Jeep Wrangler Heating & AC Lawsuit

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with anyone who owns or leases a 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler and experienced problems with the heater, defroster and/or air conditioner.

A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that a manufacturing defect is causing the cars’ heating and cooling systems not to work properly, resulting in costly repair bills that should – but aren’t being – covered under drivers’ warranties.

What’s Believed to Be the Problem with the AC and Heaters?

It has been alleged that Jeep failed to properly flush the casting sand out of the engine blocks on some of the cars when they were made. The class action alleges that, as a result, the residual sand can circulate throughout the cooling system and settle as a “sludge-like residue” in the heater core, radiator and oil cooler. This can cause the heating and cooling systems to malfunction and fail, according to the class action.

The suit adds that the defect compromises the safety of the cars. From the lawsuit:

"Drivers without heat cannot defrost their vehicles, rending them difficult or impossible to drive in cold-weather conditions and unsafe, especially when freezing precipitation occurs while driving. Drivers without air cannot drive in hot-weather conditions.”
- Mooradian, et al. v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 1:17-cv-1132

Lawsuit Claims Chrysler Refuses to Cover Repairs

Chrysler is allegedly refusing to cover the cost of repairs. According to the suit, the car manufacturer is telling customers that the work is not covered by their warranties because:

• The issue was created by “external factors” or “owner misuse”
• The warranty period expired

Some drivers have also claimed that it appears the company’s employees have been told to avoid providing written documentation of the problem, even when asked.

Consumers Complain About Heat, AC Not Working

A number of consumers have posted online about the problems they’ve experienced with the Jeep Wranglers [sic throughout]:

“When I went to turn on the heat the driver's side was blowing cold air and the passenger's side hot. I took it to my local garage and they said I had casting sand built up and suggested I replace my heater core and radiator.”
—jkprince 24, Oklahoma City, OK, CarComplaints.com

“The left side was not blowing near as hot as the right side. Its barely warm on the left. I have read many posts about the casting sand issue and I have had it flushed and it was better for a day or two. It did come back and its like before. I hear that the job is a new heater core and will cost me upwards of $2000 and I'm not in a position to pay that right now…Jeep should take care of this as many many JK owners have dealt with this in the past.”
—Tony W., Moscow Mills, MO, CarComplaints.com

“2012 Wrangler Sport. No heat on the drivers side. After doing some research I learned that this is a common problem with the Wranglers and is likely caused because casting sand had not been sufficiently flushed from the engine block when manufactured…I checked my overflow tank and found about 3" of sand in the bottom. The service manager at the Jeep dealership said he did not have a recall, campaign or service bulletin on this and it would not be covered by Jeep…Nobody but Jeep dealers have serviced the vehicle, so where would significant amounts of sand-like residue come from to get into the cooling system?”
—Ken R., Houston, TX, CarComplaints.com

“Passenger side was warm, not hot but the drivers side was cold. Brought it to the dealer…who confirmed that it was in fact a 'sludge' that had filled the radiator and heater core. The car is just out of warranty with 39,000 miles. I was told the cost was $1500 which included 9 hours of labor…After getting it back, the heat worked but it always made the weirdest noises. A few months go by, I go to put on the AC and guess what? No AC! i took it to y mechanic who recharged it. Had AC for a day, then nothing again.”
—Danielle J., Blue Point, NY, CarComplaints.com

“Bought Jeep Brand spanking new back in 2012. Since day one we have had problems with the vehicle warming up or cooling off. One side always blew warmer…FINALLY got to the bottom of my problems for the last 3 years... heater core was leaking. There was antifreeze everywhere…So 3 weeks before Xmas and looks as though I am out $1500.”
—cyyobann, Ponca City, OK, CarComplaints.com

The class action alleges that Chrysler knew or should have known about the defect because of the hundreds of complaints lodged by consumers, including some in the company’s own customer records. Furthermore, Chrysler still hid the issue, the lawsuit claims, even when customers continued to bring in their cars for repairs.

How a Class Action Lawsuit Can Help

If you had problems with the AC or heat on your Jeep Wrangler, tell us about it.

After you get in touch, one of the attorneys we work with may reach out to you directly. He or she will ask you a few questions about your car and explain why you may be entitled to money for repairs. It doesn’t cost anything to contact us or to speak to an attorney. Plus, you’re never obligated to take legal action just for getting in touch.

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