Stellantis Pays $4.2 Million to Resolve California Emissions Case

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC), has agreed to a $4.2 million settlement with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to resolve an investigation into emissions violations involving certain Ram ProMaster commercial vans equipped with the Iveco-built 3.0-liter EcoDiesel I4 diesel engine.

Details of the Violation – 

The CARB investigation revealed that the 2014 to 2016 Ram ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 models equipped with the Iveco-built 3.0-liter EcoDiesel I4 diesel engines were outfitted with unapproved devices that bypassed emissions controls. These devices led to the release of nearly 55 tons of excess nitrogen oxides, a pollutant harmful to air quality and public health.

Now keep in mind, these EcoDiesel engines are very different than the VM Motori-built 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engines that were well-renowned in vehicles like the Ram 1500, Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Gladiator. 

Settlement Terms – 

The settlement includes the following components:

• Civil Penalty: Over $2 million will go to California’s Air Pollution Control Fund to support clean air programs.
• Environmental Project Funding: Approximately $2.1 million will fund initiatives incentivizing ocean-going cargo vessels to reduce their speed during peak whale migration and ozone seasons. These measures aim to protect marine life and improve air quality.

Vehicle Recall for Compliance – 

FCA US has agreed to recall the affected vehicles to bring their emissions control systems into compliance with California’s stringent air quality standards.

A History of Emissions Issues – 

This settlement follows several previous emissions-related cases involving FCA US. In 2022, Stellantis paid $5.6 million to California for similar allegations involving 30,600 vehicles, including 2012 to 2018 Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Durango models equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine, which did not comply with emissions certification standards.

The automaker also resolved a federal diesel emissions fraud investigation in 2022. This case involved defeat device software fitted to 100,000 vehicles nationwide, including 13,325 units sold in California. These vehicles, comprising 2014 to 2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engines, led Stellantis to plead guilty to conspiracy and pay $300 million in penalties.

Moving Forward – 

Stellantis has not issued a public statement on the latest settlement, as of the writing of this article. The case reinforces the issues facing compliance in the automotive industry to conform to CARB regulations, particularly as environmental regulations continue to tighten.

Source: CARB