The FCA transmission settlement addressed widespread complaints about faulty automatic transmissions in certain Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles, offering settlements between $900 and $4,000. Although the settlement is now closed, it resolved years of owner frustration over harsh shifting, hesitation, and transmission failures.
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In this guide, we explain the class action lawsuit and describe the rights of class members. We also show you what to do if you have a defective FCA US car (Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM).
The FCA transmission settlement was a legal agreement resolving complaints about a faulty transmission in Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles. Owners reported harsh shifting, hesitation, and transmission failure, leading to multiple lawsuits.
The class action lawsuits claimed that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) knew about the defects and did nothing to fix them, thereby violating consumer protection and warranty laws. Courts approved the settlement, and it was closed in 2019.
During the settlement period, drivers had several options, including transmission repairs at no cost, cash payments, and buybacks. FCA also offered an extended warranty on the transmission to cover future repairs. However, the class action settlement is now closed. No new claims or compensation are available.
The United States district court designated the class vehicles as those equipped with the 9-Speed ZF 9HP automatic transmissions. These transmissions were found in the following vehicles:
As part of the settlement agreement, drivers were given several options. First, FCA was responsible for covering the cost of fixing the transmission and related parts. If the car couldn’t be repaired, drivers were offered a free vehicle replacement, giving them a new or equivalent model.
There was also a buyback option, allowing owners to return the defective vehicle for a refund. Lemon laws also back up claims, especially when the manufacturer doesn’t follow through on what’s permitted.
Depending on the situation, the average cash payment for the FCA transmission payout was between $900 and $4,000. The settlement amounts were heavily affected by the impact of the defect and the type of car being driven.
While this settlement is now closed, there are several ways to check eligibility on future claims. The best way to determine what your car is eligible for is to ask a qualified law firm. Lemon attorneys can inform you of your legal rights and help you get maximum compensation.
You can also look up your vehicle information on the NHTSA website. By entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the website, you can get quick access to the recalls and service bulletins for your car.
Otherwise, you want to contact the manufacturer. FCA US LLC has a Customer Care page with contact information to make it easier for drivers.
When looking up the information, make sure you have recall notices and the purchase agreement on hand. You also want all of the service records to prove that there’s been a problem with the transmission.
Whenever there’s a proposed class action settlement, the steps remain the same to get compensation. First, the case is brought to the courts. Generally, lawyers gather all of the complaints, outline what the plaintiffs allege. An attorney will want all documentation about the alleged defect, including repair history and proof of the issues. You may also need to have the vehicle evaluated for damage, mileage, and overall condition.
Once the settlement is approved, claimants can receive compensation. You would need to file the claim before the deadline. If Fiat Chrysler didn’t follow through with compensation, it would be necessary to retain a lawyer to take legal action.
For the vehicles listed above, the deadline ended in 2019. There’s no way to get compensation for these vehicles any longer.
However, if you own a different FCA vehicle experiencing issues, such as with the continuously variable transmission, you may still have rights under California's Lemon Law. The Lemon Law allows consumers to pursue claims if their vehicle has a defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has been unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law claim is generally four years from the date the defect was discovered.
If you're considering a Lemon Law claim, it's crucial to act promptly. Contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney who can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action.
There’s the possibility of a future class action lawsuit surrounding newer model year vehicles. A potential lawsuit alleges that FCA misled consumers into believing certain defects were no longer an issue, but drivers are still having trouble with the newer transmissions.
California residents who drive FCA vehicles, such as the Jeep Compass or Chrysler Pacifica, should contact a lawyer if there are sudden shifting issues at highway speeds or other issues that affect the performance of the vehicle.
While you prepare for your consultation, keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance performed on the vehicle. You should also research California’s Lemon Law to fully understand your rights. Because most Lemon Law attorneys charge nothing up front and work on a contingency basis, you should schedule your free consultation as early as possible.
If you decide that a Lemon Law claim is your best course of action, it’s time to seek guidance. You don’t want to miss any deadlines that negate your chance for compensation.
The Lemon Pros work on your behalf to facilitate arbitration between parties or represent you in litigation, when necessary. As the best Lemon Law lawyers in California, our firm never charges clients for consultation and works on a contingency basis, so you may not need to pay anything up front. Contact us today to schedule your first meeting.
Have questions about the FCA Transmission Settlement? You’re not alone. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about who qualifies, how to file a claim, and what to expect if your vehicle was affected.
From the effective date of the class action settlement, it only takes a few weeks to months before compensation is received. This process is much faster than dealing with a Lemon Law claim, which can take a year or more to be finalized.
Granillo et al. v. FCA US LLC covers 2014–2015 Jeep Cherokee, 2015 Chrysler 200, and 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles that were sold with defective ZF 9HP automatic transmissions. There was also a smaller case, Moran et al. v. FCA US LLC, concerning 2017–2021 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
With the FCA transmission settlement, compensation is closed, so no one can file any more claims. However, future class action lawsuits may have provisions for compensation, even after the vehicle is sold.
Because there are no open cases against FCA currently, you need to speak with a lawyer. If other customers are complaining about the same defect, there may be precedent for a new claim to be filed. You wouldn’t need to pay anything to find this information out, as most lawyers work on a contingency basis.
The settlement, titled Moran et al. v. FCA US LLC, addressed defects in 2017–2021 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The lawsuit alleged that these vehicles were prone to sudden power loss and stalling without warning. FCA US LLC agreed to settle the claims without admitting wrongdoing, but the deadline for filing was in 2022.
There were offers for an extended warranty on defective FCA vehicles purchased during the specified timeframe. However, if you failed to opt in to the class action lawsuits, these deadlines have passed, and you no longer have access to the extended warranty coverage. You will need to purchase a third-party warranty separately.
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