Gen III 5.7 Hemi & 6.4 Hemi Valve Train Problems Leads to Class Action Lawsuit. Here’s What You Need to Know

If you own a Gen III 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi powered car and are experiencing valve train problems, don’t worry, you’re not alone. A new class action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been announced. The suit alleges that the valve train on the Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI or 6.4-liter HEMI 392 V-8 engine is prone to failure. Additionally, the suit alleges that FCA have known about the problem for some time but failed to take action.

If you’re impacted by this defect, what can you do? Read on for more information.

Owners Allege Valve Train Defect Causes Premature Engine Wear

According to the complaint, the alleged Hemi valve train defect can cause premature internal wear to the engine. This can create bigger problems down the road and shorten the lifespan of the engine. In fact, the suit claims when the valve train prematurely fails, the entire valve train needs to be replaced including the camshafts.

The suit alleges owners and lessees are often forced to pay out-of-pocket for repairs when not covered under warranty. Making matters worst, the replacement parts contain the same defects and could potentially fail while the vehicle is outside of the warranty period.

Additionally, the class action states “Despite access to aggregate internal data, FCA has actively concealed the existence of the Valve Train Defect by claiming that consumers are responsible for the failures, even when consumers follow FCA’s published maintenance schedules.”

Multi-Displacement System to Blame for Defective Valve Train?

FCA’s proprietary valve train technology, Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is a system designed to improve overall fuel consumption. It works through a combination of software and hardware to deactivate four of the engine’s eight cylinders at a certain engine RPM and cruising gear.

MDS utilizes specially designed lifters and solenoids combined with pressurized engine oil to activate or deactivate plungers inside the four collapsible lifters. The vehicle’s PCM is responsible for controlling this process as soon as the drivers foot is off the throttle, or maintaining steady speeds at low loads or minimal throttle. This system helps the vehicle consume less fuel overall.

However, the suit claims the MDS system is defective and malfunctions. As a result, the defect causes damage to the lifters, camshafts, and valve train components. This damage requires replacement of the valve train components, including the camshafts.

Even worst, metal debris from the failing valve train can circulate throughout the engine, potentially causing total engine failure.

Defective Hemi Valve Train Causes Loss of Power While Driving

The suit claims the HEMI valve train problem may pose a serious safety concern to the vehicle occupants and other drivers on the road. Owners have complained of losing power while driving, as well as experiencing hesitation, surging and stalling. These issues have caused many problems for drivers, who report feeling unsafe while on the road.

What Are the Common Symptoms of the Hemi Valve Train Defect?

A common symptom of a failing Hemi valve train is a loud ticking noise coming from the engine when fully warmed up. If you notice this sound, it may be an indication that the valve train suffers from this defect.

Other common symptoms include: loss of power while driving, especially at highway speeds, or while trying to merge or change lanes, hesitation, surging, and stalling.

Is There A Fix For The 5.7 & 6.4 Hemi Problems?

Currently, there is no known fix available for the Hemi valve train issue. The suit claims the MDS system, which utilizes a combination of hardware and software is the likely culprit. Additionally, the suit alleges premature engine failure is possible due to design defects, materials and even workmanship of the valve train system. Therefore, replacing the defective part or engine does not resolve the problem, as the owner will be given another defective part.

FCA Vehicles Affected

The following Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles are affected by this valve train system defect:

• 2014-2016 Chrysler 300
• 2014-2016 Dodge Challenger
• 2014-2016 Dodge Charger
• 2014-2021 Dodge Durango
• 2014-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2014-2020 RAM 1500
• 2014-2022 RAM 2500
• 2014-2022 RAM 3500

Status of the 5.7 & 6.4 Hemi Valve Train Defect Class Action Litigation

This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicle owners.

Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC, case number 1:22-cv-00621, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Hemi Valve Train Class Action Lawsuit FAQs

What is the Hemi Tick?

The Hemi tick is a tapping noise that affects many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM Hemi motors. This ticking noise can be caused by various problems, such broken or loose exhaust manifold bolts, roller rocker on the camshafts, faulty lifters, and loose spark plugs.

In some cases, the tick may be simply be caused from the vehicle being parked for extended periods of time.

Is the Hemi Tick Bad?

If the vehicle has been parked for long periods without use, then the tick noise upon cold start-up isn’t harmful. However, when the vehicle is up to normal operational temperature and the tick noise continues or even gets louder when driven, then this is a sign something is wrong.

How Common is the Hemi Tick?

Many owners claim the tick noise is common with Hemi Gen III 5.7 and 6.4 Hemi engines, and normal on cold startup. The tick noise typically lasts less than a minute. However, if the tick noise continues longer than a minute, it may be a sign of more serious mechanical problems.

Questions About This Lawsuit?

MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. This post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.

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Have you owned or leased a vehicle manufactured by FCA containing a defective Hemi valve train system? Add your voice to this post in the comments below. 

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