Keller Rohrback Files Suit Over Defeat Devices in “EcoDiesel” Ram 1500 & Jeep Grand Cherokees
February 9, 2017
Today Keller Rohrback L.L.P. commenced litigation against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and others over the inclusion of defeat devices in their EcoDiesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) confirmed that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”) is in violation of the Clean Air Act by selling vehicles that are spewing excessive levels of harmful pollution into the atmosphere. Today the EPA and CARB issued a notices of violation to FCA for installing and failing to disclose engine management software that alters how a vehicle emits air pollution, specifically nitrogen oxides. It is estimated that some 100,000 model year 2014, 2015, and 2016, 3.0 liter diesel, light-duty, Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks may be affected. Owners and lessees of these vehicles may have been misled by FCA’s representations that these vehicles were environmentally friendly and complied with applicable emissions requirements.
The EPA believes that it has identified at least eight undisclosed Auxiliary Emission Control Devices (AECD’s) in the above vehicles. Operation of one or more of these devices, either alone or in combination with each other, results in excess emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) under various operating conditions that may reasonably be expected to be encountered in normal vehicle operation and use. According to Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, “[f]ailing to disclose software that affects emissions in a vehicle’s engine is a serious violation of the law, which can result in harmful pollution in the air we breathe.” EPA’s notice of violation states that “[n]itrogen oxides are a family of highly reactive gases that play a major role in the atmospheric reactions with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce ozone (smog) on hot summer days. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. Breathing ozone can also worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Children are at greatest risk of experiencing negative health impacts from exposure to ozone.”
Keller Rohrback L.L.P., a leading consumer protection firm, filed one of the first lawsuits against Volkswagen Group and its subsidiaries related to its diesel defeat device vehicles. Since then, hundreds of concerned consumers from around the country have contacted Keller Rohrback to find out what they can do to help ensure that Volkswagen and other carmakers are held responsible by compensating consumers and/or fixing polluting cars.
If you, a friend, or a family member owns or leases any of the affected vehicles described above, please contact attorneys Gretchen Freeman Cappio or Ryan McDevitt by phone at 866.560.4043 or via email at FCA@kellerrohrback.com to discuss our investigation and your potential claims against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Keller Rohrback L.L.P., with offices in Seattle, Oakland, Phoenix, New York, Montana, and Santa Barbara, serves as lead and co-lead counsel in class actions throughout the country. Our Complex Litigation Group is proud to offer its expertise to clients nationwide, and our trial lawyers have obtained judgments and settlements in excess of 18 billion dollars.