Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) Lemon Law Cases in Texas

Stellantis — Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat — produces a significant share of Texas Lemon Law cases. Common patterns span transmission issues, the Jeep “death wobble,” Ram truck-specific defects, and Pacifica hybrid concerns. Texas’s strong pickup truck market makes Ram and Jeep cases particularly prominent.

Common Stellantis defect categories

ZF 9-speed transmission issues

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic (Cherokee, Renegade, Compass, 200, Pacifica, others) has produced extensive Texas cases involving harsh shifting, gear “hunting,” unexpected gear changes, and software-related shift quality issues. See transmission defects article.

Jeep death wobble

The “death wobble” — uncontrollable front-end shaking in Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models with solid front axles — has produced characteristic Texas cases. The wobble typically occurs at highway speeds when the front wheels hit a bump or pothole, and continues until the driver slows substantially.

Stellantis has addressed the issue through TSBs, parts replacements, and software updates. Despite multiple attempts, the issue has persisted across model years, supporting Texas Lemon Law claims. See steering and suspension article.

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel issues

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (3.0L V6 diesel) has produced Texas cases involving DEF system failures, EGR cooler problems, software-related driveability issues, and emissions-system issues including a 2019 settlement on diesel emissions.

Pacifica Hybrid issues

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (plug-in hybrid minivan) has produced cases involving battery management issues, charging system failures, hybrid system warning lights, and multiple recalls including battery-related fire concerns.

5.7L / 6.4L HEMI V8 issues

Stellantis’s HEMI V8 engines have produced cases involving:

• Multi-Displacement System (MDS) issues — cylinder deactivation causing misfires, lifter failures, oil consumption.
• Various other engine concerns. See engine defects article.

Charger / Challenger issues

Various engine and transmission issues. Specific Hellcat / SRT model-specific issues.

Wrangler / Gladiator issues

Beyond death wobble — engine issues (3.6L V6 and 2.0L turbo), manual transmission concerns, electrical issues, roof / convertible top failures.

Compass / Cherokee / Grand Cherokee issues

ZF 9-speed transmission concerns dominate Cherokee. Air suspension issues in Grand Cherokee.

Fiat 500 / 500X / 124 Spider issues

Various engine, transmission, electrical, and build-quality issues.

Stellantis customer-relations and litigation profile

Stellantis US LLC (formerly FCA US LLC) handles escalated cases through corporate customer-relations. Stellantis settles most Texas Lemon Law cases at TxDMV mediation. Given 9-speed transmission and death-wobble volume, established settlement frameworks exist.

Stellantis issues high volume of TSBs. The TSB and recall record provides extensive discovery evidence for DTPA willfulness arguments.

Settlement values

Stellantis repurchase values in Texas typically range:

• Chrysler 300, Pacifica: $35,000-$60,000+
• Dodge Charger, Challenger: $35,000-$80,000+ (Hellcat higher)
• Dodge Durango: $40,000-$70,000+
• Jeep Compass, Renegade: $25,000-$40,000+
• Jeep Cherokee: $30,000-$50,000+
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: $45,000-$90,000+
• Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer: $70,000-$130,000+
• Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator: $40,000-$75,000+
• Ram 1500: $40,000-$80,000+
• Ram 2500/3500: $55,000-$120,000+
• Ram Promaster: $40,000-$70,000+
• Fiat models: $20,000-$40,000+

Lease cases follow standard framework.

What you should do

1. Pull every repair order and TSB notice.
2. For 9-speed transmission cases, note specific symptoms.
3. For Jeep death wobble cases, document specific incidents with dates and speeds.
4. Save communications with Stellantis customer relations.
5. Send § 2301.606(c) notice.
6. File TxDMV complaint; get a free case review.

Stellantis cases — particularly Jeep death wobble and 9-speed transmission — settle reliably under Texas Lemon Law plus DTPA.

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