Cummins Sued For $60 Million Over Faulty Emission Systems

Cummins is in some hot water recently as it was announced Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is suing the engine manufacturer for $60 million dollars. The basis of the lawsuit is in regards to the selective catalyst reduction system (SRC) on Dodge Ram 2013-2015 models. The Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resource Board have both come to the same conclusion that the SRC systems are defective and do not meet the current tier emission laws.

The recall on all Dodge 2013-2015 Ram Trucks is estimated to cost roughly $200 million dollars and encompass over 130,000 trucks. Cummins provides the 6.7 L I-6 diesel engines and consequently the SRC systems. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is suing for $60 million to already cover the costs to repair that have already been fixed on an estimated 42,000 trucks. Cummins has a different side of the story and is stating that FCA is skirting it responsibility to fix all repairs and cover the entire $200 million dollar recall cost.

The issue with the selective catalyst reduction system is that control module disables the entire emissions control structure when excessive moisture is detected. When the system is disabled NOx emissions are dissipated into the air freely without being neutralized. When the issue is detected the truck engine will go into “limp mode” and cease to start altogether until the problem has been addressed.

Both Cummins and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have vowed to work together with the EPA to fix any compliance issues. In wake of the Volkswagen Emission Scandal last year automakers are weary of hurting their image with an ever watchful public. Cummins reported revenue of $4.5 billion in the second quarter of 2016 but is down 10% overall over the same time last year. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) stated they are hopeful all the repairs will be completed by early 2017.

Sources: Quimby, Tom. "Cummins Hit with $60M Lawsuit by FCA over Defective Emissions System in Ram Pickups." Equipment World Cummins Hit with 60M Lawsuit by FCA over Defective Emissions System in Ram Pickups Comments. N.p., 17 Oct. 2016. Web. 21 Nov. 2016.