dodge ram

Ram 1500 EGR Cooler Recall

By: Nicole Halavi

A class action lawsuit alleges Fiat Chrysler (FCA) sold hundreds of thousands of Ram 1500 trucks equipped with defective exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers between June 12, 2013 to October 23, 2019. The suit claims that the EGR coolers are prone to thermal fatigue, which makes the coolers more prone to internal cracks over time. An internal crack will then introduce preheated, vaporized coolant to the EGR system while the engine is running. This is a potentially dangerous situation as the intake manifold may combust and result in a vehicle fire if the mixture interacts with other hydrocarbons and air in the system. One of the plaintiffs in the class experienced just this: her truck suddenly lost power and caught fire.

Failed Recall

In October 2019, a Ram 1500 EGR cooler recall was announced for 107,898 trucks built between 2014-2019 in the U.S. FCA announced that a remedy for the EGR cooler issue was not yet available; but that the automaker was making every effort to find one as soon as possible. An EGR cooler is a component used to lower the temperature of the exhaust gases that are recirculated by the EGR system. The EGR system recirculates exhaust gases back into the engine in order to decrease cylinder temperatures and NOx emissions. The gas circulated by the EGR system can be considerably hot, however, especially in vehicles equipped with diesel engines. For this reason, many diesel engines are equipped with EGR coolers to lower the temperature of the exhaust gases before they enter the engine. Customers were told that they would be notified as soon as a fix was available, which created the expectation that a solution was underway. FCA also told customers to simply continue to monitor their coolant levels and contact dealers if the levels were consistently low.

Unavailable Replacement Parts

After the recall was issued, several plaintiffs claim that they took their trucks in for repairs, but dealers consistently informed them that the required repair parts were not available. Dealers were apparently told that replacement parts were very limited and as such, EGR coolers should be replaced only if the part has failed.

One plaintiff purchased a used 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel for his construction business in August 2019. He then received the recall notice a few months later. Months after the dealer was unable to replace his cooler, the plaintiff’s vehicle filled with smoke and lost all power while he was driving. Fortunately, the five occupants of the vehicle were able to exit before the truck exploded and was engulfed in flames. When the plaintiff notified the dealership of this horrific event, he was told the technicians could only repair one cooler per week and his truck was 20th on the waiting list.

What Can I Do if My Ram 1500 is Exhibiting EGR Cooler Issues?

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the defective EGR coolers in Ram trucks 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!

dodge ram 1500

Recall on 2014-2018 Ram 1500 Crankshaft

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling approximately 58,000 vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter diesel engines due to possible engine stalling. The affected vehicles are 2014 to 2018 Ram 1500 models and 2014 to 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. These vehicles potentially have a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel that may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and camshaft timing. Ultimately, this may result in an engine stall and a failure to restart the engine. Without a properly functioning engine, these affected vehicles can crash without prior warning.

Although FCA claims it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, the automaker decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles after several months of investigations. The recall is expected to update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal if the crankshaft position signal is lost. 

Owners can call the automaker at 800-853-1403 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

If you’re experiencing difficulty getting assistance with any of the above-mentioned issues, feel free to call CCA today. Our team of experienced attorneys knows how to work with these automakers to get you the compensation you deserve when your vehicle is fixed properly the first time. If you think you’re driving a lemon, the chances are you probably are. Call us today at (833) LEMON-FIRM for a free consultation.

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.

Wheel of Jeep Grand Cherokee

132,000 RAM 1500’s and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Recalled

By Nicole Halavi

Jeep and RAM are both popular American automobile brands that are subsidiaries of the Italian American automobile corporation, Fiat Chrysler. Although Jeep and RAM are relatively popular auto brands, both have been targeted in many user complaints concerning engine stalling issues. In recent news, it was revealed that these defects led to recalls on both the RAM 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

If your RAM 1500 or JEEP Grand Cherokee has been exhibiting any ongoing issues or defects, CCA is here to help. Please feel free to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Issues in the RAM 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee that led to a Recall?

Recently, it was revealed that Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has called for a recall of about 130,000 vehicles (2014-2018 RAM 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee) due to a stalling issue caused by improper crankshaft positioning. Ultimately, it was found that this defect may lead to delamination of the sensor tone wheels, which could potentially affect its synchronization functionalities. A desynchronized fuel injector pulse and camshaft timing will result in frequent engine stalls. 

By the end of July 2020, FCA was aware of at least 1200 similar warranty claims related to the engine stall issue. Although the automaker advised that no reported crashes or injuries have resulted from this defect, Chrysler disclosed that RAM and Jeep vehicles with gasoline engines and new third-generation EcoDiesel 6 engines are not included in the recall. 

Below are some excerpts from complaints placed by RAM 1500 and Jeep Cherokee owners:

“I was stopped at a stop light on a busy 4 lane highway when my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalled and would not re-start. The engine light came on, I could not push the brake pedal in. I called U-connect roadside and they sent a tow truck.” – 2017 Grand Cherokee owner

“My 2016 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel stalled while reversing out of driveway. Could not drive for about 10 mins. Finally, when truck worked engine light came on. My truck has 101 miles. It is new. No one wants a vehicle that has electrical issues after 2 days of purchase!” – 2016 RAM 1500 owner

“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle randomly jerked and stalled several times. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Corpus Christi (4313 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, (361) 992-8000), but was not diagnosed or repaired.” – 2017 Grand Cherokee owner

What Can I Do if My RAM or Jeep Exhibit Any of the Defects Discussed Above?

If your RAM 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee has exhibited any of the engine stalling issues described above, 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 complex lemon law cases and get you the compensation 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.

Sign for Jeep, Dodge and Ram store

Air-Conditioning Defects in Jeep and Dodge Vehicles

By: Michael H. Rosenstein

Jeep and Dodge vehicles have recently been the subject of a lawsuit involving claims that certain Jeep and Dodge models; more specifically the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Journey, Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger suffer from faulty HVAC systems. The suit claims consumers have experienced many problems with their vehicle’s heating, A/C system, and/or defroster, which cannot be corrected by the manufacturer.

If your Dodge or Jeep has exhibited any of the above-mentioned issues, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are Some of the Heating and A/C Problems in the Jeep and Dodge models?

Over the past several years, there have been numerous complaints and investigations regarding a heating defect in some of the Jeep and Dodge models. The allegations have addressed issues surrounding the car’s heating system, defroster, and air conditioning. Attorneys have been investigating to identify if there is a manufacturing defect that has resulted in the heating/cooling problems in the vehicles.

Below is a partial list of the models that have been significantly affected by the defect:

    • Jeep Wrangler
    • Dodge Avenger
    • Dodge Charger
    • Dodge Journey 

Initial investigations allege that during manufacturing/production, the factories failed to flush the casting sand out of the engine resulting in the defects. As a result, there is residual sand trapped in the cooling system, radiator, heater core, and the oil cooler. The lawsuits allege that these underlying defects could be a significant cause of the heating/cooling problems in these models.

A user of the Jeep Wrangler explained their concern, “I was driving home yesterday and my heat light came on and the bell warning started, I was confused. It was just in for service about a month ago for an oil change. I happened to be about 500 feet from a truck stop when it happened, so I turned in and cut the engine off. It was HOT!  I started it and everything from the radiator just gushed out onto the ground.”

Another similar complaint from a Dodge Avenger user, “When taking long trips the A/C buttons stop working a) the system won’t turn off or b) it won’t bring the air to the right position and C) often the heater will act as a fogger and fog up the windows to the invisibility stage and then you have to stop driving until it clears. This has been going on for a long time and took over a year to address and repair. It only helped temporarily and at the time of that service they caused other electrical damage to other parts.”

What Can I Do if My Jeep or Dodge is Experiencing Heating/Cooling Issues?

If you are facing any trouble with the heating/cooling system in your Dodge or Jeep vehicle, the attorneys at CCA are here to protect you and your vehicle. Our attorneys are experts in handling such cases and are very knowledgeable about the issues affecting your vehicle. Best of all – we will never send you a bill! All of our legal fees are paid for by the manufacturer. 

If you have suffered through repeat issues with your Jeep or Dodge vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our experts for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Manual transmission shift in a Dodge Dart vehicle.

Dodge Dart Manual Transmission Problems

By: Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

The Dodge Dart was manufactured from 1959 to 1976 and was later reintroduced in 2013 after the last Dodge Dart sedan, the Neon, was discontinued in 2005. However, the production of Dodge Dart vehicles has been subject to widespread powertrain related complaints, particularly with regards to the manual transmission. Some of these issues are regarding sluggish acceleration, unstable braking system, and transmission troubles amongst a host of other defects.

If your Dodge Dart has suffered stick shift problems or other serious defects, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are Some of the Common Transmission Defects in the Dodge Dart Models?

One widespread defect in the Dodge Dart has been the shifting problems in vehicles equipped with manual transmission. In fact, in 2019, Dodge recalled approximately 298,439 of the 2013-2016 model of Dodge Darts after receiving many complaints regarding multiple defects, especially a significant defect in the transmission shifter cable. A large number of Dart users experienced unexpected transmission failure and the complete stoppage of the system. A user of the Dart SXT explained the issues: “I noticed the car jumped out of gear a couple of times, once on the freeway and another time on the access road. I thought I did something. I do normal driving around town and was out running an errand. The car will shift but will not go into gear. The person that came to tow the vehicle said the linkage was broken. I also had an issue with it going into gear about a week ago. The blower motor has gone out, then the alternator and now the transmission.” Another user of the Dart Rallye faced a similar issue and described it as follows: “While shifting the car into reverse, the gear selector went completely loose. Unable to shift the car out of reverse. Unable to remove the key from the ignition. If the key moved from start to accessories, the gear selector locked up completely.”

Apart from the rough gear shifts and transmission failure, users also noticed a persistent grinding sound while shifting gears; the issue was described by the user of a Dart Areo, “Doing 55 then heard grinding noise like shifting into gear without pushing the clutch in. This car is an automatic !!! 3 seconds later; Service Transmission light came on.”

What Legal Actions Have Been Taken to Address the Transmission Defects in the Dodge Dart Models?

After Dodge Dart drivers made several complaints about the vehicle’s faulty transmission system, a class-action lawsuit arose that will continue its course in court for Dart owners. The original lawsuit included Dart vehicles from all over the nation, but the current version only addresses the cars in California.

What Can I Do if my Dodge Dart is Subject to any Transmission defects?

If you have noticed any of the transmission issues described above, such as sudden transmission failures, rough gear shifts, strange sounds, or any other defects related to the transmission system of your Dart vehicle, please contact our firm. CCA’s attorney’s are some of the most experienced in the lemon law business and will work to provide you with exceptional representation.  Meanwhile, our legal fees and costs are paid only by the automakers – so pursuing your lemon law case with CCA does not cost you anything. 

Please contact our experts today for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Dodge RAM trucks lined up at dealership.

Common Defects in RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 Trucks

By: Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

Dodge trucks date back to 1927, when they were sold under the “Graham” name.  While the brand has a long legacy of building trucks, the RAM pickup truck mark dates back to 1981, when it was first introduced by Chrysler under then President and CEO Lee Iacocca.  Now, RAM is a division of Chrysler’s parent company, FCA (Fiat-Chrysler-Automobiles) US LLC.  

While it’s true that RAM trucks have built themselves a positive overall reputation in the market over the last few years, they have also been dealing with numerous complaints across different models and have been subject to several investigations. Common issues include engine defects, jerky transmissions, death wobbles, suspension issues, electronics problems and other serious defects.  

If your RAM truck has suffered any serious issues or engine defects, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are Some Common Issues in RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 Trucks? 

Over the past several years, RAM truck owners have increasingly complained of a variety of issues with their trucks.  Among other things, the most common complaints include:

TIPM Complaints: The TIPM or Totally Integrated Power Module has been the subject an incredible number of complaints across Chrysler vehicle lines.  The TIPM is the central power distribution center for Chrysler vehicles and, when it fails, any number of other vehicle systems will fail.  Notably, RAM truck owners have complained of issues with: Horns going off randomly, Vehicle stalls and no starts, Power windows not working or spontaneously activating, Fuel pump issues, Doors locking/unlocking, Cooling fans failing, and a variety of other serious issues.  

Engine Complaints: RAM trucks have suffered a variety of extremely serious engine issues.  These issues have included Cam and Lifter Failures, Exhaust manifold failures, Compression issues, Coolant leaks, Engine stalls, Cylinder head failure, Engine failure, Illuminated check engine lights and a variety of other serious problems.  As one owner of a 2016 1500 Ram Big Horn described the problems, “[My engine] was fixed under the power train warranty but took 4 weeks to fix and it took Ram 3 weeks to get me a loaner which was hardly anything good. Not pleased with the service at all… they failed me saying rear brakes were bad and they had no parts to replace, and would take a week to get for a price of $1000 to do brakes all around. Crazy.”

Transmission Issues: Transmission issues resulting in shifting problems have also been extremely common in RAM trucks.  RAM owners commonly complain of jerky shifts, late shifts, slow acceleration, clunky shifts, and other problems.  As one owner of a new RAM 1500 Promaster described the issues, “The transmission started missing 3rd gear initially at about 300 miles then at 500 miles it started jumping from 3rd to 5th or 6th!! Absolutely no power and would start howling and whining.”  

Dead Battery: Several new owners of the 2019 RAM 1500 had an issue with an unexplainable dead battery on their new purchase. A user explained the problems as, “Purchased a brand new 2019 Ram 1500 Limited and waited for delivery, drove it nearly 90 miles over two days. On the 3rd day(Sun), the check engine light came on while driving and shortly later the charging icon flashed momentarily before going off. The battery gauge showed the main battery at 1/4 charge” 

Extreme vibrations and erratic sounds: In normal scenarios, vibrations in cars are usually caused due to a lose or a defective tire whereas squealing and cackling sounds  indicate an issue with the brakes or the engine. The owner of a 2017 RAM 3500 expressed their frustration against the vibrations as: “I’ll never buy another Ram again…. they don’t care about fixing the problem…my truck vibrates down the road at 70+ so bad you’d think its gonna bounce off the road… 190 days in the shop and no solution!!!” Another user of the 2019 RAM 1500 described the sounds as, “Driving home last night, caught a god awful noise, squealing, followed shortly by the air conditioning going hot. Assuming the compressor went belly up. Automation service department were not welcoming without an appointment, even though you could hear the truck from a good city block away.

What Can I Do if RAM Truck Has Suffered Excessive Issues?

The issues discussed above are just a few amongst a much more extensive list of problems that we’ve heard about from RAM truck owners. If you can relate to any of the topics addressed or other defects, CCA’s set of experienced lawyers are here to guide you out of the scramble and find a fair solution. Our lawyers are well versed in issues plaguing all of the RAM truck models. Please feel free to reach out to us for a free and hassle-free consultation regarding your vehicle. 

Contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Jeep Wrangler that could have a death wobble defect.

Dodge/Ram/Jeep Death Wobble Defects

By Sepehr Daghighian

For years, CCA’s attorneys have heard complaints by Dodge, Ram, and Jeep customers about a disturbing suspension defect ominously dubbed the “Death Wobble.”  While FCA US LLC (Dodge, Ram, and Jeep’s parent company) has attempted to address many of the customer concerns through a series of recalls and service bulletins, unfortunately for many FCA customers, this dangerous and terrifying defect remains unresolved.  As recently as September of 2019, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) was reportedly investigating suspension defects in Jeep Wranglers, which result in the dreaded Death Wobble defects.  

What is a Death Wobble?

The Death Wobble has been described as a mechanical defect that exists in the front end of vehicles, which results in a violent shaking or wobble that makes the vehicle hard to control.  Drivers complain that at certain speeds or when the vehicle hits a bump in the road, the vehicle will suddenly start violently shaking or wobbling uncontrollably. Death Wobble typically occurs at speeds above 45 mph and in most cases requires a trigger like hitting a bump or a pothole. Drivers describe the condition as terrifying and a feeling as if the vehicle is out of control or falling apart.  

With Death Wobble, drivers describe that it becomes extremely difficult to control the vehicle and that the only way to get it to stop is by slowing down. 

What Causes Death Wobble defects?

Death Wobble is caused by loose, damaged, misaligned, or incorrectly designed steering parts, which begin to violently oscillate under certain conditions.  Automotive engineers typically design vehicles with damping mechanisms that avoid harmonic oscillations. However, in certain vehicles and under certain conditions, violent oscillations are creating, resulting in the notorious Death Wobble.  

Which FCA Vehicles Suffer from the Death Wobble? 

Death Wobble has been reported in numerous FCA vehicles over the years. Most recently, the Death Wobble in 2015-2018 Jeep Wranglers have been the subject of increased scrutiny from media outlets and government agencies investigating FCA’s vehicles. On NHTSA’s website alone, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler features over 750 complaints by consumers for suspension issues. However, FCA’s difficulties with the Death Wobble didn’t begin in 2019 and didn’t begin with the Jeep Wrangler.  Ram trucks dating back to 2003 suffered similar Death Wobble complaints, repairs, and recalls. In fact, in 2015, FCA agreed to pay NHTSA a $105-million fine (then, the largest fine ever from NHTSA), submit to three years of oversight of recalls, buy back half-a-million vehicles and offer financial incentives for repair of 1 million vehicles. In 2015, FCA admitted that it failed to timely notify its customers and timely fix its vehicles that suffered from a serious suspension defect. While numerous years makes and models of Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks suffered from suspension defects, NHTSA found that FCA did not act with sufficient urgency and diligence in remedying its customers’ defects.  

Death Wobble in Dodge Ram Trucks

FCA’s recalls relating to suspension difficulties date back to its 2003 trucks.  In February of 2009, FCA issued Recall H36, which addressed a defect in 2008-2009 Dodge Truck’s steering drag link inner joint, which could fracture under certain driving conditions. FCA’s recall admitted that the fracture could result in a loss of steering control and cause a crash without warning.  The problems didn’t end there.  

In May 2009, the recall was revised and expanded to include more vehicles, including the following:

  • 2003-2004 (DR) Dodge Truck 4×4 (2500/3500 series)
  • 2005 (DH) Dodge Truck 4×4 (2500/3500 series)
  • 2006-2009 (DH) Dodge Truck 4×4 (2500/3500 series or 1500 Mega Cab)
  • 2006-2009 (D1) Dodge Truck 4×4 (3500 series)
  • 2007-2009 (DC) Dodge Truck (3500 series cab chassis)

The problems didn’t end there. In December 2013, FCA issued recalls N62 and N49, which attempted to address suspension concerns on the following trucks:

  • 2008 (DH) Dodge RAM Truck (1500 series 4×4 Mega Cab)
  • 2008 – 2009 (DH) Dodge RAM Truck (2500 / 3500 series 4×4)
  • 2008 – 2009 (D1) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 series 4×4)
  • 2010 – 2012 (D2) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 series 4×4)
  • 2010 – 2012 (DJ) Dodge RAM Truck (2500 series 4×4)
  • 2008 – 2010 (DC) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 Cab Chassis)
  • 2011 – 2012 (DD) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 Cab Chassis)
  • 2003 – 2004 (DR) Dodge RAM Truck (2500 & 3500 series 4×4)
  • 2006 – 2008 (DH) Dodge RAM Truck (1500 series 4×4 Mega Cab)
  • 2005 – 2008 (DH) Dodge RAM Truck (2500 series 4×4)
  • 2005 (DH) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 series 4×4)
  • 2006 – 2008 (D1) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 series 4×4)
  • 2007 – 2008 (DC) Dodge RAM Truck (3500 Cab Chassis)

As mentioned above, in 2015, NHTSA found that FCA did not act with sufficient diligence in addressing customers’ dangerous suspension issues.  Therefore, FCA was fined in excess of $105-million as a result of its failures. However, FCA’s problems with the Death Wobble didn’t end there.  

Death Wobble in Jeep Wranglers

More recently, Jeep owners have complained extensively of suspension problems arising from their 2015-2018 Jeep Wranglers.  Jeep owners, for example, have complained, “On the highway when I hit bridge seams or bumps the Jeep goes into a shaking pattern that makes it near to impossible to steer. You have to hit the brakes and slow down to about 40 MPH to get it to stop. Extremely dangerous and I fear the next bump will be the one to kill me.”  Another Jeep owner described the Death Wobble as, “The car shakes uncontrollably when driving on the highway and after hitting a bump or imperfection in the road. I have had the problem fixed once before a few months ago.” Also, Jeep owners have complained that Jeep’s repair efforts are ineffective: “The jeep shakes uncontrollably at freeway speeds… This is my 3rd time taking the Jeep in for the same death wobble that FCA can’t seem to fix or doesn’t want to fix [it]. [Jeep has] already replaced my steering stabilizer 4 times which obviously does not fix the problem.”   

CCA’s attorneys possess extensive experience in handling lemon law cases arising from suspension issues, including the FCA Death Wobble.  If your truck has terrified you with its Death Wobble, has spent too much time in the shop, or remains unfixed, we invite you to call our experts for a free consultation: (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.  

The Lemon Firm discusses the common stalling concerns with Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango Stalling Concerns: The Hits Just Keep on Coming

By Sepehr Daghighian

Owners of FCA’s 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durango have suffered through years of frustrating vehicle defects, repair half-measures, recalls, visits to the dealership, and continued vehicle defects.  Most recently, on November 14, 2019, FCA (Jeep and Dodge’s parent company) announced yet another recall to address the Grand Cherokee and Durango’s notorious stalling problem.  

Owners of 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durango began complaining as early as 2011 about an extremely dangerous tendency by their vehicles to spontaneously shut off or not start.  Vehicle owners complained, particular while making turns, that their Grand Cherokees and Durangos would suddenly turn off, resulting in a loss of power and difficulty controlling the vehicle. Also, Grand Cherokees and Durango owners found that their vehicles would intermittently not start.  Adding insult to injury, when taking their vehicles under warranty to their authorized Jeep/Dodge dealerships, all too often, vehicle owners were told that there was “no problem found” or that nothing was wrong with their SUVs.  

By May of 2013, FCA traced the root of the dangerous stalling condition to the vehicle’s TIPM or Totally Integrated Power Module.  The TIPM serves as the electronic distribution system in Grand Cherokees and Durangos, distributing power to all of the vehicle’s components, including the fuel pump.  FCA found that, when the TIPM failed to provide power to the fuel pump, the fuel pump wouldn’t supply fuel to the motor, and the vehicle would either stall or not start.  By May of 2013, FCA prescribed a fix for the beguiling TIPM problem in the form of Star Case No.: S1308000399.  While the Star Case prescribed externalizing the fuel pump’s relay to the TIPM, the Star Case’s remedy was not immediately deemed a mandatory recall.  Therefore, countless Grand Cherokee and Durango owners continued to suffer through frustrating and dangerous no-starts and vehicle stalls.  

On August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (“CAS”) sent an investigation demand to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) wherein it lambasted FCA for its TIPM and the half-measures, which had been implemented to address the stalling concerns.  The CAS Petition described, “The TIPM consists of a computer, electric relays, and fuses, and is responsible for distributing power throughout the entire vehicle. Not only do Chrysler’s faulty TIPMs result in vehicle stalling, they have also been implicated in airbag non-deployment, random horn, headlight, taillight, door lock, instrument panel and windshield wiper activity, power windows going up and down on their own, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, and fires.”  Many of these same defects have been experienced by CCA’s attorney’s clients. The Petition went on to state, “Chrysler owners seeking relief of these conditions are currently being forced to pay for TIPM replacement, and wait weeks or months for the part to become available, due to incredible demand. In the interim, these owners remain at the mercy of a defect which many have likened to the vehicle being possessed and uncontrollable. A look at consumer complaints filed with CAS suggests a better name for the TIPM – Totally Inept Power Module.”  

Only after CAS had petitioned NHTSA did FCA issue its first recall for the TIPM defect.  In December 2014, FCA issued Recall P54, which essentially prescribed the same fix that FCA was aware of in May of 2013 in the above Star Case.  Therein, FCA admitted that: “The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) on about 188,000 of the above vehicles contains an internal fuel pump relay that could operate intermittently or fail without warning. An intermittent or failed fuel pump relay could cause the engine to stall while driving and cause a crash without warning.”  However, the P54 recall only applied to owners of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos. Incredibly, owners of 2012-2013 vehicles, which were equipped with the same TIPM and suffered from the same dangerous defect, did not receive a recall. What is worse, even after P54 was applied to their vehicles, many Grand Cherokee and Durango owners continued to suffer from vehicle stalls and no-starts.  

Inexplicably, FCA waited until July 2015 (a full year and a half later) to issue recall P54 for 2012-2013 Grand Cherokee and Durango owners.  This new recall was called “R09” and also prescribed the same fix as the Star Case from May of 2013.  No explanation was given as to why FCA waited over 2-years to implement this fix as a recall.  What is worse, vehicle owners continued to suffer through vehicle stalls and no-starts even after the recall was applied to their vehicles.  Frustratingly, the FCA dealerships continued to tell them that “nothing was wrong” or would charge them for expensive repairs.  

Only very recently did FCA acknowledge what its customers have known all along: that the half-measures prescribed by the Star Case, Recall P54, and Recall R09 were insufficient to adequately address the stalling concern.  On November 14, 2019, FCA issued Recall V62, wherein it acknowledged that “Some 2011 through 2013 MY Dodge Durango vehicles that are included in the NHTSA Recalls [P54] and [R09] vehicle population may have had a fuel pump relay installed as a recall remedy that is susceptible to silicon contamination of the relay

contacts that can cause the relay to fail.  The vehicle population was determined to be all vehicles that are included for NHTSA Recalls [P54] and [R09], including all remedied and unremedied vehicles… The total affected vehicles for this model is 147,846.”  Incredibly, while some of the Durangos and Grand Cherokees are now nearly a decade old, the initial recall does not yet issue a fix for the TIPM problems, stating, “The remedy is currently under development.”

CCA’s attorneys are some of the most experienced in California with regards to the history of vehicle stalling and no-starts afflicting FCA’s vehicles (Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat, and others).  If you’ve suffered through excessive repairs or if your FCA vehicle hasn’t delivered the quality that you were promised, we invite you to call us today for a free consultation with a Lemon Law professional: (833) LEMON-FIRM.