The emissions scandal trend is continuing into 2017. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and FCA US LLC (collectively FCA) received a notice of violation from the EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) on January 12, 2017.
Under the Clean Air Act, manufacturers are required to obtain EPA certification, by ensuring their vehicles meet federal emission standards. In this process, manufacturers must disclose all software that can affect the vehicles emissions, including auxiliary emission control devices.
The FCA allegedly installed engine management software in six different vehicle models sold in the US. In failing to disclose these installations, the FCA violated the Clean Air Act. EPA and CARB are collaborating to investigate these allegations.
2014, 2015, and 2016 FCA Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0 liter diesel engines are the specific models under investigation. About 104,000 vehicles are installed with auxiliary emission control devices.
So far, eight undisclosed devices have been found in the EPA investigation.
Part of the investigation is focused on determining whether the devices classify as illegal “defeat devices.”
EPA regulations are in place to monitor and minimize vehicle emissions. Only certain levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, toxic chemicals, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are permitted. In this case, the FCA software influences the operation of the NOx system, causing greater NOx emission levels. Vehicles with perfectly functioning emission controls were affected.
“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,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
NOx pollution is problematic on various levels, contributing to atmospheric nitrogen dioxide levels, fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Exposure to NOx is correlated with increased asthma attacks and other threatening respiratory illnesses. Also, premature death resulting from cardiovascular or respiratory related issues is linked to particulate matter and ozone exposure.
For more information, visit the EPA website.