chrysler vehicles

Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty Lawsuit

In October 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed against Chrysler concerning the automaker’s lifetime powertrain warranty. The plaintiff seeks to represent consumers who purchased a Chrysler vehicle in Kansas and were provided a lifetime powertrain warranty on or after October 31, 2009.

The plaintiff bought his Chrysler in 2009 and since then has taken his vehicle in to a dealer every 3,000 miles for routine services and inspections. In 2014, the plaintiff took his Ram to a dealer for an oil change, where the technicians performed a 23-point inspection of the vehicle. The plaintiff claims he was unaware that the powertrain inspection wasn’t included in this service. Subsequently, in 2016, the plaintiff noticed his Ram making ticking noises so he took his vehicle to the dealer once more where technicians now found broken bolts in or on the exhaust manifold. The automaker refused to honor the warranty, forcing plaintiff to pay over $1,300 for the repair. In his lawsuit, the plaintiff claims that Chrysler should have marketed the lifetime powertrain warranty as a “5-year extendable warranty.”

Chrysler filed a motion to dismiss the suit, claiming the three-year statute of limitations bars the claim. The automaker argues that the statute began when the plaintiff purchased his vehicle in 2009 and he did not file suit until 2018. However, the Court did not agree. The statute of limitations did not begin running until the plaintiff had to pay for the vehicle repair in 2016 because Chrysler would not honor the warranty. Thus, the plaintiff’s claim is not barred.

Ultimately, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff and agreed that Chrysler should have explained to the plaintiff that it was his responsibility to “actively request a powertrain inspection.” The judge also allowed a claim for breach of implied warranty because of problems concerning the exhaust manifold.

What Can I Do if I’m Told My Repairs Are Not Under Warranty?

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the Chrysler powertrain warranty discussed above and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

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.

Line of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, Chrysler 300 in focus

Chrysler Oil Consumption Lawsuits

By: Nicole Halavi

Chrysler has been one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the United States since it was founded in 1952. While Chrysler vehicles have been a popular choice amongst consumers, several models have allegedly been exhibiting transmission defects and overall reliability issues. One of the most recent lawsuits filed against FCA concerns a design/manufacturing defect in the 2.4L Tigershark Engine that results in excessive oil consumption. Oil consumption issues are much more than a frustration – oil consumption is typically a symptom of serious engine defects and can lead to premature engine failure.

If your Chrysler model has been exhibiting any ongoing oil consumption issues, CCA is here to help. Feel free to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What is the basis of the defect that led to an oil consumption lawsuit against FCA?

The recent lawsuit against FCA alleges that Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat vehicles frequently stall because of defective Tigershark engines. Allegedly, the engine is equipped with piston rings that fail to perform properly with the cylinders, which ultimately causes the vehicle to burn excess oil. This defect burdens owners with the act of constantly refilling the vehicle with oil, as a failure to do so increases the risk of stalling and sudden failures.

Additionally, the lawsuit also states that Chrysler’s oil indicator system does not alert the driver of the oil levels; the indicators only activate after the engine begins to stall or dies completely. In the long term, the defect can also lead to premature wear of the vehicle’s internal parts. According to the lawsuit, FCA has been well aware of the oil consumption issues since 2015. However, it refuses to recall these defective vehicles.

Below are a few excerpts from complaints filed by users regarding the oil consumption issues:

“It is impossible for me to wrap my head around the random inconsistent oil burning consumption of this inadequately built 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine. There is nothing about the consumption that is “within specs” to anyone’s standard except JEEP. What can I possibly expect from this car as the engine ages when I consider the issues I am experiencing with a new engine? I am now more concerned than ever and feel extremely unsafe in this vehicle.” – owner of a 2019 Jeep Cherokee.

“I have had this 2016 Dodge Dart for about 8 months. Today the car died while idling at a stoplight. I got it to start again after a few minutes. I called the dealership and they told me to check my oil level. I had changed the oil myself about 3 months beforehand and had put the amount of oil that the owner’s manual recommended into the car. But when I checked the oil after talking to the dealership, my oil level was extremely low! Apparently these cars burn oil and if the level gets too low they will stall.” – owner of a Dodge Dart.

What Can I Do if My Chrysler is Subject to Any of the Oil Consumption Issues Discussed?

If your Chrysler model has exhibited any of the oil consumption problems discussed above, such as stalling, sudden failures, and excessive oil consumption, CCA’s lawyers are here to help – and at no cost to you! CCA is equipped with a powerful team of lawyers who are trained to handle complicated lemon law cases and get you the relief that you deserve.

If your vehicle has been exhibiting any defects or issues, please contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Chrysler Vehicle’s Frustrating and Dangerous Transmission Defects

Chrysler Vehicle’s Frustrating and Dangerous Transmission Defects

By: Nicole Halavi

The lawyers at CCA have been helping clients whose Chrysler vehicles have exhibited transmission defects for years. Our clients have complained of a variety of transmission issues, including harsh shifts, poor acceleration, vehicle hesitation, jerky shifts, metal in the transmission fluid, and premature transmission failure. Transmission problems are particularly frustrating because, oftentimes, dealerships are unable to diagnose or repair such issues. Clients come to us frustrated because the dealership has repeatedly told them that there was “no problem found” or that the transmission is “operating as designed.” Fortunately, for such clients, California’s strong consumer protection laws protect consumers when automakers turn their backs on them.
If your Chrysler vehicle has been exhibiting any ongoing transmission issues or defects, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.
What are the Persistently Exhibited Transmission Issues in the Chrysler Models?
Recently, a class-action lawsuit was filed against FCA regarding a defect in the ZF 9HP 9-speed transmission that in several Chrysler models. The alleged transmission defect caused an array of issues such as unexpected jerks, lurches, harsh gear shifts, and sudden transmission failure. Consumers have also claimed that the transmission defect led to problems with the gear system, which then resulted in grinding and the inability to shift gears.
According to the lawsuit, the ZF 9HP 9-speed transmission system was intended to be an improvement of the older transmission models. The ZF 9HP 9-speed transmission boasts a unique design that promotes better performance and fuel economy while maintaining all of the benefits the older model displayed.
Other Chrysler customers also allege that the transmission defects caused problems with the accelerators, such as a sudden loss of power, and premature wearing of transmission components.
The lawsuit also expresses that the problems presented are not minor and will require expensive repairs or replacements of the defected transmission components.
An owner of the Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L expressed his issues with the transmission as follows: “When driving my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk in Yosemite, the transmission would not down shift below 4th gear even when I came to a complete stop. This has also happened when I was coming home from work, but the transmission would not shift below 5th gear.”
Another complaint from a user of the 2017 Renegade Trailhawk stated the following: “Transmission shifts rough, slams into gear, causes stalling. Have complained to three different dealers, Northwest Hills in Torrington, CT, Mitchell in Simsbury CT and Gengras in East Hartford. None of them have recorded the complaint and all of them have dismissed it as “transmission learning”, and tried to convince me that it is not a problem.”
Below is a list of vehicles included in the class action lawsuit filed against FCA:
• 2016-2019 Jeep Cherokee
• 2016-2019 Jeep Renegade
• 2016-2018 Chrysler 200
• 2016-2019 ProMaster City
What Can I Do if My Chrysler Model is Subject to Any of the Defects Discussed?
If your Chrysler has exhibited any of the transmission problems discussed above, such as rough gear shifting, sudden failures, and jerks, CCA’s lawyers are here to help – and at no cost to you! CCA is equipped with a team of lawyers who are trained to handle complicated lemon law cases and get you the relief that you deserve.
If your vehicle has been exhibiting any defects or issues, please contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Line of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, Chrysler 300 in focus

Electrical and Transmission Defects in the Chrysler 300

By: Sepehr Daghighian

The Chrysler 300 is known to have one of the most powerful engines available in a domestically manufactured vehicle and over the years, this performance-oriented car has built itself an exemplary stature amongst its competitors. Despite its merits, however, oftentimes owners encounter an array of serious electrical and transmission-related complications. Making matters worse, Chrysler dealerships are also known for poor maintenance and aid when it comes to fixing problems that fall under the warranty. CCA’s lemon law attorneys are up to date with all such issues and are willing to help if you’re facing any trouble with your vehicle. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.   

What Are the Common Electrical and Transmission Issues in the Chrysler 300?

Transmission Fluid Leak

Several Chrysler users have noticed a fluid leak in their vehicle, this usually occurs due to transmission related issues. This is not considered to be a fatal issue, however; it could cause severe long-term damage to your car’s engine if not repaired. Also, the transmission leak is oftentimes accompanied by harsh shifting, transmission jerking, and other transmission issues.

Shudder Vibration/Buzzing Sounds

Chrysler 300 owners have also reported that this problem is encountered during light acceleration and usually occurs on the 3rd, 4th or 5th gear. This occurs when the transmission fluid has been contaminated due to leakage of water that has gone past the transmission tube. Unfortunately, Chrysler dealerships have been ineffective at fixing these issues.

Rough Shifting

Countless Chrysler 300 owners have described the gear shifting in their cars as jerky and rough. Owners have also faced trouble shifting the car out of park mode and some complaints state that even shifting beyond 2nd gear is difficult and errantic.  Unfortunately, this is another issue for which Chrysler dealerships are unable to effectuate repairs.

Vehicle Stalling

A car stall can be caused by a variety of electrical issues. A stall can be extremely dangerous in some situations, it increases the risk of crashes and injuries. Several Chrysler 300 owners have complained regarding the stalling issues that usually occur on low speeds, when turning, and during gear shifts.

An owner of the Chrysler 300 2016 model stated, “While driving at a low speeds, the contact depressed the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time and the vehicle stalled. The “electronic throttle control system should be serviced” warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to place the vehicle in park and restart it to resume driving”.

Another user complained, “I was driving about 50mph and things started shutting down like the radio and the instrument panel said the car was going into power saving mode. I had about 5 miles to my destination and my car stalled right before I got there but I kept up my speed and was able to coast in. I tried starting it just to see and got nothing.”

Here is a partial list of recent models that are known to have Electrical and Transmission defects:

  • 2015 Chrysler 300
  • 2016 Chrysler 300
  • 2017 Chrysler 300
  • 2018 Chrysler 300
  • 2019 Chrysler 300

What Can I Do if My Chrysler 300 is Facing Any of the Issues Discussed Above?

If your Chrysler 300 has been facing any electrical/transmission related issues or if you have been noticing any of the symptoms discussed above, please contact our expert lemon law attorneys for a free consultation.  We are here to understand your problems and provide you with viable solutions for your defective vehicle. Our firm is equipped with a team of experienced and committed lawyers who are ready to guide you in the right direction. Please feel free to contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Woman driving a car with a faulty Dodge Dart transmission.

Faulty Dodge Dart Transmissions

By Sepehr Daghighian

Owners of Dodge Dart have complained for years of shifting issues arising from their vehicles’ defective transmission components. For instance, drivers complain that their gear selectors lock up, they are unable to shift in and out of gear, their vehicles spontaneously drop into neutral, their transmission makes strange grinding noises when shifting, their transmission jerks when shifting, or (in some cases) the transmission completely dies. Frustratingly for many consumers, Dodge has been addressing their customers concerns by oftentimes installing the same defective parts back into the vehicles, thus, effectively kicking the proverbial can down the road.  

CCA’s expert lemon law attorney has advocated for Dodge Dart owners and obtained exceptionally favorable settlements from FCA (Dodge’s parent company) for clients that have suffered through frustrating repeat repairs to their transmissions. California’s strong lemon law, the Song-Beverly Act, provides that manufacturers must repurchase or replace vehicles when they are unable to fix them after a reasonable number of repair attempts. CCA has observed that, oftentimes, customers take in their FCA vehicles for repair of transmission concerns over-and-over again, to no avail. FCA’s dealerships oftentimes apply “band-aid” repairs, which don’t correct the condition or send the customer home because they could not detect a problem. Fortunately for our clients, our lawyers possess the legal and technical acumen to obtain speedy and exceptionally favorable results when the manufacturer is unable to repair their vehicles.  

In April of 2019, FCA announced that it was recalling every automatic transmission Dart in the U.S. to address problems with the transmission shifter cable.  Dodge recalled a total of 298,439 of the 2013-2016 Dodge Darts because of defects in the 6-speed transmission shifter cable. According to documents filed with NHTSA by Dodge, “The shifter cable bushing on the transmission end of the shifter cable could deteriorate and become detached from the transmission which could result in the inability of the driver to actually shift the transmission, even though the driver may move the shifter handle.” Dodge admits that the defect can be dangerous, stating: “If the shifter cable becomes detached from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts intended by the driver… In addition, if the driver’s door is opened while the transmission is not in PARK, the vehicle not in PARK and door ajar messages will display on the instrument cluster and audible chimes will sound. If these warnings are not heeded, unintended vehicle movement and vehicle crash can occur.”  

Transmission issues are oftentimes the most frustrating of vehicle problems. They are frustrating and dangerous for drivers and, oftentimes, difficult for technicians to repair, resulting in a cycle of warranty presentations without repair. Fortunately, CCA’s attorneys are experts in California’s Lemon Law and can apply our State’s strong consumer protections to resolve our client’s vehicle issues. For a free consultation with a lemon law expert, please call us today: (833) LEMON-FIRM.  

TheLemonFirm.com discusses vehicle stalls in a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Vehicle Stalls

By Sepehr Daghighian

According to widespread consumer complaints and documents filed with NHTSA by FCA (Chrysler’s parent company), the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is prone to a dangerous stalling defect.  The dangerous and frightening defect results in the vehicle dying while being driven. For instance, one Chrysler customer described the sudden and unexpected loss of vehicle control, “while driving Chrysler Pacifica 2017 limited, car stalled in freeway ramp. It was a very scary situation.” Other consumers have described, “Engine stalling while in low speed… Just returned from the shop 4 days ago with the same problem.”  

According to documents filed with NHTSA, Chrysler acknowledges the problem with the 2017 Pacifica and has issued a recall to hopefully address the concerns. According to recall documents filed with the government, Chrysler acknowledges that “The recall population was determined to include vehicles produced with engine control software that is vulnerable to loss of crankshaft position synchronization.” Chrysler states, “In the majority of cases the stalling occurs at low speed, while decelerating, while at idle or while negotiating a turn.” Chrysler’s Recall No. 18V-049 attempts to address the stalling concern by reprogramming the vehicle’s software. 

However, in spite of having the recall performed, many consumers have returned from the shop only to have their vehicles continue to stall.  

If your Chrysler vehicle has suffered from repeated and frustrating defects, we invite you to contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney for a free consultation. The experts at CCA possess the technical and legal knowhow to achieve exceptional results for their clients.  Please call us today: (833) LEMON-FIRM.