Ram 1500 Owners May Receive Compensation Due to Engine Problems
Owners of Ram 1500 pickups in the USA can expect compensation following the conclusion of a class action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler. The issue concerns models from 2014–2019 with a diesel engine, in which a defect in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system was found.
In 2019, the company announced a recall due to the risk of cracks in the EGR cooler, which could lead to fluid leaks and fire. Over 108 thousand vehicles were recalled, and dealers replaced the faulty components.
Compensation Terms
Fiat Chrysler has agreed to extend the warranty on the replaced coolers by an additional 5 years. Furthermore, customers can receive reimbursement for expenses related to the breakdown, such as towing, car rental, and coolant fluid.
A separate compensation of up to $3000 will be received by owners whose vehicles caught fire due to an EGR malfunction. To confirm this, a report from the police, insurance company, or fire department must be provided. The payments only apply to models manufactured between 2013 and 2019.
The legal teams that represented the owners’ interests will receive $2.45 million in fees, while the victims themselves will receive significantly smaller amounts.
This case once again demonstrates that in such mass lawsuits, the bulk of the funds often goes to lawyers, not to compensating the damages of the actual victims. Despite this, Ram 1500 owners will finally receive at least partial compensation for the costs and inconveniences associated with the design flaws.