Keller Rohrback Helps Steer Class Action Against Emissions Fraud in “EcoDiesel” Ram 1500 & Jeep Grand Cherokee
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. is investigating claims of emissions cheating in “EcoDiesel” Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles marketed and sold by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee light-duty vehicles use selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) to control NOx emissions. According to reports, these EcoDiesel vehicles can detect variables that are only present during dynamometer testing; the cars engage different emissions control profiles during testing than when on the road. This method may constitute a “defeat device” under the Clean Air Act, and owners and lessees of these vehicles may have been misled by Fiat Chrysler’s representations that these vehicles had excellent fuel economy, and were environmentally friendly and in compliance with all applicable emissions requirements.
Case Updates
Consumer Plaintiffs File Consolidated Class Action Complaint in FCA Litigation
On July 19, 2017, consumer and reseller dealer plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint in the Northern District of California. This Consolidated Complaint brings together plaintiffs who have filed suit nationwide. This multidistrict litigation against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and others concerns the misrepresentations and omissions relating to the installation of emissions defeat devices in Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee “EcoDiesel” trucks and SUVs.
Keller Rohrback, a leading consumer protection firm, filed one of the first lawsuits against FCA related to these “EcoDiesel” vehicles. The firm represents clients across the country who retained Keller Rohrback because of the firm’s consumer and environmental experience and commitment to holding defendants accountable for the financial and environmental harms caused by their conduct.
Managing Partner Lynn Sarko Appointed to Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles “EcoDiesel” Litigation
Keller Rohrback’s managing partner Lynn Sarko has been appointed to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the litigation to hold Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accountable to consumers for developing and marketing trucks with so-called “EcoDiesel” engines.
Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California, presiding over the FCA multidistrict litigation (MDL), selected Mr. Sarko to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. The case In re: Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL 17-MD-02777-EMC, is pending in federal court in San Francisco. Judge Chen’s order can be read here.
Mr. Sarko led Keller Rohrback, a leading consumer protection firm, in filing one of the first lawsuits against FCA related to these “EcoDiesel” vehicles containing a defeat device. The firm represents clients across the country who retained Keller Rohrback because of the firm’s consumer and environmental experience and commitment to holding defendants accountable for the financial and environmental harms caused by their conduct.
Mr. Sarko is a nationally-recognized leader in complex litigation. He has been selected by federal courts nationwide to lead a wide variety of cutting-edge cases. Since 1991, Mr. Sarko has managed Keller Rohrback’s diverse and accomplished Complex Litigation Group. He is widely recognized for his ability to direct complex litigation and his expertise dealing with high-stakes lawsuits.
JPML transfers “EcoDiesel” cases to Northern District of California
We are happy to report that, as Keller Rohrback and our co-counsel requested, the Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all of the EcoDiesel cases in courts across the country before Judge Edward M. Chen of the Northern District of California. A copy of the Panel’s order can be found below.
The next steps are for Judge Chen to choose a group of lawyers to lead the litigation and to file a single, consolidated complaint on behalf of all consumers who purchased the affected vehicles. Keller Rohrback will continue to fight for and defend the rights of all Class Members who have been affected by this scandal.
Case Documents
Amended Consolidated Consumer Class Action Complaint – 09/29/2017
Pretrial Order – 06/19/2017
MDL Transfer Order – 04/05/2017
JPML Hearing Transcript – 03/30/2017
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.
List of Affected Vehicles
Affected Fiat Chrysler Vehicles
Make and Model(s)
- Ram 1500 – Model Year 2014
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – Model Year 2014
- Ram 1500 – Model Year 2015
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – Model Year 2015
- Ram 1500 – Model Year 2016
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – Model Year 2016
Fiat Chrysler News From Around the Web
Plaintiffs File Consolidated Class Action Complaint in FCA litigation
On July 19, 2017, consumer and reseller dealer plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (link to document) in the Northern District of California.
Lynn Sarko Appointed to Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles “EcoDiesel” Litigation
Lynn Sarko has been appointed to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the litigation to hold Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accountable to consumers for developing and marketing trucks with so-called “EcoDiesel” engines.
Case Update | JPML transfers “EcoDiesel” cases to Northern District of California
The Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all of the EcoDiesel cases in courts across the country before Judge Edward M. Chen of the Northern District of California.
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Files Suit Over Defeat Devices in “EcoDiesel” Ram 1500 & Jeep Grand Cherokees
Keller Rohrback continues to work on behalf of owners of EcoDiesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles
Keller Rohrback Files Suit Over Defeat Devices in “EcoDiesel” Ram 1500 & Jeep Grand Cherokees
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. commenced litigation against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and others over the inclusion of defeat devices in their Eco-Diesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
EPA & CARB Issue Notices of Violation to Fiat Chrysler Over Defeat Devices
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board Issue Notices of Violation to Fiat Chrysler Over Defeat Devices In Eco-Diesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokees
Keller Rohrback Investigates Claims of Emissions Fraud in “Eco-Diesel” Ram 1500 & Jeep Grand Cherokee
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. is investigating claims of emissions cheating in “Eco-Diesel” Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.