The court granted final approval to a $307 million settlement on behalf of EcoDiesel owners on May 3, 2019. Under the settlement, class members who repair their vehicles and submit a claim will receive $3,075, and former owners and lessees will be entitled to $990. The total value of the deal will be $307 million, granted all owners submit a valid claim.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
- 2014-2016 Dodge RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (2WD/4WD)
- 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (2WD/4WD)
According to Hagens Berman's investigation, Fiat Chrysler sold hundreds of thousands of Dodge RAM 1500 EcoDiesel trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel vehicles that release illegally high levels of NOx emissions, despite explicitly selling these "Eco" diesels to consumers who wanted a more environmentally friendly vehicle.
EMISSIONS CHEATING EXPLAINED
After the by-products of diesel fuel combustion leave the engine, the vehicle's EcoDiesel technology treats emissions using a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter and selective catalyst reduction. But when this technology is operational, it compromises fuel economy.
According to our investigation, Fiat Chrysler intentionally turned off emissions treatment, in violation of EPA requirements, because without cheating emissions, RAM 1500 EcoDiesels and Jeep Grand Cherokees could not achieve the fuel economy, range, towing power or performance that Fiat Chrysler promised customers.
The affected EcoDiesel vehicles exceeded the Federal and California NOx emissions limits.
CASE TIMELINE
Receive periodic updates about the settlements, including when the Approved Emissions Modification is available and when you can submit a claim for compensation. Settlement Updates »
A $330 million proposed settlement has been reached with Fiat Chrysler and Bosch to compensate current and former owners and lessees, and provide a software update that brings the vehicles into emissions compliance. According to federal agencies, the modification does not materially affect fuel mileage or performance.
Owners who purchased their vehicle on or before Jan. 12, 2017 and still own the vehicle at the time the approved software update is installed will receive a payment of $3,075 in addition to a software update and the extended warranty. Those who purchased after Jan. 12, 2017 and still own the vehicle will receive $2,460. If no other valid claim is filed for the same vehicle, an eligible owner in this category may receive the full $3,075. Current lessees will receive a payment of $990 in additional to a software update and the extended warranty. Eligible former owners and former lessees will receive a payment of $990.
The settlement is subject to court approval; a preliminary approval hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2019. When and if the court grants preliminary approval, the claims process will open to class members. The court will hold a final approval hearing approximately three to four months later. Current owners and lessees will have 18 months from the date the court issues final approval of the class settlement to submit a claim, and two years to complete the repair and receive compensation. Former owners and lessees will have 90 days from the date of final approval to submit a claim.
Class members will receive more information about the terms of the settlement via mail and email. The full details of the settlement will also be available at www.EcoDieselSettlement.com. Additional information can also be found on the court website: https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/emc/chryslermdl.
Hagens Berman's managing partner, Steve Berman, has been appointed by U.S. District Court judge Edward Chen to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for experience and firm resources, to assist in leading the EcoDiesel emissions lawsuit.
On May 23, 2017, the U.S. government took legal action against Fiat Chrysler, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a lawsuit against the automaker for the same claims brought by Hagens Berman. The EPA’s action confirms our original findings that Fiat Chrysler sought to mask the true emissions output of its EcoDiesel vehicles, and conceal the truth from consumers. Hagens Berman is again pleased to be at the forefront of emissions litigation in the automotive industry, and to bring this information to light.
Hagens Berman was the first firm in the nation to uncover this scheme and file against Fiat Chrysler on behalf of owners like you. We were able to do so because we are the only law firm that has been independently testing cars and trucks. We have thus pioneered other cases versus Mercedes for its diesel BlueTEC, Chevy Cruze, Dodge 2500 series and the 1500 series. Since we began our groundbreaking suit, the EPA took notice, filing formal accusations against the automaker. Beware of copycat cases from other firms. Only Hagens Berman’s legal team was named Automotive Practice Group of the Year by Law360, and has a renowned track record of major wins. The firm played a key role in the top three auto class actions in U.S. history.
