garage.
• When the fire department used water to extinguish a fire, it caused the vehicle to explode.

 What Now?

 Dealers have recalled these (and other) electric and hybrid vehicles, and Jeep dealerships are providing loaners while they work on repairs. The problem is that it often takes quite a bit of time to get an appointment, leaving drivers in the lurch. Their vehicles are not safe to drive, or even to park. While many owners are adhering to the park outside warnings, there are plenty of people who don’t have a safe space to leave their vehicles. Reports of explosions in parking lots, next to sidewalks, and elsewhere have alarmed citizens. Injuries and property damage are a risk no matter where the vehicles are left. The NHTSA warns that the batteries should not be charged because it makes them more vulnerable to fire. For some people, a lawsuit may be the only way to adequately address the situation.

Families at Risk

 If you’ve been driving a Jeep or any other vehicle that has the problems described here, you’ve been more than inconvenienced: your life has been at risk, as have those of family, friends, and passers-by who are ever in the vicinity of your vehicle. Dangers like this, especially when they cause property damage and injuries, must be compensated for. At the offices of The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A., our aggressive LaPlata & Waldorf personal injury attorneys can help. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation today.