Dodge Heating & AC Lawsuit Investigation, Jeep Lawsuit Filed
January 11, 2017 Last Updated on May 9, 2018
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns or leases a Dodge Journey, Avenger or Charger and had problems with their car’s heat, defroster and/or air conditioning.
- What's Going On?
- Attorneys are investigating whether a manufacturing defect has led to heating and cooling problems in these vehicles. If so, they may be able to file a class action lawsuit.
- What You Can Do
- If you experienced these issues with your car, fill out the form on this page. One of the attorneys handling this investigation may then reach out to you directly to explain how you may be able to get money back for repairs done to your vehicle.
- How Much Does This Cost?
- It costs nothing to contact us or to speak to an attorney about your rights.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with anyone who owns or leases any of the following vehicles and experienced problems with the heater, defroster and/or air conditioner:
- Dodge Journey (2012-2017)
- Dodge Avenger (2012-2017)
- Dodge Charger (2011-2017)
They have reason to suspect that a manufacturing defect may be causing the cars’ heating and cooling systems not to work properly, resulting in costly repair bills that should – but aren’t being – covered under drivers’ warranties.
Fiat Chrysler has already been sued over its Jeep Wrangler vehicle, but more people have come forward saying that the problem may not be limited to this model. We’ve received complaints that the Jeep Liberty, Dodge Journey, Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger cars are also experiencing heating and cooling problems. And, reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seem to back up these claims.
If you experienced these problems in your Jeep or Dodge vehicle, fill out this form. One of the attorneys looking into the issue may then reach out to you directly to explain how you may be able to join in on the litigation or help get a new class action lawsuit started. It doesn’t cost anything to contact us or speak to an attorney about your rights.
What’s Believed to Be the Problem with the AC and Heaters?
Attorneys have reason to suspect that Fiat Chrysler failed to properly flush the casting sand out of the engine blocks on some of its cars when they were made. It is believed that, as a result, the residual sand can circulate throughout the cooling system and settle as a “sludge-like” residue in the heater core, radiator and oil cooler. This is what may be causing the heating and cooling systems to malfunction and fail.
According to the suit against Chrysler over its Jeep Wranglers, the alleged defect compromises the safety of the cars. From the lawsuit:
"Drivers without heat cannot defrost their vehicles, rending them difficult or impossible to drive in cold-weather conditions and unsafe, especially when freezing precipitation occurs while driving. Drivers without air cannot drive in hot-weather conditions.”
- Mooradian, et al. v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 1:17-cv-1132
Lawsuit Claims Chrysler Refuses to Cover Repairs
Fiat Chrysler is allegedly refusing to cover the cost of repairs, according to the lawsuit over the Wrangler models. According to the suit, the car manufacturer is telling Wrangler owners that the work is not covered by their warranties because:
- The issue was created by “external factors” or “owner misuse”
- The warranty period expired
Some drivers have also claimed that it appears the company’s employees have been told to avoid providing written documentation of the problem, even when asked.
Consumers Complain About Heat, AC Not Working
A number of consumers have posted online about the problems they’ve experienced with the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Journey [sic throughout]. Some of these complaints were even sent to the NHTSA.
Just replaced heater core dodge journey 2010 problem was hot air driver side less hot air passenger side find out by openning the heater core that almost half of it was clogged on passenger side of the core.”
—Jacques, RepairPal.com
OK I have a problem with the heater core in my 2013 Dodge Avenger. I’ve taken it to the dealership and they tell me that the heater core is plugged. After further investigation on the internet I learned I’m not the only consumer with this problem. The dealership tells me it a defect in the manufacturing of the heater core from the factory but no recall has been issued.”
—NHTSA ID No. 10938426 Union Grove, Alabama
With both driver and passenger levels set the same temp the drivers side will be hot and the passenger side cold (again at the same temp settings). - The driver side / passenger side vents will blow air at different speeds which is technically impossible given there is only one fan. The car is now in the dealership for the second time to try and get things right. More to follow on the result but I'm not optimistic and my warranty will expire shortly."
— Dale P., Olive Branch, MS, CARCOMPLAINTS.COM
The Heater core seems to be a major issue with this vehicle. Especially if you live in cold areas. The Heater only blows warm air on the driver side of the vehicle and cold air on the passenger side. Dodge is well aware of this issue but has not done a recall on this placing the cost to repair this problem onto the consumer…The cost can be anywhere from $900 to $1300 to repair depending on your area mechanics.”
— Frank, VehicleHistory.com
How a Class Action Lawsuit Can Help
A class action lawsuit could:
Help drivers get their money back for repairs
Order Chrysler to declare that the issue will be covered under their warranties
Require Chrysler to inform affected customers of the alleged defect
Help ensure Chrysler and other automakers take more care in verifying their vehicles are free from defects when they’re released onto the market
If you had problems with the AC or heat on your Dodge vehicle, tell us about it.
After you get in touch, one of the attorneys we work with may reach out to you directly. He or she will ask you a few questions about your car and explain why you may be entitled to money for repairs. It doesn’t cost anything to contact us or to speak to an attorney. Plus, you’re never obligated to take legal action just for getting in touch.
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