A legal battle has emerged over alleged vehicle defects and warranty violations, drawing attention to consumer rights and corporate accountability. On November 14, 2024, Mary Elizabeth Grovenstein filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against FCA US LLC. The lawsuit centers around claims that the company failed to honor express and implied warranties for a defective vehicle.
Mary Elizabeth Grovenstein's case against FCA US LLC highlights significant concerns regarding consumer protection laws. According to the complaint, Grovenstein purchased a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4XE on July 12, 2023. She alleges that the vehicle exhibited multiple defects that substantially impaired its use, value, and safety. Despite numerous repair attempts at authorized facilities, these issues remained unresolved. The plaintiff contends that FCA US LLC violated the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act by not conforming the vehicle to its express written warranties within a reasonable timeframe or replacing it as required by law.
Grovenstein further accuses FCA US LLC of breaching implied warranties under the same act. She asserts that the company sold her a vehicle unfit for ordinary purposes due to its malfunctions and nonconformities. In addition to these allegations, Grovenstein charges FCA US LLC with engaging in unlawful business practices under California Business & Professions Code § 17200. The complaint details how the defendant allegedly placed defective vehicles into commerce knowingly and failed to provide adequate repairs or replacements.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court. These include rescission of the sales contract, restitution of all payments made towards the vehicle, actual damages amounting to $68,893.20, consequential damages, civil penalties twice her actual damages under the Song-Beverly Act, and attorney’s fees. Furthermore, Grovenstein requests injunctive relief to prevent FCA US LLC from continuing any unfair competition practices and demands an accounting of all profits gained through such acts.
Representing Mary Elizabeth Grovenstein is attorney Neal F. Morrow III from MFS Legal Inc., while Maxwell Kreymer is also noted as part of her legal team. The case was reviewed by Y. Chav at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County under Case No. 24CV451723.