Dodge class action lawsuits over the past decade have targeted defective engines, emissions cheating, dangerous steering, collapsing seats, transmission marketing, and a recent data breach, with parent companies FCA US LLC and Stellantis facing claims across nearly every popular Dodge and Ram model. Some cases have produced settlements paying cash and extending warranties. Others are still moving through federal court in 2026. What follows sorts the major cases by what you can still do about them.
Cases Still Active in 2026
HEMI V8 Engine “Tick” Lawsuit
In Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 1:22-cv-00621, District of Delaware), plaintiffs allege that the valve train in Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI and 6.4-liter HEMI 392 engines fails prematurely, starting with excessive camshaft lobe and lifter wear that sends metal debris through the engine oil and can end in catastrophic failure. The proposed class covers 2014 and newer Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. Some owners have reported paying as much as $15,000 for engine repairs or replacements.1Berger Montague. Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC As of mid-2026, the case is in fact discovery while the court considers a motion to dismiss.
Pentastar 3.6L V6 Engine Lawsuit
A companion case, Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 1:22-cv-00116, District of Delaware), alleges the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 has a defective valve train that produces ticking, bucking, surging, and loss of power, forcing early replacement of valve train components.2Berger Montague. Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC The proposed class covers 2014 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM models equipped with the Pentastar, including the Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, and Ram 1500. A federal judge trimmed some claims in February 2023 but allowed others to proceed, and the case remains in fact discovery as of June 2026.3CourtListener. Maugain v. FCA US LLC Docket
Seat Height Adjuster Collapse Lawsuit
Filed in February 2026, Alexander et al. v. FCA US LLC et al. (Case No. 3:26-cv-00314, N.D. Texas) alleges that FCA and seat supplier Lear Corporation sold more than two million vehicles with electric front seat height adjusters that can collapse in low-speed rear-end collisions. Affected models include the 2011–2023 Dodge Charger, 2011–2023 Dodge Challenger, 2011–2023 Chrysler 300, 2011–2017 Chrysler 200, and 2013–2016 Dodge Dart.4CarComplaints.com. Chrysler Seat Height Adjuster Lawsuit Testing cited in the complaint documented the adjuster bracket collapsing at speeds as low as 25 mph, dropping the seat and leaving occupants out of position relative to seat belts and airbags. The plaintiffs allege FCA and Lear knew about the defect as early as 2011 and concealed it from regulators, and they assert RICO violations, breach of warranty, and fraud.5Top Class Actions. Chrysler Class Action Alleges Seat Height Adjusters Are Defective The case is in its early stages.
Ram ProMaster Nine-Speed Transmission Lawsuit
Filed in April 2026, Gonzalez et al. v. FCA US LLC d/b/a Stellantis North America et al. (Case No. 2:26-cv-04407, C.D. Cal.) alleges that 2022–2023 Ram ProMaster vans marketed as having a nine-speed automatic transmission cannot actually use their eighth or ninth gears because the vans’ aerodynamic profile is too large for the software to engage them under real-world driving.6ClassAction.org. Nine-Speed Ram ProMaster Vans Only Have Seven Usable Gears Class Action Alleges Buyers reportedly paid a premium of up to $6,070 for the transmission upgrade.7Top Class Actions. Ram ProMaster Class Action Alleges Stellantis Sold 9-Speed Vans With Only Seven Usable Gears No rulings have been issued.
Stellantis Data Breach Lawsuit
A class action was filed in January 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan after a ransomware group calling itself “Everest” breached Stellantis systems around Christmas Day 2025 and exfiltrated roughly one terabyte of personal data belonging to tens of thousands of Chrysler and Jeep customers, including Social Security numbers.8CyberInsider. Stellantis Sued Over Chrysler Data Breach Claimed by Everest Ransomware Plaintiffs allege negligence and inadequate cybersecurity. The case is in its early stages.
Cummins Recall 67A: Money Still Available for Ram 2500 and 3500 Diesel Owners
This one you can still act on. In January 2024, the DOJ announced a $1.675 billion Clean Air Act settlement with engine maker Cummins Inc. over undisclosed defeat devices in the diesel engines used in 2013–2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks — the largest civil penalty in Clean Air Act history, covering roughly 630,000 vehicles.9U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cummins Inc. Vehicle Emission Control Violations Settlement
Cummins funds recall campaign 67A, a free software update performed at Ram dealerships. Trucks that receive the update also get an extended warranty on emissions-related and aftertreatment components. There are no hardware changes, and the recall is available indefinitely.10U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cummins Settlement Nationwide Recall Program Overview To push participation, Cummins is offering a $500 prepaid Mastercard to owners who complete the service, with a $1,000 early-adopter bonus for the first 750 participants.11Cummins Inc. Cummins Offers $500 Emissions Recall 67A Ram Diesel Trucks Check your VIN at the Mopar recall page or CumminsRecall.com.
Recent Settlements With Deadlines Now Closed
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Fire Risk
Crawford et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 2:20-cv-12341, E.D. Mich.) covered owners of 2014–2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks (about 100,000 vehicles built between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019) who alleged that defective EGR coolers cracked from thermal fatigue, leaked coolant, and could ignite intake manifold fires.12ClassAction.org. FCA Dodge Ram Settlement Ends Lawsuit Over Alleged EGR Cooler Defect Fire Risk The settlement received preliminary approval on September 11, 2025, with a final fairness hearing on March 17, 2026.13EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Case. Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Benefits included an automatic five-year parts-and-labor warranty on replaced EGR coolers, up to $750,000 for out-of-pocket costs (with rental car reimbursement capped at $500 per truck and coolant at $75), and a $3,000 payment for any class member whose vehicle caught fire from a failed EGR cooler, supported by a police, fire, or insurance report.14EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Case. Crawford v. FCA Settlement FAQ The claim deadline was May 16, 2026. The warranty extension applied automatically to eligible vehicles.
Chrysler 200 Partial Zero Emission Vehicle Warranty
Thompson et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 2:21-cv-09815, C.D. Cal.) covered 2015–2017 Chrysler 200 vehicles sold as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles in eleven states. Owners alleged FCA failed to provide required warranty coverage for MultiAir Actuator and fuel injector components. The settlement extended that warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles and reimbursed prior repairs. The claim deadline was March 30, 2026, with final approval set for June 4, 2026.15ClassAction.org. Chrysler Settlement Resolves Class Action Lawsuit Over Insufficient Vehicle Parts Warranties
Dodge Grand Caravan Sliding Door Actuator
White et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 4:21-cv-11696) covered 2017 Dodge Grand Caravans built between January 1 and December 31, 2017, with allegedly defective sliding door lock actuators. FCA agreed to a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty extension on the actuator and reimbursement for prior repairs. Preliminary approval came in March 2025, with a final hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025.16ClassAction.org. Dodge Door Latch Settlement Includes Warranty Extensions Reimbursements for Grand Caravan Repair Costs
Ram Brake Hydraulic Control Unit
Wilson et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 4:22-cv-00447) covered 2017–2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks with allegedly defective brake hydraulic control units. The settlement reimburses HCU repairs and rental vehicles used during those repairs. The fairness hearing was held in April 2025, and exclusion and objection deadlines have passed.17FCA Ram Brake Settlement. Wilson et al. v. FCA US LLC Settlement
Major Older Settlements Worth Knowing About
EcoDiesel Emissions Cheating — $840 Million
The largest consumer settlement tied to Dodge vehicles came out of the 2014–2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel emissions scandal. After the EPA identified at least eight undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices and issued a formal notice of violation in January 2017, FCA agreed to a global settlement with regulators that included $305 million in civil environmental penalties and a commitment to fix at least 85 percent of roughly 101,000 affected vehicles.18U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn About FCA Violations
The consumer side, In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2777, N.D. Cal.), was valued at up to $840 million, with roughly $300 million for owners and lessees.19Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP. Robbins Geller Helps Score Final Approval of $840 Million Global Settlement Judge Edward M. Chen granted final approval on May 3, 2019. Owners still holding their vehicle received $3,075 per truck (or $2,460 if a former owner also filed), while lessees and former owners received $990. Every affected vehicle got a free software update and an extended emissions warranty running through May 2029.20EcoDiesel Settlement. Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Settlement The claims portal is closed, but the extended emissions warranty is still in force.
Tigershark 2.4L Oil Consumption
Wood et al. v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 5:20-cv-11054, E.D. Mich.) consolidated nine class actions alleging the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder consumed oil abnormally fast, risking engine damage and mid-drive shutdowns.21CarComplaints.com. Chrysler Tigershark Lawsuit Settlement Final Final approval came February 23, 2023. Coverage included the 2013–2016 Dodge Dart and several other FCA models. Benefits: an extended powertrain warranty of seven years or 100,000 miles, an automatic $340 payment for owners who got an engine replacement under a specific customer service notification, and an $8 million fund for towing and rental reimbursement.22FCA Tigershark Settlement. Wood et al. v. FCA US LLC Settlement Claim deadlines have passed, but the powertrain warranty extension may still cover you.
Ram “Death Wobble” Steering Defect
Owners of 2008–2012 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks alleged that defective tie rod ball studs fractured without warning, causing violent front-end shaking and potential loss of steering control.23ClassAction.org. Dodge Ram Class Action The case, resolved as Looper v. FCA US LLC (Case No. 5:14-cv-00700, C.D. Cal.), produced a $3.1 million settlement approved by Judge Virginia A. Phillips in August 2017. California purchasers of new class vehicles received $195 to $250 depending on model, and FCA supplied replacement steering components and a warranty extension through the end of 2017.24Gibbs Law Group. Chrysler Defective Steering Lawsuit The settlement is closed.
One Case That Was Dismissed
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat sued (Case No. 1:23-cv-00251, District of Delaware) claiming Dodge committed consumer fraud by marketing the model as a one-year, limited-edition vehicle capped at roughly 3,000 units and then resuming production for the 2023 model year. Some owners had paid as much as $114,225. In January 2026, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall dismissed the case, ruling that statements about future production plans are not deceptive simply because plans change, and that Dodge’s marketing did not create an express warranty or an enforceable guarantee of exclusivity.25CarPro. Dodge Wins Lawsuit Brought by Durango Hellcat Owners
If You Own an Affected Dodge
Start with your VIN. Enter it on the Mopar recall site to check whether your vehicle is subject to the Cummins 67A recall or any open safety recall. If you own a HEMI, Pentastar, Charger, Challenger, Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Dart, or a 2022–2023 Ram ProMaster, watch the active cases above; class notice will go out if and when a settlement is approved, so keep your address current with the automaker and save every repair invoice. For settlements whose claim windows have closed, the extended warranties often survive: an EcoDiesel emissions warranty runs through May 2029, the Tigershark powertrain warranty runs seven years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date, and the EGR cooler warranty runs five years from the date the cooler was replaced under recall. Bring those documents when you visit a dealer.