IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A federal judge has granted preliminary approval to a class action settlement regarding the well-known defect in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) coolers installed in certain Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks.
This development potentially concludes years of litigation stemming from allegations that the defective EGR coolers could lead to truck fires.
The settlement was reached with FCA US (formerly Chrysler), which continues to deny any wrongdoing or liability, stating that its 2019 recall fully addressed the issue for free. However, the agreement provides significant financial relief and warranty coverage for eligible owners.
Who Is Covered?
The settlement includes all individuals who purchased or leased in the United States a Model Year 2014–2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Truck manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019.
Key Benefits for EcoDiesel Owners
The agreement focuses on providing compensation and extended protection for customers affected by a failed EGR cooler.
Five-Year EGR Cooler Warranty Extension:
The most significant component for owners is the provision of an extended warranty to cover the cost of repairing a failed EGR cooler. This extension will last for five years and begins on the date the original EGR cooler was replaced with the non-defective part under the October 2019 recall. If a replacement cooler fails within this extended period, Ram 1500 owners can receive a free repair at a dealership.
Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Costs:
Owners may submit claims for reimbursement of certain expenses related to an EGR cooler failure, including:
- Tow truck costs.
- Rental car costs.
- Coolant costs.
Compensation for Truck Fire Damage:
If a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel experienced a fire confirmed to be caused by a failed EGR cooler, the owner may submit a claim to receive $3,000.
Next Steps
The settlement is currently under preliminary approval. The court is scheduled to hold a final fairness hearing on March 17, 2026, where the judge will decide whether to grant final approval.
