It has been a difficult year for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Faced with record fines, buy backs of thousands of vehicles, and several different defective vehicle recalls, the FCA have reaped stock drops over their poor choices and judgments in the last several years. Recently, another 120,000 Dodge Darts were recalled for potential brake issues.
Recalls, Recalls, and More Recalls
Suspension problems, onboard connection issues, vehicle hacking and Takata airbags have been the root of millions of recalled vehicles for Fiat Chrysler this year. Now, 120,000 Dodge Darts have been recalled due to issues within the vacuum-tube assemblies that could eventually impact the power-assist feature on the brake system—an issue which could hinder a driver’s ability to stop in an emergency situation, especially if driving longer distances.
FAC’s 2015 Legal Woes
Found to be slow, inactive, and negligent with regard to handling recalls and repairs, the legal troubles of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles began with the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this year. They were ordered by the NHTSA to pay more than $105 million in fines and penalties and had to create trade-in and buy-back incentives for Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, and Jeep owners to get their defective vehicles off the road.
Shortly after the NHTSA troubles, the FAC was hit with a lawsuit brought by owners of several Jeep Cherokees for fraud, negligence, unjust enrichment, and a breach of warranty related to hacking vulnerabilities of the company’s Uconnect onboard feature. One month later, the FAC faced yet another lawsuit from disgruntled shareholders who felt that they had been intentionally deceived. The shareholders claimed that the FAC had deceived them and withheld information relating to safety to inflate the price of company stock.
The sordid history of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles suggests more than just a simple error; it also indicates possible negligence and deception that may have caused hundreds, if not thousands, of injuries and wrongful deaths. Still, they are not the only automaker to have participated in such acts. In fact, this year alone, more than 100 million vehicles have been recalled.
Speak with a Wisconsin Products Liability Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed because of a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at [[title]] can help. Committed to advocating for victims’ rights, we can help to identify the relationship between the negligent actions of manufacturers and injuries sustained because of those actions. Find out how we can help with your case by scheduling a free initial consultation with our Appleton products liability attorneys or Green Bay products liability attorneys. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/dodge-recalls-120-000-darts-brake-issues-article-1.2458663
http://consumerist.com/2015/09/14/class-action-lawsuit-accuses-fiat-chrysler-of-hiding-safety-issues-to-increase-stock-value/
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/fiat-chrysler-buy-back-recalls-heres-what-you-need-know-n401046