Jeep and Dodge Ram owners have been facing problems over an alleged defective in the eTorque system, prompting a class action lawsuit against FCA.
The class action alleges a defect in the Jeep eTorque system causes the vehicles’ engines to turn off, shift the transmission to “Park,” and/or apply the emergency brake.
Making matters worst, the problem seems to occur suddenly and unexpectedly for Jeep and Ram owners.
This issue has created ongoing problems for many drivers as their vehicles experience random and sudden shut-downs. In fact, Jeep and Ram owners claim the problem continues to persist even after receiving a software update designed to remedy eTorque problems.
Let’s explore some of the biggest problems with Jeep eTorque technology, and what options are available to affected car owners.
Owners Allege the Jeep eTorque System is Defective
Both Jeep and Ram are beloved car brands known for its ruggedness and durability. However, recent reports reveal a serious defect in the Jeep eTorque system that puts drivers at risk.
The alleged defect causes the vehicle’s engine to turn off, shift the transmission to “Park,” and/or apply the emergency brake without warning.
Despite longstanding knowledge of the defect, Jeep’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), allegedly failed to disclose the eTorque Defect to its customers.
The defect was only confirmed after FCA issued two technical service bulletins to dealers in May and July of 2022.
However, these TSB’s were limited to only certain models of Jeep and Ram trucks with the eTorque engine.
Complaints about the eTorque Defect have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and warranty claims have increased.
Despite this, FCA never disclosed the eTorque Defect to consumers and according to the class action filing, actively concealed it.
Jeep Owners Denied Repairs for eTorque Defect, Leaving Drivers at Risk of Deadly Incidents.
Many Jeep owners and lessees who sought repairs for the eTorque Defect were often denied, with dealerships reporting that they could not replicate the failure mode.
This has left drivers at risk of a potentially deadly incident while on the road.
If you own a Jeep or Ram vehicle with the eTorque system, it’s essential to seek repairs immediately if you notice any signs of the eTorque Defect.
How Long Has FCA Been Aware of The eTorque System Defect?
Based on pre-sale testing and complaints submitted to NHTSA, it is believed that FCA has been aware of the eTorque Defect and the associated risks since at least 2018.
Despite this knowledge, FCA has not disclosed the defect to consumers.
How Does The Jeep eTorque System Work?
Vehicles that utilize a “mild hybrid” system have been around for some time now. However, many people believe that they are all the same. Truth is, the eTorque system developed by the renowned automaker, FCA US LLC, is not your typical hybrid system.
Unlike most mild hybrid cars that simply switch between the electric motor and gasoline engine, eTorque is designed to serve multiple functions that work together to reduce the load on the engine and increase fuel efficiency.
One of the most basic features of eTorque is its auto stop/start feature. This feature automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at a traffic light or in traffic. Then restarts the engine when the driver releases the brake pedal.
The auto stop/start feature is powered and controlled by the eTorque system, which helps to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.
Another way that the eTorque system is utilized, is by providing support to the crankshaft during certain driving conditions.
For example, when accelerating from a complete stop, eTorque system provides additional torque to the crankshaft. This enhances acceleration and reduces the overall workload on the engine.
Additionally, the eTorque system also generates battery energy from braking and shifting events. This energy is then used to charge the 48-volt battery, which powers the electric motor.
This regenerative braking technology helps to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption.
Lastly, the 48-volt battery is also used to charge the 12-volt battery that powers the vehicle’s accessories.
This means that the eTorque system not only reduces fuel consumption, but it also helps to charge the the vehicle’s traditional 12 volt battery.
What Functions is The eTorque System Responsible For?
The eTorque system is responsible for five critical vehicle functions:
- Powering the auto stop/start feature
- Providing torque to the crankshaft
- Generating battery energy from braking and shifting
- Charging both the 48-volt battery that powers the electric motor
- Charging the 12-volt battery that powers the vehicle’s accessories
As one can imagine, a defect in this system has the potential to severely effect the driving experience and safety of the driver and passengers.
Jeep and Ram Models Affected
The following Jeep and Ram models are affected by this alleged defect include:
- 2019-2022 Jeep Wrangler
- 2019-2022 Ram 1500
Status of the Jeep and Ram eTorque Class Action Litigation
This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former Jeep and Ram vehicle owners and lessees.
Fisher et al v. FCA US LLC Case No. 2:23-cv-10426-MFL-EAS, was filed in the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan.
Jeep and Ram Owners’ Voices
This is the 5th complaint I have called into JEEP directly as well as 2 different dealerships. My car is shutting down randomly on the highway. I was notified that it was “fixed” with a software update. This is a current recall that the dealership has said was “fixed”. However they refuse to call a star tech or a field tech which JEEP service said was required at this point. I have tried to have this issue fixed multiple times with no positive outcome. Today again my entire JEEP shut down on the highway as I was getting on. I merely tapped the break to allow anther drive to merge and the entire car completely stopped. I personally hit the steering wheel and my dog almost hit the windshield if the bar was not there he would have. The are aware of the severity of the issue and don’t believe anything is wrong. I am contacting an attorney for Lemon Law at this point as the vehicle is clearly dysfunctional
NHTSA ID Number: 11508480
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and then lost motive power. The failure caused the vehicle to drive off the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the water pump and water filter were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle overheated and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cylinder head, spark plugs, engine oil filter, and several other unknown parts were replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA ID Number: 11505394
I was driving a longer distance from Las Vegas Nevada to California Victor Ville and was coming down in speed and vehicle claimed a sudden stop in power and turned off. After a min of attempting to pull into a close parking lot the Jeep 4xe alarms were going on and off uncontrollably with zero power or capability to shutting off. After a few times of attempting to turn the jeep on and off and no success i got out of my vehicle, disconnected the battery and reconnected it. We were on the freeway with our infant in the back seat and on a thanksgiving trip back home. We just thought it was random until a recall lawyer reached out about our post on it and mentioned this is a lethal and serious issue. At this moment, we are not driving it as we seen a news channel mention this issue. I say this with the tone of seeking a new solution that is not in this death trap… We as a family would like to find a way to get a refund and away from this completely. We do not feel safe, we just bought this vehicle a month ago.
NHTSA ID Number: 11496687
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. This post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.
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Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Mark Champion
July 7, 2023 at 12:31 pmI actually have a late 2018 jeep wrangler with a four-cylinder E torque engine. Two weeks ago I was driving in the desert and suffered a catastrophic electrical failure. As in one of the comments above all the warning light started flashing all the internal lights were flashing, it was getting dark so I put on the headlights which caused the windshield wipers to start going. I had to ditch it at a truckstop I got towed to, and then spent a week getting it transported to a dealership. When I moved to buy out I did extend the warranty , so it seems I’m covered but this seems like a major defect that should be a covered regardless. Luckily, when the failure occurred, I had made it back to a road, but I was still in a dangerous spot. Has anyone else had issues with a 2018 model?
Naikeisha Campbell
July 25, 2023 at 4:21 pmSame here and it has happened about 13 times now! 3 just this morning luckily I was like the only one on the road at 2:35am. I took it to keep and with no code they don’t know what to do!!!
Tommye
November 14, 2023 at 11:26 amSame here on my 2018 I bought in June. Still at the dealership