Claudia Robles v. FCA US LLC

I. Introduction and Background

Plaintiff Claudia Robles (“Plaintiff”) filed this lawsuit in California state court on February 6, 2020. Dkt. 1-3. Defendant FCA US, LLC (“FCA”) removed the lawsuit to this Court on March 16, 2020. Dkt. 1. FCA’s Notice of Removal asserted that federal diversity jurisdiction existed under 28 U.S.C. § 1332. Of relevance to this motion, FCA asserted in its Notice of Removal that the non-diverse party named in this lawsuit, Lake Elsinore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (“the Lake Dealership”) was fraudulently joined in this action, and therefore its citizenship should be disregarded for purpose of diversity jurisdiction analysis. Dkt. 1 at 4.

Plaintiff’s Complaint alleges seven causes of action, five against FCA pursuant to California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, one against FCA for fraudulent concealment, and a single cause of action against the Lake Dealership for negligent repair. Dkt. 1-3. In particular, the cause of action against the Lake Dealership alleges that:

165. Plaintiff delivered the Subject Vehicle to Defendant Lake for substantial repair on at least one occasion. 166. Defendant Lake owed a duty to Plaintiff to use ordinary care and…