Chrysler

Lawsuit Alleging Defective Door Panels on Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger

By: Nicole Halavi

Chrysler has been one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the United States since it was founded in 1952. The Chrysler 300 is known to have one of the most powerful engines available in a domestically manufactured vehicle. Despite its popularity, this model has been the subject of recent complaints concerning a multitude of defects.  The Dodge Charger is another popular model that has also been the target of many complaints. Following these complaints from Dodge and Chrysler owners, a class action lawsuit was recently filed against Fiat Chrysler. Allegedly, the automaker was aware of a defect in the door panels and yet continued to market them.

CCA is here to help if your Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Dodge Daytona is equipped with flimsy and defective door panels. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are the Issues in the Chrysler and Dodge Door Panels that Resulted in a Class Action Lawsuit?

A recent class-action suit filed against Fiat Chrysler (FCA US) claims that some of their models are equipped with faulty door panels that easily unhinge from the car frame. The suit includes current and previous owners or 2014-2021 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Daytona models.

Allegedly, FCA US has been aware of the problems since 2015 and knew that these affected owners would be forced to shoulder the repair expenses. The lawsuit also mentions that even when repairs are performed under warranty, the same defective door panels are installed. 

According to the lawsuit, the problem has also affected the side airbags, door locks, anti-theft mechanisms, and the heating/cooling system. Although they have been aware of the issue for years, Chrysler has allegedly done nothing to address the problem and continues to conceal the matter to sell the affected models.

An excerpt from the lawsuit states, “Defendant’s goal in refusing to make repairs in a reasonably prompt fashion is obvious: some customers will forgo the repairs, have the repair completed elsewhere, or neglect the repair until their warranties expire, thus saving Defendant the cost of making the in-warranty repairs.”

According to one of the plaintiffs, an owner of the 2016 Chrysler 300c, she dealt with the problem not once but multiple times, even after getting it repaired. Over time, all four of her door panels started coming off and separating from the frame. This led to other complications too. It affected the interior temperature control system as hot air streams were entering the vehicle from the door cavity. This owner says she had called Chrysler, and they refused to provide her with any type of repair or replacement. She says this complication has caused her to drive as little as possible.

What Can I Do if My Chrysler Model Has a Flimsy Door Panel?

If you own one of the models mentioned above and have experienced any trouble with your door panels, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent further complications. At CCA, our lawyers are well aware of the door panel issues and the details of the recent lawsuit filed. We can help you get the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues with your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our experts for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.