Fiat Chrysler 2014-2016 Dodge RAM 1500 EcoDiesel and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Defeat Device Quebec Class Action

CONSUMER LAW GROUP has launched a class action lawsuit in Quebec against Fiat Chrysler relating to the use of a defeat device on its diesel light-duty vehicles equipped with 3.0-litre engines.

The vehicles involved are:

- Dodge RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (model years 2014, 2015, & 2016)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (model years 2014, 2015, & 2016)

The class action alleges that the automaker sold vehicles equipped with an emissions system that during normal driving conditions emits many multiples of the allowed level of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), despite the vehicles being marketed as eco-friendly.

To appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, FCA markets its EcoDiesel vehicles as “clean diesel” with ultra-low emissions, high fuel economy, and powerful torque and towing capacity. FCA calls its EcoDiesel “ultra clean,” “emissions compliant,” and claims that “no NOx” exits the tailpipe. It is alleged that these representations are deceptive and false.

Fiat Chrysler charges a premium for EcoDiesel-equipped vehicles. For example, selecting the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engine on the 2016 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie adds $4,770 to the purchase price. And the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland EcoDiesel costs $4,500 more than its gasoline counterpart.

Consumers have suffered damages as a result of their purchases of these vehicles, including but not limited to: (a) a high premium for the EcoDiesel engine compared to what they would have paid for a gas-powered engine, (b) out-of-pocket losses and future attempted repairs, (c) future additional fuel costs, (d) decreased performance of the vehicles, and (e) diminished value of the vehicles.

In Canada, it is estimated that defeat device affects approximately 14,000 Dodge RAM 1500s and 900 Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

On January 12, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation to Fiat Chrysler for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act for installing and failing to disclose engine management software in light-duty model year 2014, 2015 and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0-litre diesel engines sold. The undisclosed software results in increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the vehicles. The allegations cover roughly 104,000 vehicles in the United States.

If you or someone you know is or was an owner or lessee of Dodge RAM 1500 (model years 2014, 2015, & 2016) or Jeep Grand Cherokee (model years 2014, 2015, & 2016) anywhere in Quebec and you wish more information on potential compensation or to be kept advised of the status of the Fiat Chrysler 2014-2016 Dodge RAM 1500 EcoDiesel and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Defeat Device Canadian Class Action litigation or any resulting compensation from this lawsuit in Quebec, please provide your contact information to our law firm using the form below.

IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE CLASS ACTION OR TO SIMPLY GET MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW. Please note that providing your information creates no financial obligation for you. You are not charged any fee or cost for joining this class action. Our law firm is paid a contingency fee from the compensation recovered, only if the class action is successful. All information contained in this transmission is confidential and Consumer Law Group agrees to protect this information against unauthorized use, publication or disclosure.