Wirtz Law Blog

Our client Ricardo C. purchased a 2011 Dodge Durango to be his family’s primary vehicle. The Durango was equipped with a Totally Integrated Power Module (“TIPM”). Ricardo purchased the 2011 Durango, relying on FCA’s promises that the vehicle was safe and reliable. Within the first year of ownership, issues began. Over the next seven years, the Durango experienced a myriad of issues due to the defective TIPM, causing problems from premature turn signal bulb failure to engine stall while driving. Ricardo C. brought the Durango to FCA’s dealerships ten times, but FCA was unable to fix the Durango even after replacing the TIPM. Ricardo C. called FCA and requested a buyback, but FCA refused.

Ricardo C. opted out of the Velasco, et al. v. Chrysler Group LLC, a class action lawsuit brought by owners of TIPM-equipped vehicles alleging FCA knew the TIPM was defective but did not inform consumers. Ricardo C. hired counsel, and filed suit against FCA alleging FCA violated the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California Lemon Law) and fraudulent concealment about the TIPM. The case went to trial in Riverside County Superior Court in Murrieta, where Ricardo C. was represented by California Lemon Law trial attorneys Richard Wirtz and Amy Rotman of Wirtz Law APC. After a weeks-long trial, in less than an hour of deliberations, the jury unanimously awarded Ricardo C. with the maximum damages awardable under the California Lemon Law: repurchase and a two-time civil penalty for a total of $137,238.75, plus FCA was ordered to pay plaintiff’s attorney’s fees and costs. Not only did the jury find that FCA had willfully violated the California Lemon Law, but it also found FCA committed fraud against Ricardo C. by concealing what it knew about the TIPM’s defects before Ricardo C.’s purchase, the first “TIPM’ fraud verdict against FCA in the United States.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.

Disclaimer.  The information provided in this post is for informational and educational purposes only regarding aspects of the California Lemon Law. It is intended for California Consumers only. This post is considered an advertisement by attorney Richard M. Wirtz and Wirtz Law APC. You should not rely on any of the information provided in this advertisement and no legal advice is given by the advertisement. No attorney client relationship is established by viewing this advertisement. A written signed engagement agreement between you and Wirtz Law APC is required to create an attorney client relationship. You should immediately consult an attorney who is experienced in California Lemon Law. Attorney Richard M. Wirtz is responsible for the content of this post. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.