If you own a Dodge Ram, several lawsuits and government settlements may affect you depending on the model year, engine, and defect. Recent Dodge Ram lawsuits cover fire-prone exhaust gas recirculation coolers in the 1500 EcoDiesel, diesel emissions cheating on both the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and the 6.7-liter Cummins engines in 2500 and 3500 trucks, a brake control unit defect in 2017–2018 heavy-duty models, alleged HEMI V8 camshaft and lifter failures, and a newer claim that the 2022–2023 Ram ProMaster’s nine-speed transmission only uses seven gears. Some are settled, some are still in litigation, and each has its own eligibility window.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Fire Settlement
In Crawford et al. v. FCA US LLC, plaintiffs alleged that the EGR cooler in 2014–2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks cracks over time from thermal fatigue, letting vaporized coolant enter the intake manifold and ignite. The class covers about 100,000 trucks built between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019.1ClassAction.org. FCA Dodge Ram Settlement Ends Lawsuit Over Alleged EGR Cooler Defect Fire Risk
Owners whose trucks caught fire because of a failed EGR cooler can claim $3,000 with documentation from a police report, insurance record, fire report, or repair invoice. FCA also extended the warranty on parts and labor for EGR cooler repairs to five years from the date the cooler is replaced under recall VB1. A separate $750,000 fund reimburses tow charges, rental cars up to $500, and coolant costs up to $75, with payouts reduced pro rata if claims exceed the fund.2ClassAction.org. Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Notice
Preliminary approval came on September 11, 2025, with the final fairness hearing set for March 17, 2026.3Hagens Berman. Dodge Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic EcoDiesel Trucks EGR Cooler Fire Hazard The claim deadline was May 16, 2026, and the official settlement site now confirms that the filing window has closed.4EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Case. EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Settlement
EcoDiesel Emissions Cheating: Civil and Criminal Penalties
The same 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine drew federal enforcement for a different problem. In January 2017, the EPA alleged that FCA installed undisclosed software in 2014–2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesels that let emission controls behave one way on the test bench and another way on the road, producing excess nitrogen oxide.5EPA. Learn About FCA Violations
A January 2019 civil settlement exceeded $500 million, including a $305 million federal penalty, $19 million to California, and $6 million to Customs and Border Protection. FCA also had to recall and repair more than 100,000 vehicles and submit to three years of independent compliance monitoring. A parallel consumer class action paid eligible owners between $990 and $3,075, with total value above $300 million.6DOJ. Civil Settlements With United States and California, Fiat Chrysler Will Resolve Allegations
In June 2022, FCA US LLC pleaded guilty to conspiring to cheat U.S. emissions tests. On August 1, 2022, a Detroit federal judge imposed roughly $300 million in penalties: a fine of about $96.1 million and forfeiture of about $203.6 million, plus three years of organizational probation and a required compliance program.7DOJ. FCA US LLC Sentenced in Connection With Conspiracy to Cheat US Emissions Tests
Ram 2500 and 3500 Cummins Diesel Emissions
The heavy-duty Ram trucks with Cummins-supplied diesels face their own emissions case. In January 2024, the DOJ and EPA announced a proposed settlement with Cummins Inc. over defeat-device software in engines used in 2013–2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, plus undisclosed calibrations for model years 2019–2023. Roughly one million vehicles were affected.8California Air Resources Board. Cummins Settlement Frequently Asked Questions
The proposed package totals about $2 billion. The $1.675 billion civil penalty is, according to the DOJ, the largest ever under the Clean Air Act. It also funds mitigation projects and pays for recall campaign 67A, a software update. Owners who get the recall installed receive an extended emissions warranty and are not required to release their right to sue separately.9EPA. Cummins Inc Vehicle Emission Control Violations Settlement
Private Cases Against FCA and Cummins
Owners have also sued directly. Biederman v. FCA US LLC and Cummins Inc., filed December 27, 2023, in the Northern District of California, alleges unauthorized defeat devices in 2013–2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks and seeks refunds for consumers who paid a premium for supposedly clean diesels. As of mid-2026 the case is still active, with no class certification ruling or settlement reported.10Hagens Berman. FCA RAM 2500 3500 Emissions
A narrower suit, Raymo et al. v. FCA US LLC and Cummins Inc., addressed a defective selective catalytic reduction system in 2013–2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.7-liter Cummins. The court approved a $6 million settlement on February 18, 2025, paying about $106.06 per eligible truck. Initial checks went out in May 2025, with residual payments in October 2025.112500-3500 Diesel SCR Settlement. Raymo et al v FCA US LLC and Cummins Inc Settlement
Heavy-Duty Ram Brake Settlement
Wilson et al. v. FCA US LLC alleges that certain 2017–2018 Ram heavy-duty trucks contain a defective anti-lock brake module and brake hydraulic control unit that can knock out the ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control. Affected models built between April 1, 2017, and December 29, 2018, include the Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 3500 10K Lb. Cab Chassis, Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 4500/5500.12ClassAction.org. Ram Brake Settlement Resolves Class Action Suit Over Alleged ABS Module Hydraulic Control Unit Defect
Under the settlement, FCA launched a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 24V-896) to replace the brake HCU with a redesigned unit. The recall covers roughly 317,630 to 340,290 vehicles. Owners who already paid for HCU repairs can seek reimbursement, and a $600,000 fund covers rental costs up to $100 per day or $1,000 per truck.13FCA Ram Brake Settlement. Wilson et al v FCA US LLC Brake Settlement14NHTSA. Recall 24V-896 Dealer Communication The fairness hearing was held April 11, 2025, in Sherman, Texas. As of mid-2026 the settlement is in its post-hearing phase, and no reimbursements are paid until the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved. To check eligibility, call the administrator at (833) 383-3648.
HEMI Engine “Tick” Class Action
Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC, filed in May 2022 in the District of Delaware, alleges that FCA’s Gen III 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engines have a defect in the multi-displacement valve train system that causes camshaft and lifter failures, produces a ticking or knocking noise, and circulates metal debris through the engine oil. Severe cases allegedly end in complete engine failure while driving.15FCA Hemi Lawsuit. Petro et al v FCA US LLC
The vehicles at issue are broad: 2014 and newer Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks, plus the Dodge Durango, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chrysler 300, wherever those affected HEMI engines were installed. Plaintiffs say FCA has known about the problem since at least 2012 and has treated the ticking as normal, denying warranty coverage. Owners report paying around $15,000 out of pocket for engine replacements.16Lemon Law Help. Chrysler Engine Hemi Tick
The case is still pending. FCA moved to dismiss, plaintiffs opposed the motion in December 2022, and the court has not ruled. Fact discovery is underway, and no class certification decision has been made.17Berger Montague. Petro et al v FCA US LLC There is no claim form or payout available at this stage.
Ram ProMaster Nine-Speed Transmission Suit
A newer complaint, Gonzalez et al. v. FCA US, LLC d/b/a Stellantis North America, was filed in California in April 2026. It alleges that 2022–2023 Ram ProMaster commercial vans, marketed with a “new nine-speed automatic transmission,” are built so they can never reach eighth or ninth gear, leaving them functionally equivalent to older six-speed models despite price increases of up to $6,070. The suit invokes the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act along with California and New Jersey consumer protection statutes. Stellantis has not yet responded in court.18ClassAction.org. Ram ProMaster Vans Only Have Seven Usable Gears Class Action Lawsuit Alleges
Older Ram 2500 and 3500 “Death Wobble” Settlement
If you own an older heavy-duty Ram, one earlier case may still be relevant to your records. Sater et al. v. Chrysler Group LLC alleged that a defective left tie rod ball stud in 2008–2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 four-wheel-drive trucks could fracture and cause loss of steering control, a problem owners called “death wobble.” A California federal judge preliminarily approved a $3.1 million class settlement in March 2017.19Top Class Actions. Recall Spurs Dodge Ram Steering Defect Class Action Lawsuit
What to Do if You Own an Affected Truck
Match your truck to the specific case by model, engine, and build date rather than by nameplate alone. The EcoDiesel fire claim window has closed. The heavy-duty brake settlement still runs through the court, so watch the settlement site and recall 24V-896 status through your dealer. Cummins-engine owners in 2500 and 3500 trucks should install recall 67A when offered, which preserves the right to bring a separate claim. For active cases like Petro (HEMI) and Biederman (Cummins), keep repair invoices, tow bills, and any dealer communications; those documents typically drive later reimbursement claims if a class is certified or a settlement is reached.