An FCA Tigershark class action lawsuit alleges that Tigershark engines consume excessive oil, cause stalling and shutdowns, and put drivers in dangerous driving situations.

WHICH VEHICLES HAVE THE TIGERSHARK ENGINE?

The following vehicles are equipped with the 2.4 L Tigershark engine and are included in one or more class action lawsuits:

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

If your Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle is on this list, you may need to opt out of one or more class action lawsuits to retain your individual right to sue. Opting out may also help you reach an agreeable FCA Tigershark settlement.

However, other FCA vehicles may experience recurring engine problems. If your FCA vehicle experiences repeated problems with its engine, you may be eligible for solutions under the California Lemon Law, including a potential Tigershark settlement.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH FCA’S TIGERSHARK ENGINE?

According to a consolidated class action lawsuit, Fiat Chrysler vehicles equipped with Tigershark engines allegedly experience excessive or abnormal oil consumption. The recommended oil maintenance schedule does not match the actual rate at which these vehicle engines consume oil.

When consumers take their vehicles to the dealership, they are allegedly told that they need to replenish their oil at least every 1,000 miles. In contrast, the oil maintenance schedule recorded in the owner’s manuals for the affected vehicles is an oil change every 3,500–4,000 miles when experiencing severe operating conditions or Severe Duty driving.

The Oil Indicator System fails to warn drivers of their vehicles’ low oil levels. As a result, drivers do not know when their vehicles reach low oil levels and continue driving their vehicles. According to a technical service bulletin (TSB) released in 2015, low oil levels cause the pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls and other internal parts to suffer internal wear.

FCA employs a so-called “safety” measure to avoid engine failure: a complete shutdown of the engine. Consumers say that this feature is anything but safe, as engines can shut down while the vehicles are on freeways or in heavy traffic.

These faulty Tigershark engines also cause the vehicles to emit toxic gases far beyond federal and state limits. Excess oil enters the vehicle’s exhaust systems, which compromise the oxygen (O2) sensors and catalytic converters.

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful emissions into less harmful gases. When this part is compromised, the vehicle emits excessive amounts of toxic gases that can lead to cardiovascular problems and respiratory illnesses.

Because of these extensive problems, you may be eligible for an FCA Tigershark settlement.

HOW HAS FIAT CHRYSLER RESPONDED?

Fiat Chrysler allegedly knew about the Tigershark engine’s oil consumption problem since 2013 and has since passed off its vehicles’ excessive oil consumption rates as “normal.”

The automaker failed to disclose the Tigershark engine’s critical safety defects, namely its excessive oil consumption, its faulty oil Indicator system and its excessive emissions of toxic gases. The automaker allegedly refuses to provide adequate repairs for the recurring Tigershark engine problems. One plaintiff alleges that the repairs under warranty are a waste of time because the vehicles continue to stall.

According to a consolidated class action lawsuit, the automaker failed to issue a safety recall of affected vehicles, presumably to avoid the economic fallout of repairing millions of vehicles with the faulty Tigershark engines. As a result, consumers have to pay out-of-pocket for more frequent maintenance repairs and, in some cases, engine replacements.

Fiat Chrysler hid information about the emissions-related defect until it was made to disclose the problem in an SEC filing, which says that the automaker could be preparing a recall. However, that recall has yet to happen, meaning a Tigershark settlement may be available to certain consumers.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FIAT CHRYSLER IS A LEMON?

Your Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle may be a lemon if it shows any of the following symptoms:

• Excessive oil consumption
• Inadequate lubrication of internal parts
• Premature wear and tear
• Engine overheating
• Faulty Oil Indicator
• Excessive NOx emissions
• Engine stalling
• Engine failure

Problems with your 2.4 L Tigershark engine can negatively affect your vehicle’s use, value or safety. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil maintenance schedule.

If you find that your vehicle consumes oil at a much faster rate, document the vehicle mileage at which you had to replenish your vehicle’s oil levels. Take your vehicle to a licensed dealership or authorized repair shop and save any documents you acquire from the visit.

If Fiat Chrysler or an authorized repair shop cannot fix your vehicle within a reasonable number of attempts, your vehicle may be a lemon. The number of repair attempts considered “reasonable” can differ on a case-by-case basis. Consult a California lemon law attorney about your situation, legal rights, and potential eligibility for an FCA Tigershark settlement.