- FCA’s recall of Ram 1500 trucks over EGR cooler defects sparked the lawsuit.
- Owners of Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks that caught fire may receive up to $3,000.
- The settlement awards $130,000 to 26 plaintiffs named in the class action lawsui
Owners and lessees of certain Ram pickup trucks in the United States may soon see compensation coming their way. A recent settlement could provide payouts or repair reimbursements for people who purchased or leased a 2014–2019 Ram 1500 equipped with the EcoDiesel engine, following the resolution of a lengthy class action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler US.
The case stemmed from a large-scale recall aimed at fixing a defect in the engine’s exhaust system.
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In October of 2019, FCA revealed the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler was susceptible to thermal fatigue that could cause it to crack over time. This would allow coolant to leak from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a fire. A total of 108,000 Ram models were recalled across the country, and dealers were instructed to replace the EGR coolers and intake manifolds, if necessary.
Warranty extensions and reimbursements
Through this new settlement, Chrysler will provide a warranty extension covering the cost to fix a new cooler for five years from the date the cooler was first replaced, should the new cooler also fail. Additionally, impacted customers can submit a claim to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket tow truck, rental car, and coolant costs that they have had to make in relation to a failed EGR cooler.
Additional compensation for severe cases
Any owner whose Ram 1500 EcoDiesel caught fire can receive up to $3,000. To prove a fire occurred, they must submit a police report, insurance report, or a fire department report that notes the fire likely originated in the EGR cooler or near it. Impacted models must be 2014-2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019.
Twenty-six plaintiffs named in the class action will each receive $5,000, amounting to $130,000 in total. That may sound decent until you glance at the other line item: the legal teams representing owners and lessees will collect a far more substantial $2.45 million in fees.
While this is far from unusual in large-scale settlements, it does highlight the often-lopsided nature of such cases, where the people actually affected by the defect receive a fraction of the total settlement pie.
