Ram is once again at the center of a class action lawsuit, but this time the outcome may benefit owners. A newly approved settlement could see certain RAM 1500 EcoDiesel owners receive cash payouts and reimbursements tied to an alleged fire risk linked to a faulty engine component. While these trucks are often still referred to as Dodge Rams, Ram and Dodge have been separate brands for years now, at least for the time being. This case specifically involves Ram-branded pickups sold after that split, all under the massive Stellantis umbrella.
Which RAM Trucks Are Covered
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The settlement applies to model year 2014 to 2019 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel trucks built between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019. According to the lawsuit, the trucks were equipped with exhaust gas recirculation coolers that could crack and leak coolant into the intake system. That failure is alleged to create conditions that may lead to combustion inside the engine, with some cases escalating into engine fires. FCA US, now part of Stellantis, has not explicitly admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims, regardless. The EcoDiesel was positioned as a fuel-efficient, torque-happy alternative to a V8-powered Ram truck, but it’s clear they weren’t as bulletproof as expected. And it’s not the only diesel issue making the rounds: Mercedes-Benz had to pay $120 million to settle its own diesel scandal.
How Much Owners Can Receive
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Compensation depends on what an owner experienced. Drivers whose trucks suffered an engine fire tied to an EGR cooler failure may qualify for a $3,000 cash payment, provided they submit supporting documentation. Rental car reimbursements are capped at $500 per truck, while coolant reimbursements are capped at $75 – that’s a total of $3,575. Owners who paid out of pocket to replace a failed EGR cooler within five years of the recall may also be eligible for reimbursement, along with a warranty extension covering parts and labor.
Owners Should Move Fast
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There are a few key dates to keep in mind. Claims must be filed by May 16, 2026, with opt-outs due by February 8 and objections by January 9. But this isn’t knocking the stride in Ram’s steps. The brand still plans to use the smaller Rampage truck to take on the Ford Maverick, and will pivot towards Hemi V8-powered trucks, considering no one is interested in the electric Ram 1500 anymore. Anyone who owned or leased a covered RAM 1500 EcoDiesel during the affected production period can submit a claim by clicking here.
