Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Class Action: What Owners Need to Know Under Lemon Law

What’s the Problem

Owners of 2014–2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks have reported serious issues with defective EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) coolers. In some cases, the EGR coolers allegedly failed and, in the worst scenarios, caused engine fires.

A proposed class action settlement has been preliminarily approved, raising questions for truck owners about whether joining the settlement is enough—or if California Lemon Law offers stronger protection.

Allegations

The lawsuit alleged that Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks equipped with defective EGR coolers:

  • Were prone to failure due to heat stress and design flaws.

  • Could cause sudden breakdowns, coolant leaks, or vehicle fires.

  • Diminished the value and reliability of the trucks for owners and lessees.

FCA (Chrysler) has denied wrongdoing, arguing that its October 2019 recall completely repaired the affected vehicles at no cost.

Recall/TSB

  • In October 2019, Chrysler announced a recall of 2014–2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks to replace defective EGR coolers.

  • The class action settlement builds on that recall, offering:

    • A five-year warranty extension from the date of the EGR cooler replacement.

    • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses like towing, rental cars, and coolant.

    • $3,000 payments for owners whose trucks caught fire due to the defect.

  • A fairness hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026 to determine final approval of the settlement.

Symptoms

Owners have reported a variety of warning signs linked to defective EGR coolers, including:

  • Coolant leaks or low coolant levels.

  • Engine overheating.

  • White smoke from the exhaust.

  • Sudden loss of power.

  • In extreme cases, engine compartment fires.

These symptoms can reappear even after recall repairs, which may strengthen a Lemon Law claim.

How to Proceed

Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the dealership. Ensure every complaint you make is written on the work order at the time of service.

Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: If the same problem occurs after four or more repair attempts—or if your truck has been in the shop for more than 30 cumulative days—it may qualify as a lemon under California law.

Monitor Symptoms: If your Ram shows new signs of overheating, smoke, or engine trouble, stop driving and seek immediate inspection.

California’s New Lemon Law

Unfortunately, FCA has taken advantage of California’s “new” lemon law, AB 1755 and Civil Code section 871.20 et seq. Because of these changes, vehicles purchased in California more than six years may no longer qualify for lemon law protections. If this concerns you, consider contacting your local state representative to express your disappointment that California’s lemon law has been weakened.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

Joshua ValeroFCA, FCA Lemon Law, Lemon Law FCA