The Cummins class action lawsuit landscape actually contains several separate cases, all stemming from the company’s use of illegal emissions “defeat device” software in roughly one million Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel pickup trucks. If you own an affected Ram truck, the most immediate remedy is the federally mandated recall (campaign 67A), which includes a free software fix, an extended emissions warranty, and, for a limited window, a $500 prepaid Mastercard. A consumer settlement covering 2013–2015 trucks in 17 states has already paid out about $106 per truck. A broader consumer fraud case covering 2013–2023 Ram diesels is still active in federal court in California. A separate securities class action for Cummins shareholders received final approval in May 2026.
The Scandal Behind the Lawsuits
In December 2023, Cummins reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice, EPA, and California regulators over software installed on 6.7-liter diesel engines supplied to Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) for Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. Investigators found the software activated full emissions controls during lab certification testing but reduced or deactivated them during normal driving, allowing trucks to emit nitrogen oxides well above legal limits on the road.1EPA.gov. 2024 Cummins Inc. Vehicle Emission Control Violations Settlement
About 630,000 model year 2013–2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks were equipped with the illegal software. An additional 330,000 trucks from model years 2019–2023 contained undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices that Cummins never reported to regulators during certification.2EPA.gov. United States and California Announce Diesel Engine Manufacturer Cummins Inc. Agrees
The formal settlement filed January 10, 2024, imposed a $1.675 billion civil penalty — the largest ever under the Clean Air Act — plus more than $325 million in remediation spending. Cummins did not admit wrongdoing and has maintained it “has seen no evidence that anyone acted in bad faith.”3CalMatters. Cummins Engines Pollution Fine
Recall Campaign 67A: The Free Repair and $500 Incentive
The government settlement required Cummins to run a nationwide recall covering the 630,000 affected 2013–2019 Ram trucks. The 2020–2023 model year trucks are not part of this recall.2EPA.gov. United States and California Announce Diesel Engine Manufacturer Cummins Inc. Agrees
The repair is a software update that increases the diesel exhaust fluid dosing rate. Cummins says it takes less than an hour at an authorized Ram dealership, requires no hardware changes, and does not change the truck’s power, torque, or responsiveness. Repaired trucks also receive up to 10 additional years of warranty coverage on select emissions and aftertreatment components.4Cummins Inc. Cummins Offers $500 for Emissions Recall 67A on Ram Diesel Trucks
To push completion toward its 85% target, Cummins launched an incentive in February 2026. Owners who complete the recall between February 17 and May 31, 2026, receive a $500 prepaid Mastercard. The first 750 participants received $1,000 under an initial promotional tier.4Cummins Inc. Cummins Offers $500 for Emissions Recall 67A on Ram Diesel Trucks5CumminsRecall.com. Cummins Recall 67A
Raymo Consumer Settlement (2013–2015 Trucks): Closed, Already Paid
Before the defeat device scandal became public, a separate consumer class action was already moving through the Eastern District of Michigan. Raymo v. FCA US LLC and Cummins alleged a defective selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system in 2013–2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with Cummins engines.
The class covered people who bought or leased new trucks in 17 specified states between November 26, 2014, and July 13, 2016. Judge Terrence G. Berg granted final approval of a $6 million settlement on February 18, 2025. Class members did not need to file claims. FCA’s own purchase records identified eligible owners, who received approximately $106 per truck. Initial payments went out May 2, 2025, with residual checks distributed October 7, 2025.62500-3500 Diesel SCR Settlement. Raymo et al. v. FCA US LLC and Cummins Inc. Settlement72500-3500 Diesel SCR Settlement. Raymo Settlement FAQ
Biederman Consumer Fraud Case: The Active One
Biederman v. FCA US LLC and Cummins Inc. (Case No. 3:23-cv-06640) was filed December 27, 2023, just days after the government settlement was announced. Unlike Raymo, this case targets the full sweep of the defeat device scheme across 2013–2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. It is pending before Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in the Northern District of California.8ClassAction.org. FCA, Cummins Hit With Class Action Over Illegal Ram 2500/3500 Emissions Control Devices
The complaint brings claims under California consumer protection statutes (the CLRA, UCL, and FAL), the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, unjust enrichment, and originally civil RICO.
In February 2025, Judge Corley ruled on the defendants’ motion to dismiss. She threw out the RICO claim with prejudice, finding that plaintiffs lacked standing under the Illinois Brick indirect purchaser doctrine. Nationwide common-law fraud claims were dismissed as well, along with certain warranty claims. But the core California consumer protection claims survived, as did misrepresentation, omission, unjust enrichment, and Song-Beverly implied warranty theories. Plaintiffs were given leave to amend everything except RICO.9Justia. Biederman et al v. FCA US LLC et al, Order on Motion to Dismiss
Plaintiffs asked the court to reconsider the RICO dismissal in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Medical Marijuana, Inc. v. Horn. Judge Corley denied that motion in May 2025 but certified the question for interlocutory appeal. The appellate ruling will determine whether the case can move forward as a nationwide class or only on behalf of California truck owners.9Justia. Biederman et al v. FCA US LLC et al, Order on Motion to Dismiss
No settlement has been reached, and no claims process exists yet. Owners of 2013–2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel trucks are the potentially covered group if the case proceeds.
Baker Securities Class Action: Final Approval Granted
Cummins stock dropped $7.01 per share, or 2.87%, on December 22, 2023, wiping out more than $990 million in market value in a single day.1011th.com. Cummins Investors Suit Investor Tom Baker filed a securities class action on January 15, 2024, alleging Cummins and its executives — including CEO Jennifer Rumsey, former CEO N. Thomas Linebarger, and CFO Mark A. Smith — had issued materially false and misleading statements about the company’s emissions investigations and environmental commitments since 2019.11Inside Indiana Business. Cummins Faces Shareholder and Customer Lawsuits After $2B Settlement
The case (Case No. 1:25-cv-00430-TWP-MKK) landed in the Southern District of Indiana before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. After Cummins filed a motion to dismiss in May 2025, the parties settled rather than litigate it. Lead counsel candidly told the court that the motion posed a “substantial risk” and that shareholders could “receive nothing” if the court granted it.12Strategic Claims Services. Cummins Stipulation of Settlement
The $1.6 million settlement covers investors who purchased Cummins common stock between February 11, 2019, and December 21, 2023. Estimated gross recovery is roughly $0.22 per damaged share, or about $0.14 per share after attorneys’ fees (capped at 30% of the fund) and expenses.13Strategic Claims Services. Cummins Notice and Claim Form
Judge Pratt granted final approval on May 21, 2026. The claims deadline was April 23, 2026, administered by Strategic Claims Services. Investors who did not file by that date are not eligible for a distribution.14Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. Cummins Inc.13Strategic Claims Services. Cummins Notice and Claim Form
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Dismissed
Several shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed on behalf of Cummins itself against its executives and board, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty. These are not a source of recovery for individual shareholders or truck owners. Judge Pratt dismissed the consolidated derivative suits on May 27, 2026, though contemporaneous reporting suggested the dismissal may have been without prejudice.15Law360. Cummins Beats Emissions Derivative Suits for Now
What to Do If You Own an Affected Ram Truck
If your truck is a 2013–2019 Ram 2500 or 3500 with a Cummins 6.7-liter diesel, check whether it is included in recall campaign 67A and schedule the free software update at an authorized Ram dealership. Completing the recall between February 17 and May 31, 2026, adds the $500 prepaid card and preserves the extended emissions warranty.5CumminsRecall.com. Cummins Recall 67A
If your truck is a 2013–2015 Ram 2500 or 3500 and you were an eligible original buyer or lessee in one of the 17 Raymo states, payments have already been distributed based on FCA’s records; no claim form was ever required.72500-3500 Diesel SCR Settlement. Raymo Settlement FAQ
If your truck is a 2013–2023 Ram 2500 or 3500, the Biederman case is the litigation to watch. Whether it ultimately covers owners nationwide or only in California depends on the interlocutory appeal now pending on the RICO standing question.