Chrysler Pacifica Defective UConnect System Class Action

Auto manufacturers are presenting complex “infotainment” systems that customers must rely on to perform more and more actions in their vehicles. The complaint for this class action alleges that FCA US, LLC has installed defective UConnect infotainment systems in its 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica and 300 vehicles.

Two classes have been defined for this action:

• Class 1, the National Class is all persons or entities who bought or leased a 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica or 300.
• Class 2, the California Class is all persons or entities who bought or leased a 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica or 300 in California.

Infotainment systems combine both entertainment, such as radio selections, and information delivery. They may also be needed to control certain functions, such as heating and air conditioning, and they may be linked to other operations such as locking and unlocking or forward crash warning systems. Chrysler’s system is called UConnect.

Plaintiffs Corey Gerritsen and Sara Elice bought a new 2018 Chrysler Pacifica in March 2018. It contained a UConnect infotainment system, and they were not warned that the system had any defects.

According to the complaint, the UConnect system began malfunctioning almost immediately. At times, for example, it would not display the image from the rear-view camera when the vehicle was backing up; at other times, it would display the image when the vehicle was not backing up. Also, the system has rear-seat screens, but the complaint says these “do not function as represented.”

The complaint also quotes online postings complaining about other malfunctions of the system:

• Screen goes black or freezes.
• Radio, hands-free phone answering, and navigational tools are unavailable.
• Vehicle did not recognize keys.
• Forward collision warning is not working.
• Turns navigational system on and off while the vehicle is being driven.
• Volume goes loud and soft on its own.
• Displays a front crash warning when vehicle is stopped at a traffic light.
• Previous owner of used vehicle is still in charge of access account.

The complaint alleges that FCA knew about the defective nature of the UConnect system because of warranty repair reports, messages from customers, and complaints to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The complaint says, “Despite having more than adequate opportunity to remedy the defect, [FCA] has failed to do so and, in many instances, has merely repaved defective components with defective components.”

The counts include breaches of warranties and violation of California state laws, including its Consumer Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Act.

Article Type: Lawsuit
Topic: Automobile
Tags: Defective Automobile, Electronic Parts Components and Systems