Stellantis
Flagged · AvoidStellantis is the multinational automaker behind Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler, formed in 2021, with a record of diesel emissions fraud, broken union commitments, safety recalls, and price hikes that drove away its own customers.
Last updated June 18, 2026
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Issues span:EnvironmentLaborConsumer
- FCA US, the American business of Stellantis, pleaded guilty to a federal criminal conspiracy charge and agreed to pay roughly $300 million for defrauding regulators and customers about the diesel emissions of more than 100,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 vehicles. The Justice Department found the company used software to cheat federal emissions tests while marketing the diesels as clean and best in class for fuel efficiency.
- In 2024 the United Auto Workers filed grievances and prepared to strike after Stellantis walked back its 2023 contract promise to reopen the idled Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois and the thousands of jobs tied to it. Union president Shawn Fain accused the company of going back on its commitments and driving a race to the bottom at the expense of American workers.
- Stellantis recalled 419,035 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs from model years 2022 through 2026 over a software defect that can delay side airbag deployment during a crash. The flaw left the vehicles out of compliance with federal side impact safety standards, with no reliable warning to drivers before a failure occurs.
- After its 2021 formation Stellantis raised prices aggressively across its Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands, and its own US dealers warned the cars had become too expensive and were locking out customers. The strategy padded short-term profits and executive pay while the company US market share plunged and unsold vehicles piled up on dealer lots.
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Common Questions
- Is Stellantis ethical?
- FCA US, the American arm of Stellantis, pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge and paid about $300 million for cheating diesel emissions tests on more than 100,000 vehicles. The company also backed out of a 2023 union contract promise to reopen its Belvidere plant, prompting the UAW to prepare a strike in 2024. More recently it recalled over 419,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees over a software defect that can delay side airbag deployment in a crash.
- Why are people boycotting Stellantis?
- Frustration with Stellantis grew after the company raised prices so aggressively across its Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands that its own dealers warned customers were being priced out and US market share collapsed. The UAW also accused the company of breaking its commitment to reopen the Belvidere plant and protect thousands of jobs. Safety recalls and a $300 million diesel emissions fraud penalty have added to the backlash.
- What are the best ethical alternatives to Stellantis?
- Subaru and Honda consistently rank high for reliability and safety without Stellantis regulatory and labor record. For electric trucks and SUVs, Rivian and Polestar are EV-focused brands with stronger transparency. Buying used from Carmax or a local dealership skips new manufacturing entirely and is often the most affordable choice.