Two plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit alleging a defect in Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger door panels.
Lead plaintiff Dorothea Johnson, a California resident who owns a used 2016 Chrysler 300C, and plaintiff Jason Player of Texas who drives a new 2016 Dodge Charger, allege the vehicles’ maker sold the automobiles knowing they were defective.
According to the class action lawsuit, FCA US has refused to fix the problem, forcing vehicle owners to either suffer with the defect or spend thousands on repairs.
In addition, the plaintiffs say, the defect “raises serious safety concerns” about whether the vehicles’ side air bags, anti-theft systems, and other components are able to function properly.
The Chrysler 300 is a four-door luxury vehicle, while the Dodge Charger is a “muscle car,” according to the class action lawsuit. The vehicles at issue in this complaint include all Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers and Daytonas — “a modified version of the Charger” — of model years 2014 through 2021. If sales of vehicles with the alleged defect continue beyond the 2021 model year, those would be included, as well.
The plaintiffs allege the interior Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger door panels can “peel away” from the vehicle’s frame. While the problem primarily lies with the front driver and passenger doors, the back doors also are affected in some cases.
“Essentially the interior door panels begin to separate and rise up next to the window, generally expanding to cross nearly the entire bottom of the window,” the class action lawsuit says.
In addition, the alleged defect causes smaller panels to “pull away from the center console,” and the dashboard to pull away from the windshield.
The plaintiffs maintain FCA US knew about the defect in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger door panels long before the plaintiffs purchased their vehicles.
Johnson and Player believe the defendant knew about the defect by at least 2015 because of pre-release evaluation, repair data, early customer complaints made to the company, and other sources.
Even so, FCA US took no action to correct the defect in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger door panels, “actively” concealing it from consumers, the class action lawsuit says. The company also continued to misrepresent the vehicles’ trim quality in its marketing.
The “degradation occurs over time,” the class action lawsuit says, meaning “it is a hidden defect of which customers are not aware at the time of purchase.”
The plaintiffs argue that because the cost of the vehicles is substantial — more than $40,000 — “the Defect is the furthest thing customers would or should expect.”
While the company does offer a warranty, the defect doesn’t always show up during the warranty period, the plaintiffs say.
Even if the defect does show itself during the warranty period, and the interior panels are replaced, those replacement panels allegedly “have the same Defect.”
Furthermore, the replacement panels typically begin to show the defect once the vehicle is out of warranty, the plaintiffs say. And at that point, FCA US’ policy is to not pay repair or replacement costs if the vehicle is outside its warranty.
“Thus, Defendant has failed to provide a permanent, in-warranty fix for the Defect,” the class action lawsuit says. “This partial or temporary fix does not meet Defendant’s obligation pursuant to the warranty.”
Despite these repairs and a large number of customer complaints, FCA US has decided not to recall the vehicles or issue a service bulletin regarding the defect, the plaintiffs claim.
“This decision has been made solely to save money.”
According to the class action lawsuit, a recall would be appropriate because the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger door panels defect could pose safety issues: The doors’ “inner cavity” can be exposed, potentially altering the performance of the vehicles’ side airbags as well as exposing the locking mechanism and allowing hot or cold air into the vehicles.
“In its worst manifestations, the Defect presents multiple safety violations in several areas of the Subject Vehicles,” the complaint says. “In nearly all cases, the Defect presents serious safety concerns.”
The plaintiffs accuse FCA US of breaches of warranty, implied warranty and the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act; fraud by concealment; unjust enrichment; and other Texas and California code violations.
With their class action lawsuit, Johnson and Player seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and other relief.
They also demand a jury trial.
Do you drive a Dodge or Chrysler? Have you noticed this door panel defect? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Tyler W. Hudson, Eric D. Barton and Austin P. Brane of Wagstaff & Cartmell LLP; and E. Adam Webb and Matthew C. Klase of Webb, Klase & Lemond LLC.
The Dodge Charger Door Panels Class Action Lawsuit is Dorothea Johnson, et al. v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:20-cv-08314, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division.
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91 Comments
I am also experiencing the same safety issues with my 2018 Chrysler 300. Both my driver & passenger side door panels have detached and are getting worse which is causing other problems. Of course the dealership refuses to do anything but instead referred me to FCA who i have yet to get in contact with.
2017 Charger R/T. 3 of my 4 door panels are doing this. Barley 55k miles, unbelievable!
I purchased my 2014 Charger R/T brand new. Right after warranty the passenger front door panel peeled up and away from the window as well. Dealership service department employee said “yeah it’s a problem we are aware of” “good luck.” You can buy a new door panel or “buy some gorilla glue to fix it yourself.”
Very disappointed in Dodge.
Keep me up to date on what actions are taken.
I have a 2014 Dodge charger sxt. Both front door panels are pealing back, and now the center conceal is starting to show the same. I got a bumper to bumper warranty on it, and i am being told that not only are they not covered, but replacement parts are no longer available.
I have a 2018 Charger SXT Plus and having the same issues. I got the driver door fixed and the dash around the screen fixed while under warranty in 2020. Now that it’s out of warranty the other 3 doors are delaminating. Never thought that this could be a safety concern, but in aware of it now. Please add me to the list.
Same issue is happening on all of my doors on my 2014 Dodge Charger. I love my car and this makes it both unappealing and worrisome I’m regards to safety.
2016 Dodge Charger, passenger door panel pealing back as well.
Please add me to the lawsuit.
Bought 2017 Chrysler 300S 5.7 HEMI brand new and by summer 2020 the passenger door panel came unglued, the driver side has started to lift. Please keep me updated on this lawsuit. I have the lifetime warranty and it does nothing for this issue. They claim is cosmetic but this is definitely a safety concern. They have to be held accountable for this problem.
I have a 2016 Dodge Charger Scat Pack. Front passenger side panel is severely pealing back and the drivers side is starting. Trim around the shifter is also starting to peal back.
Please add me to the class action lawsuit.
I had the same issue on the front driver and passenger doors and the delamination issue on the Nav touchscreen on my 2018 Scatpack Charger. I recently traded it on. 2021 Scatpack Charger.
I have the same problem and they wouldn’t cover it under my warranty. The front panel by the windshield is also lifting in my 2014 charger. I was also told that it’s cosmetic.
I have the same issue Dodge Charger 2016
Same problem with my 2016 Dodge Charger. Add me please.
My 2017 Dodge Charger R/T has the same problem with three of the door panels peeling off.
I am having the same problem on all four doors of my 2016 Dodge Charger; it is extremely bad on the front windows but is progressing in the back. I was told that I would have to pay if I wanted it repaired.
I have a 2016 Dodge Charger RT. I have the exact same issue on my front driver and passenger side door panels coming unglued
I just turned in my 2017 Chrysler 300 Nov 27th. Went round and round with service dept because I purchased extended warranty to cover me thru all of lease ( 39 months) …but guess what?? They wont cover 2 door panels that are coming off because they say “its cosmetic”. Today in the mail i got a bill from lease company for $1699 to replace both panels….im furious
please add me my front driver side panel, my rear passenger side panel, the console and the dash are all pulling apart. I drive a 2014 Dodge Charger R/T. Dealer has done nothing except give me an estimate to replace when serviced
Our 2018 Charger has three of four doors warping. We were told in August that the warranty parts would be available in September. Nope. Now we are going in for service today and considering leaving the car and asking for a loaner due to the safety issues involved. Count us in.
My 2015 Charger R/T has the same problem on both sides of the center console. I was told by the dealer that I could purchase new parts for $600 each. My Dad has a 2018 Charger Scat Pack and his door panels had the same issue, but were replaced under warranty, while mine was not.
My 2016 Dodge Charger SE has this problem severely on the passenger door panel.
Add me. 2016 Dodge Charger. Seperating onn 3 doors and center console.
Add me. Have been thinking about fixing this but i didnt realize it has turned into a class action
Same issue with my 2018 Dodge Charger. Both passenger side panels are warped. Dealership told me $600 to replace both. Please add me to the suit.
same door panel issue, dealer says there is no recall for the panels, this defect is affecting other features in the doors, windows, locks jamming. how do I become part of the suit.
add me, 2017 Didge Charger, door panels, console, dash
I have the same issue. Just bought 2016 300C Platinum last week and noticed this issue today.
Please add me. I have a 2019 dodge charger gt with this issue and others involving the antitheft system. It’s still new and under warranty but they refuse to fix
Add me ! My passenger panel is getting worse by the day.
I own a Chrysler 300. Please add me to your list.
Upgraded to a 17 charger rallye I’m the spring and it too has this issues… both front doors and now the center console looks to be coming up… please add me to this
I have owned 3 dodge chargers since 2014. This happened to them ALL! PLEASE ADD ME TO THIS!
add me
I own a Chrysler 300 please add me to your less
I have owned 2 300’s and noticed the issue on both, please add me to this
i had achrysler 300 , i notice the problem with air seepin in on the driver side and passenger it sounded as if a door or window was open you can espwcially her it if im driving on the expressay i had a accident in that car and noticed that my air bag never deployed , now im thinking maybe it was do to this defet
I had a similar issue with my 2018 Dodge Charger. Dodge dealer suggested it was my fault and wanted to charge me OUTRAGEOUS amounts of money to repair it. I asked if it would ever happen again and they said “maybe”. I was pissed because I have owned Dodges for a multitude of years and this was my thanks for being a LOYAL customer for well over 20 years.
I lost my interest in continuing my relationship with Dodge vehicles and traded it for a Ford.
Yes, same issue with my 2016 Dodge Charger and have not been able to get it fixed. Please add me
I too have experienced my panel becoming loose when I open and close my doors. I have a 2017 Chysler 300.
Please add me to this lawsuit I have a 2019 charger with the same problem. My back door won’t even open
Yep my 2016 Dodge Charger paneling separated from the door all along the bottom of the window.
I have a 2018 Dodge Charger R/T and there is a serious issue with both front door panels.
I own a 2016 300 C and am seeing the same problem.
I own a 2014 Chrysler 300S purchased it brand new. I have noticed the panel pulling away on my console. As well as my passenger side door lock is messed up. I am guessing it is inside the door panel as to what has happened with the door lock. I have not taken to the dealership since it is paid off and there would be no warranty. But please add me to this class action.
I own Chrysler 300 and it’s by far the very worst car purchase I’ve made. It started breaking down 4 months after purchase and they dealership was just like the car. Trash.
2017 Chrysler 300s has the same problem. Add me as well.
I have a 2016 Chrylser 300C that had this problem when we purchased it in 2017. The Chrysler dealership fixed it when we purchased it, but it has begun warping again and now the other side is doing the same. Please add me to this list.
My wife’s 2016 300 has the same problem and was not repaired or replaced are getting worse every day
I have a 2014 Charger RT I purchased new … both front door skins have warped horribly, as well as the dash. Dealer replaced passenger skin once and put me off for 2 years to replace it a 2nd time, citing “supply shortage”. Most recently, dealer changed tune and flat out declined to replace even if I paid.
My passenger door has the defect where the panel is separating and they said that my car is out of the warranty period. I purchased this car new in Oct. 2016. Please add me i have pics
I have a 2014 chryler 300. Add me
MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2015 DODGE CHARGER SO PLEASE ADD ME!!
Have a chrysler 300, was told by dealership there was nothing they could do about the inside door panels coming apart.
Please add me
Please add me
Add me please
Please add me
Please add me my dodge charger has the same problems along with something else going on inside of vent makes knocking sounds and blows out extreme hot air without the heater turned on!
Please add me I have a charger
Add me
Please add me my dodge charger has the same problems along with something else going on inside of vent makes knocking sounds and blows out extreme hot air without the heater turned on!
2016 Chrysler 300 not only door panels the ip has also lifted also
Yes my parents have a 2016 charger with this issue. Will they qualify?
i have a Chrysler 300
I have a 2016 Dodge Charger
I have a 2012 Chrysler 300 please add me
My cousin has a Chrysler 300 and that is starting to happen in around the center of the passenger side window. What all is needed to file for this so I can let him know? Thank You its greatly appreciated..
I have a Chrysler 300 and I would like to rectify the situation before it gets worse. Add me please
I have a Dodge with these door problems !!
I have a 2016 Chrysler 300 with this exact issue and the dealership says it is not covered. I would like to be included in the lawsuit.
2015 300s. Not just the door panels, it’s the center console too.
Please add me
Please add me cause both panels, driver and passenger side, are coming unglued. I have a 2014 Dodge Charger SE.
I have a 2017 Dodge Charger SXT that I bought new, and it had the same problem. My front passenger side door panel started to come up about 3 weeks after I bought the car, and then my rear panels also had to be replaced within one year of owning the car. Please add me to this class action.
I have a 2014 Dodge Charger with the same issue, not to mention in the past two years I have had to bring the car into the dealership five times for safety recalls.
I drive a Dodge Challenger and my door panels do the same thing I complained about it and was told it was normal and tried to say it was deodorant I was wearing causing issue
The issue with these door panels is the vinyl layer comes unglued from the plastic backing of the door panel itself. The plastic backing is smooth and the glue just does not hold especially in hot climates. I had this on all four of my doors on my 2016 dodge charger hellcat. Yes, a $73,000 car with door panels coming unglued! Took it to the dealer for replacement under warranty and the panels were on national backorder as they knew of the defect and we’re looking for a new supplier that can fix the issue. Very convenient for dodge. After five months of waiting for my door panels, I gave up and traded vehicle in. Lost about $8000. I only owned this vehicle for 14 months. Some poor soul purchased the vehicle 10 days later from the dealership. Dealership sold this vehicle knowing it had the door panel issues as they were in contact with Chrysler regarding repairs.
2014 Chyrsler 300. has this exact issue. Am I qualified?
The issue with these door panels is the vinyl layer comes unglued from the plastic backing of the door panel itself. The plastic backing is smooth and the glue just does not hold especially in hot climates. I had this on all four of my doors on my 2016 dodge charger hellcat. Yes, a $73,000 car with door panels coming unglued! Took it to the dealer for replacement under warranty and the panels were on national backorder as the new of the defect and we’re looking for a new supplier that can fix the issue. Very convenient for dodge. After five months of waiting for my door panels, I gave up and traded vehicle in. Lost about $8000. Some poor soul purchased the vehicle 10 days later from the dealership. Dealership sold this vehicle knowing it had the door panel issues.
2014 Dodge Charger…add please and thank you
We have this problem with our 2014 300-do we qualify?
Add me. I have a 2015 Charger SXT.
please add me! I have a 2016 Charger R/T
also this is an issue: when you roll up the drivers side window it’ll roll part of the way up and then go back down.
Add me as the passenger window has gone down on own and soaked the car interior
How can I sign up for this.
Chrysler 300s and the windows panel is also failing sometimes the windows dont want to go all the way up and sometimes they go down all by themselves without doing anything to them. Please add me
How can I be added
I have a 2016 Chrysler 300 and the door panels are extremely bad on the driver and passenger side but the rear doors are also starting to pull away. I am very very disgusted by this. Air comes between this and I feel the heat/air do not work properly due to this defect. It is also very embarrassing to pull up to a drive thru window and have people see this mess! Car dealer won’t fix and of course it is out of warranty
Also my center console is doing the same thing as well. Add me to any class action!
Please add me! I have a charger too.
I also have the same problem with my 2016 Chrysler 300 limited the middle console panels near the gear shift are also opening as well the worst are the front seat also back seat door panels are also opening how do I become apart of this class action lawsuit my luxury car looks so tacky with this issue getting worse each month
I am have the same problem with my passenger side door panel and center console by stick shift. The company has refused to repair or replace. I purchased my car new a charger in March of 2015. I’m hopeful to be able to join this lawsuit