Stellantis, the automotive giant behind brands like Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat, is facing a major class-action lawsuit in the U.S. after a judge refused to dismiss the case. The suit alleges that the company sold millions of vehicles from 2012 to 2024 equipped with anti-theft systems specifically push-button start and Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer System (SKIS) that can be easily bypassed by thieves using key programmers to steal vehicles in mere minutes.
Plaintiffs claim Stellantis knowingly concealed the theft vulnerabilities from buyers who had no reason to believe their locked cars could be stolen so easily. The vehicles involved span multiple popular models fitted with push-button ignition but flawed security.
The lawsuit details that thieves can smash a window, plug in a key programming device, and drive away without leaving visible signs of forced entry. This pattern mirrors similar legal actions against Hyundai and Kia but differs because every affected Stellantis vehicle does have immobilizers installed. The plaintiffs contend that despite immobilizers, their systems are inadequate, possibly violating federal safety and theft prevention regulations.
Numerous individual owners, some victims of theft and others concerned by shared risks and lost vehicle value, are named in the lawsuit. One such case involved a Ram 1500 TRX stolen in Florida in early 2024.
In recent procedural updates, Stellantis attempted to force arbitration and dismiss the case based on warranty booklet terms. However, the court denied this motion, as many owners were never provided the dispute resolution details.
This lawsuit could lead to significant repercussions for Stellantis if proven, forcing recalls or vehicle system redesigns and highlighting the wider industry challenge of securing modern keyless entry vehicles effectively.
