Seat Collapse Lawsuit Alleges Injuries May Occur During Rear End Collisions in Certain Dodge, Chrysler Vehicles

Seat failures during crashes can increase the risk of severe injury or death, particularly for rear seat passengers who may be struck when a front seat collapses backward.

A new class action lawsuit alleges that a defect in certain powered front seats used in Dodge and Chrysler vehicles can cause the seat to suddenly collapse during rear-end collisions.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Richard and Evelyn Alexander in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on February 5, naming FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC, and seat manufacturer Lear Corporation as defendants.

The Alexanders allege that an electric seat height adjuster manufactured by Lear Corporation and installed in millions of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles can fail during low speed rear end collisions, causing the seat to suddenly collapse beneath the occupant and increasing the risk of serious injury to drivers and passengers.

The dangers of seat collapse incidents have been well-documented in a series of similar lawsuits brought against other vehicle manufacturers. A Hyundai seat collapse lawsuit filed in December 2025 alleges that defects in the driver’s seat, headrest and seatbelt system of a 2023 Hyundai Kona caused catastrophic spinal injuries that left a New Jersey man paralyzed.

A prior Hyundai Tucson lawsuit claims that a front seat collapse during a rear end collision resulted in the death of a Pennsylvania man’s wife and his own paraplegia. In addition, a Kia Sorento lawsuit brought in April 2025 alleges that a woman was paralyzed when the front passenger seat in her vehicle suddenly collapsed, after being rear ended by a pickup truck.

Chrysler, Dodge Seat Collapse Allegations

The Alexanders allege that certain FCA US vehicles manufactured under the Chrysler and Dodge brand names are equipped with a defectively designed electric front driver and passenger seat height adjuster, which is a motorized component that raises and lowers the seat using a lead screw, nut and welded bracket assembly. 

According to the complaint, the bracket is structurally inadequate and can permanently deform or fail during a rear-end collision, particularly when the seat is positioned higher.

When the adjuster fails, the lawsuit claims the seat can abruptly collapse downward, leaving the occupant suspended out of position relative to the vehicle’s restraint system. Plaintiffs allege this sudden movement undermines the effectiveness of seat belts, airbags and head restraints at the exact moment they are needed most, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.

The lawsuit focuses on the following vehicle years, makes and models:

• 2011–2023 Dodge Charger
• 2011–2023 Chrysler 300
• 2011–2023 Dodge Challenger
• 2011–2017 Chrysler 200
• 2013–2016 Dodge Dart

The complaint cites testing conducted by engineers retained by plaintiffs’ counsel, which allegedly demonstrated that the seat height adjuster failed during rear-impact testing at approximately 25 mph.

According to the lawsuit, this type of seat collapse can increase the risk of head, neck and spinal injuries, including whiplash, cervical spine trauma and other orthopedic injuries, as well as a heightened risk of serious or fatal harm due to improper occupant positioning during a crash.

The Alexanders claim FCA and Lear knew or should have known about the defect for years but failed to disclose it to vehicle owners, regulators or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They allege the companies continued to manufacture, market and sell vehicles with the defective seat system without issuing a recall or providing adequate warnings.

“Defendants knew or should have known of the unreasonable risks of injury or death resulting from the failure of the Defective Seat Height Adjuster before selling the Class Vehicles to Plaintiffs and Class members.”

— Richard Alexander et al v. FA US LLC et al

The lawsuit raises allegations of violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breach of implied warranty, fraud and unjust enrichment. It is seeking nationwide class action status with a special subclass for residents of Texas, as well as damages for diminished vehicle value, out-of-pocket repair costs and other economic losses, as well as injunctive relief requiring the defendants to remedy the alleged defect.

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