Is Your FCA Vehicle a Lemon? California Law May Protect You

Joseph Steward
Aug 26
2 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) produces some of the most popular vehicles on the road — including Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo. But with that popularity has come a troubling pattern: defective transmissions, electrical failures, suspension issues, and more across several models.

If your FCA vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly or has a serious unresolved defect, you may be eligible for protection under California’s Lemon Law.

What Brands Are Covered Under FCA?

FCA owns and manufactures the following brands:

Jeep
Dodge
Chrysler
Ram
Fiat
Alfa Romeo

Whether you bought or leased one of these vehicles, California lemon law applies if it was under the manufacturer’s warranty when the problems began.

Common FCA Lemon Vehicles and Issues

Jeep Wrangler

Steering issues and “death wobble”
Suspension misalignment
Infotainment shutdowns

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500

Transmission slipping
Steering noise or vibration
Emissions-related faults (especially on diesel models)

Chrysler Pacifica

Engine stalling
Erratic shifting
Electrical issues with sliding doors or displays

Dodge Charger / Durango

Brake booster problems
Electrical problems
Transmission hesitation

Fiat 500

Transmission failure
Clutch defects
Poor acceleration

Alfa Romeo Giulia / Stelvio

Infotainment system freezing
Rear differential leaks
Loss of power

How California Lemon Law Applies

If your FCA vehicle has been:

Repaired for the same issue 2 or more times (if safety-related), or
4 or more times for non-safety issues, or
In the shop for 30+ days total,

you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement — with no out-of-pocket attorney fees.

The defect must have first occurred while under the original factory warranty — even if you’re no longer under warranty today.

FCA Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What is “death wobble” in Jeep Wranglers?

A: It’s a violent steering vibration at highway speeds, often due to suspension or steering design. It may qualify under lemon law after even just two repair attempts.

Q: Can I lemon a leased FCA vehicle?

A: Yes. California lemon law covers both leased and purchased vehicles.

Q: What if the dealership keeps saying “can’t duplicate issue”?

A: That’s a common stall tactic. You still have rights — especially if you’ve documented the symptoms.

Q: What happens in a buyback?

A: The manufacturer pays off your loan, refunds your down payment, and pays taxes and fees — minus a mileage offset.