Dodge Ram & Jeep Grand Cherokee – Chrysler’s Alleged Clean Air Act Violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board recently issued notices of violation to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and its subsidiary, FCA US LLC (collectively “Chrysler”), for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. According to the notices, Chrysler failed to disclose that it installed engine management software in several models of Dodge Ram trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees. Both agencies have initiated investigations into Chrysler based on these allegations.
Chrysler’s Alleged Violations
The Clean Air Act requires automakers to disclose and explain any software, known as auxiliary emission control devices (“AECD”), that can alter how a vehicle emits air pollution. EPA testing on the Dodge Ram trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees found at least eight AECDs that Chrysler, allegedly, had failed to disclose. The EPA testing also revealed that the vehicles produce increased NOx emissions “under conditions that would be encountered in normal operation and use.” Further, the EPA is investigating whether the AECDs can be considered illegal “defeat devices.”
Why do the alleged violations matter?
Consumers may have been provided with inaccurate emissions information which may have affected their decisions to purchase the vehicles or the price they were willing to pay. Further, vehicles with increased emissions, particularly if “defeat devices” are involved, may have lower resale value than other vehicles.
Who may have been affected?
The EPA’s allegations concern model year 2014, 2015 and 2016 light-duty Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0 liter diesel engines. The allegations cover roughly 104,000 vehicles, all of which were sold in the United States.
What can those who may have been affected do?
The Kehoe Law Firm is ready to help. Anyone who purchased one of the affected vehicles can speak to an attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, or sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a multidisciplinary, plaintiff–side law firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from corporate fraud, negligence, and other wrongdoing. Driven by a strong and principled sense of social responsibility and obtaining justice for the aggrieved, Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. represents plaintiffs seeking to recover investment losses resulting from securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, corporate wrongdoing or malfeasance, those harmed by anticompetitive practices, and consumers victimized by fraud, false claims, deception or data breaches. Together, the partners of the Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. have spent more than 30 years prosecuting precedent-setting securities and financial fraud cases in federal and state courts on behalf of institutional and individual clients.
