In January 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) entered into a multimillion-dollar settlement with the federal government over allegations that certain Ram and Jeep vehicles equipped with a 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine violated emissions standards. FCA is required to make restitution to consumers and perform needed repairs to bring the affected vehicles into compliance with emissions standards. If you own or lease a Ram or Jeep diesel vehicle with serious engine issues, it takes a highly skilled lemon law attorney to enforce your rights. We invite you to call us today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.
CAA – TheLemonFirm.com is a premier consumer advocacy practice serving clients throughout California. Our legal team has a proven history of successfully handling lemon law claims and holding the big automakers accountable. We are currently representing owners and lessees of model-year 2014-2016 Ram 1500 pickup trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with an optional EcoDiesel engine. When you become our client, we will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The Fiat Chrysler Emissions Scandal
The settlement among FCA, parts supplier Robert Bosch, LLC, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) stems from allegations that the emissions software in Ram and Jeep vehicles allowed illegally high levels of nitrogen oxide, a smog-forming pollutant.
By entering into the settlement agreement, FCA did not acknowledge any wrongdoing for deliberately thwarting emissions tests, which means the automaker may be able to avoid civil liability. Under the terms of the settlement, Fiat Chrysler has agreed to:
- Make emission modifications that have been approved by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board, free of charge (the Approved Emissions Modification or “AEM”)
- Provide an extended warranty for updated vehicles
- Provide cash compensation to eligible owners and lessees who file timely claims
At this juncture, about 860,000 vehicles are subject to recall.
Post-Emissions Repair Problems with Ram and Jeep Vehicles
Fiat Chrysler stated in a court filing that the affected vehicles are repairable to emissions standards without affecting reliability or performance and that buybacks would not be necessary. The automaker noted that consumers may experience “slightly higher consumption of diesel exhaust fluid” as well as a “possible decrease in fuel economy” under certain driving conditions. Despite these claims, Ram and Jeep drivers reported more serious post-emissions repair problems, including lost acceleration, lack of throttle power, and lower fuel mileage.
If your Ram or Jeep vehicle is still not in compliance with emissions standards, or if repairs have affected the performance of your vehicle, legal remedies may be available to you under the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the California lemon law).
Under this law, automakers are required to offer consumers a refund or a replacement vehicle if a repair cannot be made after a reasonable number of attempts. While a safety defect must be repaired in two attempts, a defect that affects the performance or value of your vehicle, such as an emissions defect, must be repaired after four attempts.
What Should Ram and Jeep Owners Do Now?
Before you submit a claim with Fiat Chrysler regarding the defective emissions software, contact the experienced lemon law attorneys at CAA—TheLemonFirm.com. We will take the time to explain all your rights under the California lemon law.
Contact Our Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys If You Are Experiencing Issues with Your EcoDiesel Engine
If your Ram 1500 pickup truck or Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is experiencing emissions problems, you may be frustrated with the level of service being provided by Fiat Chrysler or the dealer. That’s the time to contact CAA—TheLemonFirm.com. We have a well-earned reputation for being fierce consumer advocates, having recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. When you partner with us, you will have confidence knowing that we are in your corner. We offer free consultations and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we recover for you. Please contact our office today to speak with our California lemon law attorneys: (833) LEMON-FIRM.