Class-action lawsuits over defective parts can reshape how you view major automakers, from the way they design engines to how they handle complaints. Even when cases are decertified or still seeking class status, the litigation record offers a window into how companies respond when reliability and safety are questioned. Here are eight entries that show how General Motors, Stellantis, Fiat Chrysler and related entities are navigating high-stakes defect and investor claims that could affect your ownership experience and confidence in their brands.
1) General Motors Faces Setback in Defective Parts Litigation
General Motors appears on this list because drivers have challenged the company in court over alleged vehicle defects, serious enough that plaintiffs initially secured class-action certification. That status later shifted when a court decertified the class-action lawsuit, giving GM a significant procedural victory. Decertification does not erase the underlying defect allegations, but it changes the legal landscape, often making it harder for owners to pursue collective relief in a single, unified case.
For you as an owner or shopper, this kind of ruling illustrates how complex defect litigation can be. A case can move from class status to decertification even while questions about parts performance remain unresolved. The shift also underscores how GM’s legal strategy, and the court’s view of whether drivers’ experiences are similar enough to be grouped together, can influence whether you see broad settlements or more fragmented, individual claims.
2) Stellantis (Chrysler) Grapples with Engine Defect Claims
Stellantis, which includes the Chrysler brand, is under pressure from drivers who say certain Hemi engines suffer from a persistent mechanical problem widely known as the “Hemi Tick.” Plaintiffs are actively working to secure class status in a defect case, asking a court to recognize a group of owners affected by the alleged issue, as detailed in reporting on plaintiffs seeking class action status. The push for certification signals that owners believe the ticking noise reflects a common defect rather than isolated complaints.
If you own a vehicle with a Hemi engine, the stakes are significant. Class certification could open the door to broader remedies, from repair programs to potential compensation, depending on how the case develops. It also highlights how engine noise, often dismissed as a nuisance, can become a focal point in litigation when drivers argue it signals deeper reliability or durability concerns that affect resale value and long-term ownership costs.
3) Fiat Chrysler Named in Engine Oil Consumption Class Action
Fiat Chrysler is directly targeted in a separate class action that accuses a range of its vehicles of suffering from a defect that causes excessive engine oil use. According to a detailed complaint, owners allege that certain models burn oil at a rate they consider abnormal, forcing more frequent top-offs and raising worries about engine damage, as described in coverage of a class action over alleged engine oil consumption defect. The lawsuit frames this as a design or manufacturing flaw rather than routine maintenance.
For drivers, the alleged defect can translate into unexpected expenses and anxiety about long-term reliability. Excessive oil consumption may also complicate warranty claims if owners cannot easily document the pattern. The case underscores how something as basic as oil usage, which you might track casually, can become a central legal issue when many owners report similar experiences and argue that the automaker should have warned them or offered a fix.
4) Stellantis for Securities Claims Tied to Fiat Chrysler Investors Recovery Stichting
Stellantis for its role as the corporate successor to Fiat Chrysler is also at the center of a securities class action that does not focus on a single mechanical defect but on investor allegations. A Dutch foundation, Fiat Chrysler Investors Recovery Stichting, is pursuing claims on behalf of shareholders, with the case filed by the firm Scott, formally identified as Scott+Scott Amsterdam. The foundation’s involvement signals an organized effort to seek redress for investors who believe they were harmed.
While this lawsuit is about securities rather than a specific part failure, it still matters to you as a consumer. Investor litigation can influence how much pressure Stellantis faces to disclose risks, including those tied to product quality or regulatory scrutiny. When a group like Fiat Chrysler Investors Recovery Stichting steps in, it reflects broader concerns about transparency and governance that can shape how aggressively an automaker addresses potential defects and communicates with both drivers and shareholders.
5) General Motors and the Broader Risk of Decertified Classes
General Motors’ experience with a decertified class action highlights a broader risk you should understand, even though the specific defect allegations remain contested. Once a court removes class status, individual owners may have to decide whether to continue on their own, join smaller group cases, or accept that large-scale relief is less likely. The GM ruling illustrates how a procedural decision can dramatically change the leverage that drivers have when they claim defective parts harmed them.
This dynamic matters because it can influence how quickly, or whether, an automaker chooses to settle. When class status is in doubt, companies may feel less pressure to negotiate sweeping remedies, even if negative publicity persists. For you, following these developments can help set realistic expectations about timelines, potential payouts, and whether you might need separate legal advice instead of relying on a single nationwide class to represent your interests.
6) Stellantis (Chrysler) Owners Watching the ‘Hemi Tick’ Case
Stellantis (Chrysler) owners with Hemi engines are closely watching how the “Hemi Tick” lawsuit progresses because class certification could determine whether they are automatically included in any future resolution. The plaintiffs’ request for class status reflects their belief that the ticking noise and related mechanical concerns are widespread enough to justify collective treatment. Until a court rules, you may be in a holding pattern, tracking whether your vehicle’s symptoms match those described in the case.
The outcome will likely shape how Stellantis responds to similar complaints going forward. A certified class could prompt broader technical investigations, extended warranties, or repair campaigns, while a denial might leave owners to pursue individual claims. Either way, the litigation signals that engine sound and performance issues are not just customer-service questions but potential legal flashpoints that can affect the value and perception of key Chrysler and Dodge models.
7) Fiat Chrysler Drivers Confront Oil Consumption Allegations
Fiat Chrysler drivers named in the oil consumption class action are confronting the practical fallout of the alleged defect every time they check their dipstick. The lawsuit’s claim that certain vehicles consume oil at an excessive rate raises questions about whether engines could suffer premature wear if owners miss frequent top-offs. For you, that means monitoring oil levels more closely and documenting any unusual patterns, especially if your model is identified in the complaint.
Beyond the mechanical concerns, the case highlights how defect allegations can affect resale value and insurance or warranty decisions. Potential buyers may hesitate if they believe a model is tied to a pending class action, and extended warranty providers might adjust coverage terms. By staying informed about the litigation, you can better weigh whether to keep, repair, or sell an affected vehicle and how to communicate with dealers about your concerns.
8) Investors and Owners Aligning Pressure on Stellantis and Fiat Chrysler
The securities class action involving Stellantis and Fiat Chrysler Investors Recovery Stichting shows how investors can apply pressure that complements defect-focused lawsuits from owners. While drivers focus on issues like ticking engines or oil consumption, shareholders are scrutinizing how those risks are disclosed and managed. When both groups raise concerns, the combined scrutiny can push an automaker to strengthen internal controls, compliance, and quality assurance.
For you, this alignment means that questions about defective parts are not confined to service bays or customer hotlines. They can reach boardrooms and investor meetings, influencing long-term strategy. As Stellantis responds to both owner and investor claims, its choices on recalls, technical fixes, and communication may shift, potentially improving transparency and responsiveness for anyone who buys or leases its vehicles in the future.
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