Owners File Lawsuit Against Stellantis Over Defective Anti-Theft System | Carscoops

      A comprehensive lawsuit alleges that the automaker has concealed theft-prone defects in millions of vehicles after a judge declined to dismiss the case.

      The lawsuit asserts that millions of cars have anti-theft systems that can be easily circumvented.

      According to the plaintiffs, Stellantis hid the theft risks from unsuspecting consumers.

      Some vehicle owners experienced theft where their cars were taken in under two minutes using key programmers.

      Stellantis’ US division, which continues to operate under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles name, is facing an extensive lawsuit claiming it manufactured vehicles with insufficient anti-theft systems that can be easily bypassed by criminals.

      The complaint further alleges that FCA US knowingly withheld information from customers regarding the heightened risk of theft for many of its vehicles.

      The lawsuit encompasses numerous models across the manufacturer’s lineup, from 2012 to 2024, which includes Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles equipped with push-button start systems and the Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer System (SKIS).

      Per the lawsuit, “the anti-theft and ignition systems can be easily bypassed by novice thieves,” who can simply break a window, plug in a key programmer, and drive off within minutes.

      This legal action resembles lawsuits against Hyundai and Kia following a rise in thefts in the United States. However, there is a significant difference: while specific Hyundai and Kia models lacked immobilizers, every FCA model included in this case is equipped with one.

      This point is central to the plaintiffs’ stance, as they argue they had no reason to suspect their vehicles could be stolen if properly locked, windows closed, and keys removed. The lawsuit also claims that these vehicles may breach federal safety and theft prevention standards.

      Numerous individuals are named in the lawsuit. Some, like Emmanuel Turcotte of Florida, experienced theft of their vehicles, such as his Ram 1500 TRX that was stolen on April 4, 2024. Interestingly, many other plaintiffs have not had their vehicles stolen but joined the lawsuit due to concerns about shared risk and decreased value.

      The class action claims that vehicles have been “stolen in a manner consistent with exploitation of the Anti-Theft Security Defect using a key programmer. It is believed that the Class Vehicle was stolen directly due to the Anti-Theft Security Defect.”

      Recently, US District Judge Linda V. Parker denied a motion from FCA to force the plaintiffs into arbitration and to dismiss the lawsuit. The company noted that its warranty booklet states that any disputes with FCA should be resolved through arbitration rather than by a judge or jury.

      Nonetheless, the plaintiffs argued that they never consented to such terms, asserting that they were not provided with the booklet initially.