Stellantis publicly condemned two influencers after a video went viral showing them disassembling parts of the new electric Jeep Recon at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2025. The video, which quickly spread on social media, reignited debate about how pre-production prototypes are treated at auto shows.
The automaker explained that the display vehicle, criticized for poor assembly quality, was a hand-assembled pre-production prototype, not a finished model. Stellantis described the content creators' actions as "destructive". Kaileen Connelly, senior vice president for North American communications at Stellantis, stated that these actions were both destructive and unprofessional.
The video, posted by a Los Angeles-based channel named Middle Lane, garnered over 1,1 million views and 2,300 comments on TikTok since 22/11. It reportedly appeared on YouTube and Instagram as well, though it was later removed from both platforms.
The content creators criticized the new Jeep's build quality, stating they expected better fit and finish for a vehicle with a suggested retail price of 65,000 USD. The video showed them disassembling and reassembling plastic parts from the Recon's interior, including trim around the center console and above the digital instrument cluster. They also zoomed in on uneven gaps between materials on the door panels and wiggled the infotainment screen and passenger grab handle, claiming they were simulating "off-road use."
In response, Stellantis issued a statement clarifying that the vehicle was a display car and a pre-production version. It was built specifically for launches and events to highlight design inspiration for the final product. These prototypes are often hand-built and are not intended to demonstrate final production processes, durability, quality, or material integrity.
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The new electric Jeep Recon at the Los Angeles Auto Show, reviewed by two influencers. Photo: Steve Fowler |
The new electric Jeep Recon at the Los Angeles Auto Show, reviewed by two influencers. Photo: Steve Fowler
Luke Miani, founder of Middle Lane, expressed surprise at the video's reach and the discussions it sparked. Miani stated their purpose was simply to share thoughts on various car models. Addressing Stellantis's statement, Miani refuted allegations of destructive behavior, noting the video clearly showed clips holding some interior parts were loose, allowing easy removal by hand without damage. Miani added he looks forward to seeing the production version of the Recon, hoping for improved assembly quality.
Viewer reactions were mixed. Some comments expressed disappointment with what they perceived as poor craftsmanship, blaming Stellantis. Others defended the automaker, noting the car was a demo brought to Los Angeles for display and had not undergone thorough real-world testing. Many criticized the influencers for being unprofessional, while others suggested automakers should be more cautious when selecting who gets access to display vehicles.
A self-proclaimed interior trim engineer commented that building pre-production models differs significantly from actual production. This process involves employees working on tables with drills and screws before the assembly line is operational.
The 2026 Jeep Recon electric vehicle is expected to enter production in early 2026 at Stellantis's Toluca plant in Mexico. North American deliveries will follow soon after, with a global rollout planned for the Q4 of the year. The first version, the Moab edition exclusive to the US and Canada, will start at 65,000 USD, with more affordable variants to follow.
By My Anh (according to Carscoops)
