FCA Transmission Problems: What You Should Know
FCA US LLC, the US company of Fiat Chrysler and now part of Stellantis, put its 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission in many 2020 and newer Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat and Ram models. Fiat Chrysler transmission problems still show up on these newer models. FCA’s own dealer bulletins cover rough shifting and a reduced-power mode, and in 2023 FCA told dealers to replace the 9-speed in about 76 of its 2022 vehicles that could lose forward gear.
FCA Transmission FAQ
What’s Wrong With the ZF 9HP Transmission?
FCA’s own service bulletins for 2020 and newer models describe what can go wrong with the 9-speed transmission, which FCA calls the 948TE.
They cover rough shifting, hard upshifts and a lag in the 1–2 upshift when pulling away from a stop. Other bulletins cover premature wear of an internal bushing and a reduced-power mode while slowing from seventh gear. A separate FCA notice covers internal failure that can leave the vehicle with no forward gear and grinding when put into gear.
Fiat Chrysler transmission problems can make it difficult or unsafe for drivers, specifically when changing lanes, merging into traffic, or accelerating from stops or onto freeways. Drivers that attempt any of these with a faulty 9HP transmission face an increased risk of a crash.
Which FCA Vehicles Have the 9-Speed Transmission?
FCA US LLC, part of Stellantis, sells the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands in the United States. The following FCA vehicles come equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission and owners may be eligible for individual legal assistance if they experience recurring issues:
- 2020–2027 Chrysler Voyager
- 2020–2027 Chrysler Pacifica (gas models)
- 2020–2023 Jeep Cherokee
- 2020–2022 Jeep Compass (4×4 models)
- 2020–2023 Jeep Renegade
- 2020–2022 Ram ProMaster City
- 2022–2025 Ram ProMaster
- 2020–2023 Fiat 500X
An FCA bulletin covers premature bushing wear inside the 9-speed on many of these models, including Pacifica minivans and Ram ProMaster vans built on or before December 1, 2024. FCA also recalled some 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs because a transmission oil cooler hose could leak fluid, which increases the risk of a fire.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid transmission is a different design from the 9-speed. FCA recalled some 2020–2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids because a wiring connector inside the transmission can short and stop the engine, and as of October 2026 NHTSA was still looking into whether that fix goes far enough. FCA’s recall report says it will extend the warranty, with no time or mileage limit, to repair the transmission for affected owners who get the related warning message.
If you do not know what transmission your vehicle has, locate your owner’s manual in your glove box or contact your local FCA dealership. If your Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Voyager or Jeep 9-speed transmission keeps causing the same shifting problem, you may have a defective vehicle on your hands.
What Does an FCA Transmission Class Action Mean for Me?
If your FCA vehicle has a 9-speed problem that FCA or its dealers cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have a viable lemon law case against the manufacturer.
However, as of October 2026, a proposed class action over FCA’s 9-speed that includes 2020 models was still open, and the court docket showed no certified class.
A class action like this can affect your individual right to sue in California. If a court certifies a class or approves a class settlement, class members get notice of a deadline to opt out and keep their right to sue individually.
Lemon Law Help takes cases for model year 2020 and newer FCA vehicles. If yours qualifies, you may be able to pursue an individual lemon law claim, and a lemon law attorney can tell you whether a class action includes your vehicle.
Can I Still Pursue a California Lemon Law Claim for My FCA Transmission?
If you are not bound by a class action settlement, you may pursue a California lemon law claim against Fiat Chrysler.
The California Lemon Law states that your vehicle may qualify if a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value or safety. FCA or a repair shop it authorizes in California must also be unable to fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts. What counts as “reasonable” depends on the case, though the law presumes it in some situations within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.
The California Lemon Law allows buyers and lessees of defective new vehicles to take legal action against auto manufacturers. If your vehicle qualifies, you are not bound by a class settlement and you file in time, you can pursue a California lemon law claim. For FCA vehicles under the newer rules, which cover at least those sold through 2025, you generally must file within a year after the warranty runs out, and within six years of the first delivery at the most.
How Do I Opt Out of an FCA Transmission Class Action?
Once a class notice goes out, it explains how to opt out and the deadline to do it. If you are included in at least one lawsuit, you may need to opt out before that deadline to retain your individual right to pursue a lemon law claim against Fiat Chrysler.
Once you opt out, you may pursue claims more specific to your situation. If you go forward with a lemon law case, we represent you at no cost while you seek cash compensation, a replacement or a buyback. Talk to a California lemon law attorney about your individual right to pursue a lemon law claim.
Lemon Law Help works only in California. We help California residents who bought or leased a defective model year 2020 or newer vehicle from a licensed California dealer. We cannot help people outside California, unless they are active-duty military.
Get assistance with Lemon Law Help today!
