Seat won't fold back? Apparently, that's a $2000 repair!

[Terrymo]

If your seat is seeing that much action you should have bought a JLU and saved the world this heartache.

I have a JLU so I have room to carry a volleyball just in case I’m stranded in the wilderness

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[roaniecowpony]

... Imagine being stuck out in the middle of the wilderness with no cell reception and no way to drive your Jeep out of there, with temperatures over 100 and not enough water to be able to hike to safety.

I'd figure out a way to move or remove the seat before that happened, even if I had to winch the seat back.

 

[Pig-Pen]

I'd figure out a way to move or remove the seat before that happened, even if I had to winch the seat back.

well some people would just give up and die. Not everyone is macgyver ok?!

 

[AnebuR]

well some people would just give up and die. Not everyone is macgyver ok?!

Not sure even McGuyver would've figured out how to make a T50 star bit out in the sticks. Jeep could've just used a normal bolt that worked with any wrench, but NO!

 

[Pig-Pen]

Not sure even McGuyver would've figured put how to make a T50 star bit out in the sticks. Jeep could've just used a normal bolt that worked with any wrench, but NO!

well, good thing it was the passenger seat. So only she dies. Driver still makes it out alive.


stick to that story and the cops wont get suspicious

 

[Wbino]

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/68361574ac.html
You did'nt get one of these?
Return Jeep to the dealer.

 

[Terrymo]

 

[AnebuR]

well, good thing it was the passenger seat. So only she dies. Driver still makes it out alive.


stick to that story and the cops wont get suspicious

If there were at least a few beers left and charcoal for the grill, there would be no evidence to worry about. However, Stellantis would not only owe me a new seat, but a new girlfriend. Judging by the quality of their seats, not sure how much I'd trust their choice in replacement girlfriends.

 

[AnebuR]

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/68361574ac.html
You did'nt get one of these?
Return Jeep to the dealer.

Now go try to unscrew your seat from the floor with that. You'd have better luck with a ripe banana.

 

[JL ME]

Mine broke in the first 500 miles. The part that breaks is part of the seat frame. If it can be bought separately, I would like to know where?
I know some of the broken parts keep the seat from folding back up. If you remove the broken parts from the rail on the seat frame and slide the seat all the way back it will fold up so you can use it.

Buy a seat frame online for about $200 or less and do it yourself. not a hard job. $150 on ebay

 

[viper88]

Inevitably happened to my passenger seat again. The interesting thing is that using a socket extension or even replacing the cheap plastic seat position return, which broke into a bunch of pieces both times didn't unfold it. The first time it was repaired in Oct 2020, it required replacing the seat frame and cable assembly, which was covered by the warranty. By now, the warranty expired and the dealer wanted around $2k for parts and labor.

Given that this was the second time my Jeep required the same exact repair, I figured it would make sense for Stellantis to cover the repair despite being out of warranty. While still at the dealership, I opened a star case and was told someone would call me the in the next day or two. A week went by and nothing from @JeepCares after multiple attempts at contacting them. Even the service manager couldn't get a hold of anyone. After abut two weeks without a functioning seat, I did get a call back. Apparently, the person who was assigned my case went on vacation without handing it over to anyone.

The rep told me that since the Jeep is out of warranty, the most they'd pay for is for the replacement parts. I'd still be on the hook for labor. The cost of labor is about $1k. Better than $2k, but come on! No other Jeep model before the JL nor any other car on the market has such an obvious material design defect. It is practically guaranteed to eventually make the seat unusable and in need of expensive repairs. I hope they updated the design on the refreshed models.

I'm surprised no one started a class action against Stellantis over this. If it happens to the driver's seat, it makes the vehicle undriveable. This is something that could result in someone's death. Imagine being stuck out in the middle of the wilderness with no cell reception and no way to drive your Jeep out of there, with temperatures over 100 and not enough water to be able to hike to safety.

It is a bad design. Ask if they will give you the parts and install yourself.

 

[AnebuR]

It is a bad design. Ask if they will give you the parts and install yourself.

I asked. Unfortunately, only a dealership is allowed to do the install. Makes sense from a liability perspective, not that I agree with it.

 

[Reinen]

Yes! It sucked. Would NOT recommend!

 

[theory2]

OP, I agree. Not common, ridiculous. My jeep passenger seat wouldn't fold down or back from day one, didnt notice at pickup. First service they tried to fix but broke another part. 2 years later, parts backordered, I have a functioning passenger seat. As a result I was hyperaware of people complaining on the forums about seat issues since I purchased my jeep. I've seen a lot. I think it IS a significant issue. Just my observations and opinion.

 

[Wbino]

Now go try to unscrew your seat from the floor with that. You'd have better luck with a ripe banana.

First time I've ever been told to unscrew myself.

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