A federal class action settlement covers 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks with defective EGR coolers that could leak coolant and cause engine fires. If you own or owned one of these trucks, check your VIN against the recall, make sure the free fix was performed, and look into whether you qualify for compensation under the settlement.
- The settlement covers 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesels built between June 2013 and October 2019
- Defective EGR coolers can leak coolant internally and in rare cases cause fires
- A free recall repair exists. If it was never done on your truck, get it done now
- Eligible owners may get financial relief and extended warranty coverage
If you own a 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, this one matters. A federal class action settlement was reached over defective EGR coolers in these trucks, coolers that could leak and in rare cases cause engine fires. Here is what happened, who it covers, and exactly what you should do.
What went wrong
The EGR cooler does a simple job. It cools exhaust gas before that gas gets recirculated back into the engine to reduce emissions. On the 2014 to 2019 EcoDiesel, the cooler could develop internal cracks. Coolant then leaks into the intake side where it does not belong.
A slow leak shows up as disappearing coolant. A bad leak can cause overheating, hydrolock, or in the worst cases FCA acknowledged, fire. Owners reported trucks burning to the ground. That is what turned a parts failure into a class action.
FCA, now part of Stellantis, issued a recall in 2019 to replace the coolers for free. The company denied wrongdoing but the lawsuits continued, and the settlement followed.
Who is covered
The settlement covers people who purchased or leased in the United States a model year 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel manufactured between June 12, 2013 and October 23, 2019.
Canadian owners should note the settlement is a US action. If you bought your truck in Canada, check whether parallel proceedings or warranty extensions apply to you. Either way, the safety recall itself applies regardless of country. The free repair is available.
What owners get
Settlement terms in cases like this typically include cash compensation for owners who paid for repairs out of pocket, plus extended warranty coverage on the EGR cooler and related components. Exact amounts and claim procedures are set out in the settlement notice. If you received a notice in the mail, do not throw it away. That notice is your instructions for filing a claim.
What you should do right now
1. Check your VIN. Go to the Ram recall website or call any Ram dealer with your VIN. They will tell you whether the EGR cooler recall was performed on your truck. This takes five minutes.
2. Get the free repair if it was never done. The recall replaces the defective cooler at no cost. If you are driving a 2014 to 2019 EcoDiesel that never got the fix, this is the most important maintenance item on your truck. Full stop.
3. Watch for symptoms. Slow coolant loss with no visible leak is the classic sign of EGR cooler trouble. White exhaust smoke, a sweet smell under the hood, or a climbing temperature gauge all point the same direction. Do not keep topping up the coolant and hoping. Get it diagnosed.
4. Keep your records. If you paid for EGR cooler related repairs before the recall, keep every receipt. Out of pocket repairs are exactly what settlements like this are meant to reimburse.
5. File your claim. If you got a settlement notice, follow its instructions before the deadline. Miss the deadline and you get nothing.
A note on the bigger picture
I am a mechanic, not a lawyer, and this is general information, not legal advice. But I can tell you what I see in the shop: the EGR cooler is the single most consequential failure point on the Gen 2 EcoDiesel. Everything else on the reliability list costs money. This one could cost the truck.
Keep the rest of the system healthy
The EGR cooler is one part of the emissions system. The DPF and DEF system need the same attention. Regular highway driving, prompt attention to check engine lights, and correct oil keep the whole system working. And if anyone suggests solving EGR problems by removing the system entirely, read our explanation of what a DPF delete really means first. The legal risk is not worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my truck is covered?
Check your VIN on the Ram recall website or call a dealer. Coverage includes 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks manufactured between June 12, 2013 and October 23, 2019. The dealer can tell you in minutes whether the EGR cooler recall was performed on your truck.
Should I keep driving my truck if the recall was never done?
Get the recall done first. A leaking EGR cooler can cause overheating and in rare cases fire. The repair is free. There is no reason to keep driving on a known defective part when the manufacturer will fix it at no cost.
What are the symptoms of a failing EGR cooler?
Slow coolant loss with no puddle under the truck is the classic sign. You may also see white smoke from the exhaust, a sweet smell from the engine bay, or the temperature gauge climbing. Any of these means stop driving and get it checked.