Stellantis' emissions cheating strikes again
Stellantis has had a year filled with plenty of setbacks, and with another fine issued in late December, it doesn't look like their 2024 will end on a high note.
Stellantis has garnered a reputation for cutting corners to maximize profits over the last few years, and it looks like those cuts weren’t just in vehicle quality. The automotive umbrella recently reached a settlement regarding emissions regulations violations. The accusation and lawsuit came from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), but it's just the most recent accusation weighed against Stellantis and FCA.
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Stellantis will pay $4.1 million for emissions regulations violations
The settlement between CARB and Stellantis will have the latter paying a fine amounting to just under $4.2 million. The vehicles in question include 2014 to 2016 RAM ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 models equipped with 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines.
CARB claims that Stellantis used an unapproved device that circumvented emissions control and didn’t comply with emissions standards. The investigation found that its diesel engines demonstrated different emissions control behaviors in real-world operations. In addition to the fine, Stellantis will recall the affected vehicles to modify the emission control system, but only those registered in California. RAM
“CARB’s robust compliance testing ensures that auto manufacturers sell the exact vehicles that received certification for sale within California, without alterations made to skirt the state’s regulations and release excess emissions that harm air quality and public health,” said CARB executive officer Dr. Steven Cliff.
Of the roughly $4.2 million, $2 million will go to CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund. The remaining $2.1 million will fund the Marine Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive Program, which provides incentives for cargo vessels to slow down to protect wildlife and improve air quality.
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Stellantis has a habit of violating emissions regulations
It seems Stellantis has a habit of violating emissions regulations. In 2017, the EPA issued a notice of violation to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which claimed that over 100,000 vehicles used software that allowed them to exceed nitrogen pollution limits. Notably, the EPA only discovered the software during extensive testing following Volkswagen’s infamous emissions scandal. Jeep
Per the EPA, over 100,000 2014 to 2016 RAM 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines used the software. In 2019, Stellantis pleaded guilty to emissions regulations violations and reached a settlement with a total value of $800 million when all was said and done. Notably, despite the settlement, FCA executives didn’t admit to any wrongdoing.
In 2020, FCA was the subject of another class-action lawsuit, this one amounting to over $6.2 billion. The lawsuit claimed that more than 500,000 Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Suzuki, and Iveco engines had similar emissions-defeating devices and software. RAM
In 2022, FCA US, now a part of Stellantis, pleaded guilty to federal charges of criminal conduct related to emissions tampering. Those fines and penalties amounted to around $300 million.
Final thoughts
While $4.2 million might seem like a slap on the wrist, it’s likely due to the limited number of vehicles affected. If the recall were to apply to all 2014 to 2016 RAM ProMaster vans, the amount would be significantly higher. California is known for its strict and often criticized environmental policies, but it's very possible any findings from California could open the door for federal violations, fines, and penalties as well.
With more than $1 billion paid in fines, penalties, and recalls associated with emissions regulations since 2014, you’d think Stellantis would cool it with the defeat devices. Apparently, that’s not the case, and while other automakers have their violations as well, Stellantis is making a habit of it. Perhaps it's best if they do go electric - or, at the very least, stop cutting corners.
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