Going Too Far for Content
Social media content creators The Middle Lane ignited controversy at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show when they released video footage of them mocking the all-electric Jeep Recon and its $65,000 price tag. The two individuals in the video called attention to what they claimed was shoddy build quality in the cabin, highlighting uneven panel gaps and loosely-fitted components. They aggressively shook the infotainment screen and passenger grab handle, and even appeared to detach the center console trim and other bits of the interior by hand, practically dismantling parts of the cabin. Their controversial video quickly gathered over a million views and thousands of comments on TikTok, prompting an official response from Stellantis.Â
Jeep
@themiddlelanes Jeep Recon Moab build quality… #laautoshow #tiktokcartalkcontest #electriccar #buildquality
Stellantis Reacts
Calling the influencers’ actions destructive and unprofessional, Stellantis made it clear in their public response that the Jeep Recon featured in the video was a pre-production show car, hand-built specifically for display at events, rather than a production-level model destined for customers.
Jeep
The company spokesperson, Kaileen Connelly, went on to say that these hand-built display units in no way represent the durability or quality of the final production vehicles, which are built to strict tolerances on an assembly line.
“The actions taken to disassemble the all-new Jeep Recon on display at the LA Auto Show were both destructive and unprofessional,” spokesperson Kaileen Connelly said to the Detroit Free Press.
Luke Miani, founder of The Middle Lane, denied that there was any destructive intent behind his actions and that he just wanted to offer his viewers a realistic impression of what the Jeep Recon was like, adding that he hoped the build quality of the production version measured up.Â
Public OpinionÂ
The clash sparked debates across social media and the automotive world. Some praised the creators for their boldness and willingness to scrutinize the cars on display, while others sided with Jeep, condemning the influencers for what they saw as disrespectful handling of a corporate display.Â
Jeep
The Bigger Picture
Online content creators and social media influencers today play a significant part in people’s purchase decisions. Manufacturers know this, but may need to consider stricter guidelines at events where pre-production models are on display. For The Middle Lane, the fallout has raised their visibility, but also triggered serious questions about boundaries and responsibility. The video has since been taken down, but the fallout may see brands reconsidering the free rein that content creators have so far had at launches and car shows.
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