Delhi consumer commission orders Jeep to replace defective Rubicon or Refund Rs.75 Lakh

The Delhi Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed FIAT India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Jeep, to either replace a defective Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or refund nearly Rs.75 lakh to its owner after persistent defects in the premium SUV remained unresolved despite repeated repairs. The order highlights the accountability of manufacturers in high-value consumer purchases and reinforces that buyers of premium vehicles cannot be left grappling with recurring mechanical faults.

The dispute arose after the complainant purchased a new Wrangler Rubicon from an authorised dealer in 2021 for about Rs.70 lakh, including accessories. Soon after delivery, the SUV reportedly began exhibiting multiple problems such as roof leakage, air-conditioning malfunction, faults in the reverse camera and auto start-stop system, engine and throttle issues, and vibrations during driving. Seeking resolution, the owner repeatedly approached authorised service centres in cities including Dehradun, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.

Despite several repair attempts and replacement of components, the issues allegedly persisted and the vehicle’s condition deteriorated over time. According to the complainant, service personnel later indicated that major components like the engine, silencer and exhaust manifold might require replacement, prompting him to approach the consumer forum claiming that the vehicle suffered from inherent defects.

A bench comprising President Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and Member Pinki noted that the manufacturer failed to file its written response within the prescribed time, leaving the complainant’s allegations substantially unchallenged. The Commission found the material on record sufficient to establish manufacturing defects and concluded that the liability primarily rested with the manufacturer rather than the service centre, which had only carried out warranty repairs. Dismissing the complaint against the dealership on grounds of misjoinder under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the Commission directed the manufacturer to replace the vehicle with a new one or refund Rs.69,49,522 paid for the car and accessories, along with Rs.4 lakh towards repair and maintenance costs, Rs.50,000 for commuting expenses, and Rs.1 lakh as compensation for mental distress.

The bench emphasised that the evidence revealed repeated defects and remarked that the circumstances justified relief as the consumer had been left with a vehicle plagued by recurring problems.

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