US EPA Issues Notice Of Violation To Fiat Chrysler Concerning Clean Air Act (Possible Use Of Defeat Devices)

January 15th, 2017 by James Ayre

The US EPA has issued a notice of violation to auto manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act pertaining to the installation, use, and failure to disclose of engine management software in a large number of vehicles sold in the US, according to a recent press release.

To be more specific, the notice of violation relates to software installed in model years 2014, 2015, and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0 liter diesel engines. In total, this relates to around 104,000 vehicles sold in the US.

While the EPA has seemingly avoided using the term “defeat devices” in reference to this software, these (up to 8) auxiliary emission control devices seem to have been designed to pass EPA tests … and then for the subsequent loosening of emissions controls during real-world use — and thus increased NOx emissions.

The press release provides more: “The undisclosed software results in increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the vehicles. … EPA is working in coordination with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which has also issued a notice of violation to FCA. EPA and CARB have both initiated investigations based on FCA’s alleged actions.”

“Failing to disclose software that affects emissions in a vehicle’s engine is a serious violation of the law, which can result in harmful pollution in the air we breathe,” stated Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “We continue to investigate the nature and impact of these devices. All automakers must play by the same rules, and we will continue to hold companies accountable that gain an unfair and illegal competitive advantage.”

“Once again, a major automaker made the business decision to skirt the rules and got caught,” said CARB Chair Mary D Nichols. “CARB and US EPA made a commitment to enhanced testing as the Volkswagen case developed, and this is a result of that collaboration.”

To reiterate here, none of the auxiliary emission control devices that have been discovered were disclosed to the EPA during the certification process, as is required. The EPA is now reportedly investigating whether the discovered control devices constitute “defeat devices.”

Those interested can find the notice of violation here.











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