Image via Stellantis
Stellantis is pushing back after a viral video showed two influencers dismantling parts of a Jeep Recon interior during the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, prompting widespread criticism of the vehicle’s build quality. The content creators, representing The Middle Lanes, filmed themselves pulling components from the center console and pointing to gaps in the materials while mocking the SUV’s perceived shortcomings. Their commentary centered on its price point, fueling a wave of negative reactions online aimed at both Stellantis and the Jeep brand.
The automaker responded quickly, clarifying that the model displayed at the show was a preproduction unit not intended to reflect final manufacturing standards. Stellantis noted that the vehicle was built specifically for design presentations and promotional events. Such prototypes are typically hand-assembled and do not undergo the same level of durability testing or quality validation expected from production-ready vehicles.
The influencers’ actions raised broader concerns about conduct at public automotive events. Many critics argued that physically dismantling a display vehicle crossed a line, given that preproduction show cars often lack the structural integrity of finished models. The episode also sparked questions about oversight on the show floor. Auto shows generally station representatives near prototypes to answer questions, manage access, and prevent damage, though it remains unclear how the influencers gained enough access to disassemble interior pieces without intervention.
The situation highlights a growing tension between automakers and content creators who aim to deliver candid assessments but may overlook the context surrounding early design models. Preproduction vehicles displayed at major shows are rarely indicative of final quality, and they are not the units automakers distribute for thorough evaluations.
As the Jeep Recon moves closer to production, Stellantis emphasized that the vehicle seen in the viral clip should not be viewed as a preview of its finished craftsmanship. The incident has reignited discussion over authenticity in automotive media—and the responsibility influencers carry when shaping public perception of vehicles still in development.
About the Author
