News broke this week that a group of owners is suing Dodge and its parent company, Stellantis. According to reports, this lawsuit stems from Dodge continuing to produce the Durango Hellcat after it said the high-horsepower SUV would only be available for a single model year. Now, owners of 2021 original production models are claiming false advertising.
Owners file suit against Dodge to expand Durango Hellcat production into 2023
Dodge continued production of the Durango Hellcat into 2023, presumably exceeding the 3,000-unit mark.
reports that Dodge initially only allocated the Durango Hellcat for a single year of 3,000-unit production. At the time, it was the latest example of Stellantis’ trend of putting the popular supercharged V8 engine into its brands’ models.
These Durango Hellcat models combined a specialized 700-horsepower engine with a limited production run—ideal conditions for high dealer margins and long-term resale value. Add in the effects of the pandemic-era auto market, and the 2021 Durango Hellcat could command steep prices. The owners said they bought the 2021 model specifically for its exclusivity.
Now, the owners claim Dodge falsely advertised the limited supply of Durango Hellcats. The lawsuit alleges that Dodge explicitly stated that the Durango Hellcat would no longer be available after 2021 on multiple occasions. According to Yahoo News, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation and a production halt for the 2023 Durango Hellcat.
The integral is available to the public. Stellantis released a statement saying the company is not commenting on the pending lawsuits.
Can you still order a Durango SRT Hellcat?
Dodge has not indicated that Durango Hellcat production has been discontinued. Orders began in September of 2022, and the model is still prominently displayed on Dodge’s corporate website.
About the Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango Hellcat is one of several models that have inherited the much-loved supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with over 700 horsepower.
The Hellcat engine found its start in Dodge’s muscle cars. The Charger Hellcat and Challenger Hellcat have become icons of American automotive performance since their release. Stellantis (formerly FCA) has since put the engine into models as diverse as the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, maximizing powertrain sales and brand-building potential.
Dodge brought the Hellcat engine to its three-row family SUV in 2021. The brand says Durango Hellcat SUVs can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7, have one engine, and can tow more than 7,000 pounds. THE .
The SUV allows muscle car enthusiasts to enjoy Hellcat power in more family-friendly dimensions. The Durango Hellcat offers three rows of seating and room for seven. That’s more than the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or Ram 1500 TRX, which also use the Hellcat powerplant.
The class action lawsuit against Stellantis has yet to reach its conclusion. Interested parties must wait for the aftermath of the Durango Hellcat lawsuit to become public.
