Last Updated on January 30, 2022
A lawsuit has been filed against Fiat Chrysler for alleged defects in model year 2014 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM-branded vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.
According to the class action complaint filed on January 28, 2022, it is alleged the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine suffers from defects in design, manufacturing, and/or workmanship in components of its valve train. Specifically, the lawsuit details the valve trains rocker arms, lifters and related components in combination with the Engine Control Module (ECM) software as the root cause of the defect.
The Problem
Allegedly the ECM software controlling the timing and function of lifters cause valve train components to prematurely fail. As a result, the lawsuit alleges the engine components do not adequately and timely transfer the motion of the cam lobes to open and close the valves.
The result of the defect causes the following:
- Audible ticking noise from the engine
- Engine misfires often resulting in bucking and surging
- Decreased engine performance
- Hesitation
- Loss of power
- Premature engine wear of internal components
- Eventual catastrophic engine failure
According to the complaint, engine failure is a result of metal particles and debris from the failed rocker arms and related components contaminating the engine oil. As the vehicle is being driven, it is alleged that contaminated oil circulates throughout the engine damaging vital components. Ultimately, the contaminated oil can damage the engine enough to cause catastrophic engine failure. Engine failure while being driven leads to loss of power and potential of collision.
Potential Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The following diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) may be visible:
- P0300
- P0300
- P0302
- P0303
- P0304
- P0305
- P0306
Vehicles Affected
The following vehicles are affected by alleged defect:
- 2014-2016 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2014-2020 Dodge Challenger
- 2014-2020 Dodge Charger
- 2014-2020 Dodge Durango
- 2014-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2014-2020 Chrysler 300
- 2014-2020 Jeep Wrangler
- 2014-2020 Chrysler 200
- 2014-2020 Ram 1500
- 2016- 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action investigation. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the current lawsuit. This post will be updated as more information is officially announced. Please consider subscribing to this post for critical updates. The Fiat Chrysler lawsuit was filed on behalf of all persons in the states of California, Florida, Illinois and Massachusetts, who purchased or leased 2014 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM-branded vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Scott Morgan
November 3, 2023 at 1:59 pmI hope I’m not too late on this issue. I have a 2016 RAM 3.6 and I changed the oil (Mobile One full synthetic 5w30) last week after running it 6000 miles as usual and I noticed a fair amount of metal particles in the filter which was odd since I’ve changed the oil going on the last 3 years or so. It also started ticking noise recently that is definately something internal and changes with engine speed. Since the class action suit didnt list Idaho as a state what do I need to do to be included? (if possible) Thank you for this information
David
August 4, 2023 at 4:25 pmWhat a bummer!!! I have a 2013 Dodge Durango with P302 and P305 issues. The #5 cylinder is the culprit… It sounds like there’s nothing that I can do though.
Brandon C Brown
April 6, 2023 at 6:30 pmHello. I just had this issue on my 2015 Dodge Durango. 73k miles. Valves and cams replaced. Is this a recall by dodge yet?
Mary
February 8, 2023 at 10:46 amTotal for these 2 repairs $4124.15 on this car for the valve train defect.
Tommie L House
January 21, 2023 at 6:11 pmI am in the same boat at 90 thou Chrysler 200 3.6 p300. Code came up replaced everything rocker arms now will see$
Terry White
October 21, 2022 at 7:39 pmI am very interested in this, as I have recently experienced this, resulting in the need for replacement of all rocker arms and Cams at 120k miles. It sounds like it may happen again if there is a ECM issue.
Donny
June 4, 2022 at 2:52 pmHow can you become a part of the class action lawsuit regarding the Pentastar valvetrain issues?
Christopher
June 6, 2022 at 7:35 amDonny you are not required to do anything to join. But its helpful for us to keep in touch with you about updates if you add your car complaint, or subscribe to this post.