Lawsuit Investigation: Jeep, Dodge Heating & AC Problems

They're investigating whether a defect is 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.

What’s Believed to Be the Problem with the AC and Heaters?

Attorneys suspect that the problem stems from a chemical reaction between coolant installed by Chrysler and aluminum components in the vehicles’ Pentastar V6 3.6-liter engines, particularly those that make up the heating and cooling system.

Fiat Chrysler has already been sued over its 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, but complaints from drivers suggest that the problem may extend to certain Dodge models as well.

What Does the Lawsuit Say Exactly? 

According to the suit against Chrysler over its Jeep Wranglers, the alleged defect compromises the safety of the cars. From the lawsuit: 

"In the absence of a properly functioning Cooling System, operators cannot sufficiently defrost their Class Vehicles’ windshields, rendering the vehicles difficult or impossible to drive in cold-weather conditions, like when freezing precipitation occurs when driving. In addition, certain vulnerable drivers and passengers are unsafe when the vehicles’ Cooling Systems do not operate properly. Vehicles without sufficient heating cannot safely be used to transport passengers in extremely cold temperatures, and without sufficient air conditioning cannot safely be used to transport people in extreme heat.”
- HANUSEK, ET AL. V. FCA US LLC, Case No. 3:18-cv-00509

Further, the lawsuit claims Chrysler knew or should have known of the heater core issue as early as June 2012 due to pre-sale testing, public customer complaints and internal complaint records identifying “large-scale heating and cooling failures.” 

Consumers Complain About Heat, AC Not Working

A number of consumers have posted online about problems they’ve experienced with their Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Some of these complaints can be read below [sic throughout].

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

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