Chrysler Under Fire For Cheating Emissions

Last Updated on September 11, 2024

Chrysler’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler, is facing a class action suit related to the engines placed inside of their Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 model trucks. Cummins, the engine manufacturer, is also named in the class action suit.

A Cleaner Diesel?

The class action suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan alleges that Chrysler and Cummins lied about emissions of the diesel engine used in both the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500. The lawsuit alleges that the Cummins 6.7 liter turbo diesel engine emitted dangerous and illegal levels of nitrogen oxide.

Chrysler and Cummins allegedly misled consumers by advertising that the diesel engines within these two trucks fell within the federal and California state limit for vehicles that emit nitrogen oxide. It is listed in the class action suit complaint that the engines were advertised as having technology that would trap and break down pollutants, thus creating a cleaner diesel.

Unfortunately, the cleaner diesel designation for these specific trucks exists only in limited circumstances. When the trucks are driven uphill or for long distances, they emit pollutants above the federal and California legal limits. The class action suit also alleges that Chrysler lied to the EPA and gained falsified emissions credits for the vehicles.

Big Repair Bills For Dodge Owners

Plaintiffs in the class action suit aren’t just suing over false advertising. Many of the plaintiffs also dealt with repair bills between $3,000 and $5,000 after the warranty on the Dodge 2500 and 3500 expired. Because of the number of pollutants released by the truck, owners allege that they had to replace the catalytic converter because fuel burned at a higher rate.

The EPA’s Stance On Nitrogen Oxide

The EPA’s website includes a plain English description on their stance related to nitrogen oxide output. Nitrogen oxide is a poisonous gas that forms when fuel is burned at high temperatures. It affects people as well as the environment. Since 1990, the EPA has worked to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide by 70%.

California’s Stance On Nitrogen Oxide

The State of California had regulations related to nitrogen oxide and other pollutants long before the EPA got involved. Another important consideration related to California’s stance on nitrogen oxide is that the first goal is to crack down on equipment, such as engines. The plaintiffs allege that Chrysler and Cummins lied about their emissions in order to pass both federal and California regulations related to nitrogen oxide. California requires performance based regulation on diesel equipment.