Losing Power While You Drive? The Chrysler Recall Explained

A new safety recall for certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) has been issued by the NHTSA, raising concerns about a potential loss of drive power. The recall (NHTSA ID 25V576) states that a software error in the hybrid control processor could cause the vehicle to shut down unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect is a software glitch within the hybrid system. The battery pack control module's microprocessor can become overloaded and reset, which in turn causes the hybrid control processor to misinterpret signals. This can lead to a complete and unexpected loss of propulsion power. Imagine driving on a highway and suddenly your vehicle loses all power—this is the exact scenario the recall is designed to prevent. This is a serious safety defect that can put you and your passengers in immediate danger.

The remedy for this issue is currently under development by Chrysler. Interim letters are expected to be mailed to owners to notify them of the safety risk, with additional letters sent once the final fix is available. This situation is a prime example of a potential "lemon law" case. A safety defect that leads to an unexpected loss of power is a serious issue that falls squarely under most state lemon laws.

If you own an affected Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV and have experienced a loss of drive power, it is vital to document everything. While the manufacturer is working on a fix, if this problem persists after the official remedy is in place, your vehicle may be considered a lemon. Lemon laws exist to protect you when a manufacturer cannot repair a significant defect after a reasonable number of attempts. You may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.

Don't wait until it's too late. If you are experiencing a loss of drive power, it is not only dangerous but could be a sign that you have a lemon on your hands. Keep every service record, and meticulously document every time the problem occurs. A vehicle that cannot maintain power is not fit for the road. Contact a qualified lemon law attorney to learn about your rights and how to hold the manufacturer accountable for this serious safety issue.