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.

Read the full EPA Notice of Violation

Read the full CARB Notice of Violation

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

01/12/16 – E.P.A. Accuses Fiat Chrysler of Secretly Violating Emissions Standards

01/12/16 – EPA: Fiat Chrysler software enabled emissions cheating

01/13/16 – Fiat Chrysler Allegations Fuel European Emissions Scandal

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