EAST ST. LOUIS –– A federal judge put a class action lawsuit against Chrysler on hold pending an appeal.
Chief Judge Michael J. Reagan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois made the decision on July 23 after the car company filed an appeal with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals over class certification.
Former U.S. Attorney Stephen Wigginton, on behalf of Belleville city attorney Brian Flynn, filed the lawsuit in 2015 against Chrysler over the company's uConnect technology. The suit claims hackers can override the controls of a vehicle and remotely drive it. A Wired magazine article shows a demonstration of a computer operator taking over a Jeep remotely.
Chrysler recalled over 1 million vehicles due to the issue.
Chrysler recalled over 1 million vehicles due to the issue. However, the plaintiffs argue this did not solve the problem.
Flynn, along with other plaintiffs, allege Chrysler violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state laws protecting consumers.
Earlier this month, Reagan ruled the plaintiffs provided evidence of faulty design and installation of the uConnect devices, but threw out fraud and false advertising claims. He also did not find the car company unjustly enriched itself.
Reagan also removed Flynn as the class leader and appointed other car owners in his place.
The company that manufactured uConnect for Chrysler, Harman International Industries, faced potential legal action. However, Reagan ruled that the company did not know their systems presented a potential security risk.