Dodge Class Lawsuit Claims SRT Models With V8 Engines May Suddenly Stop Moving.
June 26, 2021 – A Dodge rear differential class action lawsuit includes 2014-2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger equipped with V8 engines, including certain Charger Hellcats, Challenger Hellcats and Demons.
The Dodge Challenger and Charger cars bear the Chrysler Street & Racing Technology (SRT) badge as the cars are reportedly designed for both public roads and racetracks.
The six sued Dodge owners claim that the rear axle differentials are unable to handle the high horsepower and torque of the engines and transmissions.
Dodge Challenger and Charger drivers report hearing howling, howling, and swirling noises from the differentials, as well as vibrations from the rear of the cars.
The rear differential lawsuit alleges that the cars were defective from the time they were sold because the differentials wear out, causing the ring gears, pinion differential housings, and axles to fail.
Plaintiffs claim the Dodge cars are dangerous to drive because they would stop moving if the rear axle differentials fail. A failed rear differential causes the car to suddenly lose the ability to transfer power to the rear wheels while driving, which leads to safety risks on the roads or paths.
The rear differential can also allegedly explode and send splinters into the chassis areas, damaging various components. This creates additional costs for owners in addition to the cost of new rear differential.
According to the Dodge class action lawsuit, the Charger and Challenger have declined values due to the rear axle differentials, regardless of whether the customer is the owner or the lessee. Fiat Chrysler allegedly also replaces defective rear axle differentials with defective differentials that work just like the originals.
The Dodge class action lawsuit also alleges that metal chips and particles contaminate the differential oil, causing friction and heat that damage the differential.
Dodge Rear Axle Differential Technical Service Bulletins
The Dodge rear differential lawsuit references technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by the automaker to its dealerships that allegedly prove that the cars have rear differential problems.
In May 2015, the FCA published TSB 03-001-15 regarding 2015 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger cars regarding “a slight vibration noise from the rear of the vehicle”. Chrysler dealers have been directed to replace both rear half shafts.
The bulletin was revised to advise dealers that “a slight shake / vibration in the seat and / or floor generated from the rear of the vehicle” and that it was “most noticeable on very slippery roads at constant cruising speeds” 50-80 miles per hour.”
TSB 03-004-16 was released in June 2016 with the same vehicles, but the model years have been extended to 2016. Dealers have been instructed to check and replace the PTO shaft at high speeds due to a howling noise from the real axle area.
In December 2016, TSB 03-008-16 addressed the rear axle noise in the 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. Dealers have been instructed to replace the axle oil on limited slip differentials.
In March 2017, TSB 9003655 affected noises from the rear axle during tight turning maneuvers for the 2015-2016 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and 2017 Dodge Charger. The TSB recommended draining and refilling the oil.
The Dodge class action lawsuit alleges that Charger and Challenger owners can spend thousands of dollars to replace the rear differentials without considering the cost of replacing other damaged components.
The Dodge class action lawsuit for rear axle differentials was filed in the US District Court for the Delaware District: Diaz, et at., V. FCA US LLC.
Plaintiffs are represented by Berger Montague PC, Capstone Law APC, and Gordon & Partners, PA
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