Lawsuit Regarding Chrysler 200 Emissions
The American division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit related to the Chrysler 200 sedan from model years 2015-2017. The dispute centered on the classification of certain engine parts, specifically whether they should have been categorized as components affecting emission levels.
Origin and Content of the Lawsuit
The initial lawsuit was filed in December 2021. It alleged that FCA did not classify some components of its MultiAir engine as “emissions-related parts,” which initially concerned all PZEV vehicles sold by the company. A second lawsuit, filed in August 2022, added allegations regarding fuel injectors.
The two owners who initiated the lawsuit will receive compensation, although they will not be the primary beneficiaries of the settlement.
Terms and Territory of the Agreement
The agreement, preliminarily approved by the court on December 2, applies exclusively to 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 vehicles sold only in eleven U.S. states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Details of the Warranty Extension
According to the agreement, FCA is extending warranty coverage. It now includes the full cost of parts and labor for failed MultiAir actuators or fuel injector components for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date. Owners who previously repaired these assemblies at their own expense can submit a claim form for full reimbursement of costs.
Terms for Reimbursement
To receive compensation, owners must provide proof of the repair performed and vehicle information, including the VIN code, their personal details, as well as the name and contact information of the repair facility. Payments will be made via physical checks after the claims are approved.
Payments to Parties in the Case
In addition to FCA’s obligations regarding warranty extension and owner reimbursements, the two plaintiffs will receive up to $7,500 each. However, these amounts are significantly less than the attorneys’ fees, which amount to $980,000. Such distribution of funds is typical for class-action lawsuits, where compensation for legal teams often far exceeds the payouts to individual participants.
This agreement underscores the importance of clear classification of automotive components, especially in the context of environmental regulations that increasingly impact the auto industry. For owners covered by the agreement, this is a significant victory that protects their investments. However, the territorial limitation of the settlement to only eleven states leaves out owners from other regions who may have faced similar issues. Such lawsuits also demonstrate how regulatory environmental issues can transform into prolonged legal battles with specific financial consequences for manufacturers.