Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
A California man filed a proposed class action lawsuit against FCA (formerly Chrysler Group) claiming the automaker’s Dodge Ram engines have an inherent defect, making it impossible for the trucks to pass required smog inspections.
Plaintiff Ricardo Castro brought forth the FCA smog defect class action alleging breach of warranty, fraud by omission, and unfair competition, specifically claiming that FCA was aware the vehicles engines would not meet smog requirements or comply with California emissions laws yet concealed this information from the consumer public.
“Notwithstanding this knowledge, FCA has sold and leased the class vehicles, and has failed to revise a remedy which would result in the class vehicles being in compliance with California emissions law,” Castro’s attorneys stated. “Furthermore, FCA has concealed from the public and from class members that the class vehicles are not smog compliant.”
As a result of the alleged engine defect, Castro has been unable to have his vehicle pass California emissions testing and has suffered a financial loss. He claims that while still under warranty, his vehicle did not pass a required smog inspection and he subsequently took the truck to an authorized FCA repair facility to remedy the situation in order to have the truck pass the smog test.
The FCA authorized repair facility performed repairs but was unable to fix the alleged smog defect, advising Castro that he would need to drive the Dodge Ram truck more than 100 miles after repairs were done to resolve the emissions problem. To date, Castro’s truck has been unable to pass a smog check.
According to the complaint, the “FCA has been advised of the emissions defect, and of the resulting harm to class members; however, FCA has failed to unconditionally reimburse Castro or other class members for the damages that have resulted from the emissions defect, and has failed to resolve the emissions defect.”
As a result of the FCA’s alleged misconduct, Castro is seeking certification of California Class of owners and lessees of 2013 Dodge trucks with the defective engine and unspecified damages in excess of $5 million. The proposed Class is also seeking a declaration the FCA is financially responsible for notifying all Class Members about the defective nature of the vehicles and an order enjoining FCA from further deceptive practices.
This is not the first time the FCA has been under fire for deceptively concealing information on its vehicle’s systems. A class action lawsuit was filed earlier in Illinois over allegations that its Fiat cars’ Uconnect infotainment systems are vulnerable to hacking.
Castro is represented by Robert Starr and Adam Rose of the Law Office of Robert L. Starr, and Art Kalantar of Pillar Law Group APLC.
The Dodge Ram Engine Smog Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Castro v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:16-cv-02130, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru vehicle data collection class action lawsuit investigation
May 17, 2024 | Legal News
47 thoughts onDodge Ram Class Action Targets Engine Defect
I also have issues with the 5.7 Hemi MDS system. It has oiling issues to the cam and lifter causing Mis-fire on 5 cylinder. No body ever warn of the ongoing problems because of poor engineering of the Hemi cam/lifter failures. I had less than 69,000 miles on my 2012 Ram Pick up when it started using more fuel than usual. Then a little over 69,000 miles my engine light came on. My mechanic said the code showed mis-fire of cylinder 5. My mechanic who told me he had just replaced an Hemi do to the cam/lifter failures because the MDS system not providing proper oil to the cam and lifters causing them to fail. He told me there are so many anger Dodge customers as the cost is rebuilding the top end, and flushing the engine as there are probably metal shaving from the cam failure. Cost to repair the engine is estimated to be between $3500 to $4000. I am 71-years-old and purchased the truck with only 12,000 on it, thinking this truck should last me as I only drive the vehicle 5,000 t0 7,000 miles a year. I only use the best of oil Mobile One. My last dodge truck went `175,000 with very few issues. It had a different engine. I had a ford expedition I just sold which had 250,000 miles with only maintaining it, oil changes , tune up replace coils and plugs….Any vehicle should at least should exceed 150,000 miles without any major failures…Infact my neighbor told me his company had the same luck the hemi mds engines failing at approximately 70,000 miles. It was alway the lifter/cam problems. I am seriously thinking about take this to court.
how do we get info on joining this action. i have the same issue with my 5.7 hemi the camshaft lifter. If these are known for this issue why hasnt the company recalled them or sodone something?
I don’t understand how a company can charge 30,000 to 100,000 plus for a vehicle and not own up to a problem in there design and help people. There is no way I can afford 4000 dollars at one time to fix this. Retired and disabled vet who get once a month. I took care of my 2011 Durango Hemi, better oil and filters than the manuals recommended. Still Lifter Tick, Cylinder Deactivation Solinoids, and cylinder 3 misfire. If you got to any Hemi related forums there are countless threads talking about these issues and the MDS Lifters getting stuck in there bores failure leading to the camshaft lobes being ground completely down causing the misfire whichever cylinder.Now to fix this it requires a complete top end rebuild with new Camshaft and Lifters, and hopefully the metal from the bad cam didn’t cause damage to bearing in the bottom end or the lifter bores don’t need to be machine honed. This could cost low end 3 to 4 grand and worst case you’ll need a new motor because damage is beyond repair. So in conclusion if Chrysler had any pride of compassion they would do SOMETHING. Thank you
Kevin
ssggat@gmail.com
I just had to replace my cam and lifters at 13000mi. I’m pissed. Will mopar reimburse me?
My 2015 Challenger SRT, 30,000 miles, 3 months out of warranty and it threw a rod. The dealership offered me $10,000 for the car, mechanics say hard to find an engine and get rid of the car — I would if it ran! Rebuilt engines and installation are going to cost about $6,000. I can’t believe this is not an issue that others haven’t had. Any ideas?
Just bought a 2011 Durango with 5.7 hemi. Got a engine light within a month. Misfire cylinder 3. Ugh I can’t afford 4k repair!! Dodge needs to step up or never again. This is my 6th dodge never had issues before.
Thats funny cause mine is a 2011 Durango Hemi and mine is also lifter tick, and misfire Cyl 3.
Come one Chrysler.
Mine also 2011 Dodge Durango citadel 5.7 misfire cyl 3 locked up camshaft live messed up time to stand up Chrysler and take responsibility
Have a 2010 Chrysler 300c 5.7 Hemi. Dealership replaced timing change 2 years 9 months ago and now plenum has hole in back. Engine is a catastrophic failure. 9 months out of dealership warranty. Contacted Chrysler said sorry for your problem but this bill is on you. They have a huge issue with the engine failure due to lack of oil and the MDV. Great to shove this cost on the consumer. Rich get richer!
I have the lifter failure in my 5.7l Durango at 74,000 miles. Had the dealer put in new cam and lifters.($4500.00)
4000 miles later the dealer says there are metal shavings all over the inside of the engine. I asked the mechanic where they came from. He said “it looks like camshaft shavings”. they have to replace the whole engine now. ($7500.00) where does it stop?
I have a 6.1 hemi In my SRT 8 that just experienced lifter failure, destroying the Cam Shaft. This is definitely a design problem associated with lack of lubrication to the lifters. I do not feel it’s right that I have to pay for this repair.
Its not just the Dodge Ram…its also the Dodge chargers. I have put a request in however no one has reached out to me. I have a long list of people experiencing the same problem with the dodge chargers.
You’re not the only one, I went round and round with FCA with my 2013 RAM. I loved the engine and the power, but holy crap dealing with anything warrant related was a NIGHTMARE!!! It was not uncommon to wait at the dealership for two hours, only to find out they had ordered the wrong part! I eventually took it to an independent shop with scanning and tuning capabilities and they fixed it in less than a day. My truck had spent 43 days total at the dealership. FCA is a joke and their customer service is atrocious.