Owners of certain Fiat 500 models in Quebec may soon receive compensation and repairs for a persistent mechanical issue. The Superior Court of Quebec has officially authorized a class action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Inc., targeting a defect in the vehicles' door handles or locking mechanisms.
Who Is Eligible for the Class Action?
The lawsuit, spearheaded by lawyer David Assor of Lex Group Inc., encompasses a specific group of Quebec residents. Anyone in the province who purchased or leased a Fiat 500 from model years 2012 through 2019 is automatically included in the class. The legal action centers on what court documents term the "door handle issue," where components may jam, break, or detach entirely, posing potential safety and functionality concerns.
Proposed Settlement Terms for Affected Owners
If the proposed settlement receives final approval, it will establish a comprehensive program to address the defect. The cornerstone is an extended warranty program covering the door handle issue for 10 years from the vehicle's original registration date. Following an inspection, FCA will repair or replace faulty handles at no cost to the owner.
For vehicles already exceeding the 10-year age limit, the settlement offers a significant concession: owners will receive one additional year of coverage once settlement approval notices are sent out. The agreement allows for unlimited claims during the active warranty period, though it does not cover purely preventive inspections or repairs.
Perhaps most notably for those who have already paid out-of-pocket, the settlement includes a reimbursement plan. Owners can be reimbursed for previous repair costs related to the door handle defect, with no cap on the total reimbursement amount. To qualify, claimants must provide supporting documentation and submit their claim within one year after the settlement approval notices are distributed.
Next Steps and Important Deadlines
A crucial hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for February 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. It will be held at the Montreal courthouse (1 Notre-Dame St. E., Room 17.09) and also accessible via Microsoft Teams.
For Quebec Fiat 500 owners, the process is designed to be straightforward. Individuals who wish to be part of the class action and benefit from the settlement need take no immediate action and will pay nothing. FCA has agreed to cover all administrative expenses, notice costs, and class counsel fees.
Those who, for any reason, wish to exclude themselves from the action must act proactively. They are required to send a formal notice of exclusion by February 4, 2026, via mail to the Clerk of the Superior Court of Quebec. More detailed information about the lawsuit and its terms is available on the dedicated class action website.
