FCA’s Faulty Tigershark Engines

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) introduced the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II engine back in 2013. The engine was introduced and designed to deliver increased power and torque, while reducing emissions. However, the plan backfired when the engines were reported to be burning excessive amounts of oil. FCA is now faced with an emissions issue that has affected nearly 1 million vehicles equipped with these engines.

The Tigershark Engine

The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II engine, installed in Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, was intended to replace the World Gas Engine, which consumers reported was lacking in performance and power. The new engine utilizes electro-hydraulic technology developed to offer more controlled airflow during the combustion process. While this new technology improves engine power, it also requires more oil to lubricate the internal parts.

What’s defective about the Tigershark Engine?

A class-action lawsuit alleges that the recommended oil maintenance schedule does not reflect the engine’s true oil consumption rate. As a result of insufficient oil lubrication, parts of the engine start to wear earlier than usual, the engine is at a higher risk of overheating, and the vehicle’s performance decreases substantially.

In a 2015 technical service bulletin, experts recognized that the engine’s pistons, piston rings, and cylinder walls were beginning to wear due to insufficient lubrication. In the lawsuit, dealership documents noted that deterioration of the pistons and piston rings could be ultimately causing the defect.

While safety features are in place to avoid engine failure, many drivers have complained that their engines have shut down on freeways or in heavy traffic causing unsafe conditions. In many of these cases, the vehicles haven’t indicated when oil levels dropped dangerously low and have instead caused the engine to shut off without warning.

Which vehicles have the defective engines?

The vehicles listed in the class-action lawsuit include the following:

• 2015–2017 Chrysler 200
• 2013–2016 Dodge Dart
• 2016–2020 Fiat 500X
• 2017–2020 Fiat Toro
• 2017–2020 Dodge Journey
• 2014–2020 Jeep Cherokee
• 2017–2020 Jeep Compass
• 2015–2020 Jeep Renegade
• 2015–2020 Ram ProMaster City

What you can do if you have a Tigershark engine

If the current class-action lawsuit is certified to proceed, you will have the opportunity to participate or opt-out and exercise your individual Lemon Law rights. By opting out of the class action and pursuing your own individual case, you may be able to get more remedies from FCA that you would under the class action lawsuit.

Very often, there are thousands if not tens of thousands of members in a class-action lawsuit, resulting in meager consumer settlements. When suing individually, you are more likely to receive a greater settlement as you preserve your right to pursue the maximum allowable remedies under the lemon laws.

Luckily, we’re here to help. If you’d like more information on how to opt-out of a class-action lawsuit, please give us a call today at (877) 885-5366. Our premier team of Lemon Law Experts is here to help you explore your options and choose the best course of action that fits your needs.

If you are interested in learning more about your rights, fill out our contact form or call us today at (877) 885-5366.