Stellantis Ram Truck Defect Class Action

Stellantis Ram trucks have become the subject of multiple class action lawsuits and recalls related to critical safety defects affecting braking systems, engine fire risks, and electronic stability control. If you own a Ram truck manufactured between 2014 and 2026, you may be eligible for compensation ranging from thousands of dollars to full repair reimbursements. The defects span across several model generations and have affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles, with some still under active government investigation.

The scope of these issues extends far beyond isolated incidents. Stellantis has faced recalls for 317,630 Ram heavy-duty trucks with brake system defects, approximately 1.5 million pickups with electronic stability control failures, and 72,509 newer models with instrument cluster failures. Meanwhile, Ram 1500 EcoDiesel owners dealing with fire-risk exhaust system defects have until May 16, 2026 to file claims for compensation.

Table of Contents

• What Defects Are Affecting Stellantis Ram Trucks?
• Ram Truck Settlement Details and Compensation Amounts
• Active Recalls and Their Scope
• How to File a Claim and Check Your Eligibility
• Common Issues and Warnings for Ram Owners
• Government Investigation Into Shift-Out-of-Park Defects
• Future Outlook and What’s Next for Ram Owners

What Defects Are Affecting Stellantis Ram Trucks?

Ram owners have reported multiple critical safety defects across different model years. The most serious issues include anti-lock braking system (ABS) failures in 2017-2018 heavy-duty models, engine fire risks in EcoDiesel engines from 2014-2019, and electronic stability control malfunctions affecting newer vehicles. These aren’t minor inconveniences—they directly impact the ability to safely control the vehicle, particularly in emergency braking situations or adverse weather conditions. The brake hydraulic control unit defects in 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models specifically impair ABS functionality, electronic stability control, and traction control systems. This means a driver might lose anti-lock braking capability in rainy conditions when they need it most, or discover that traction control fails in snow or on wet roads.

For commercial operators relying on these trucks for work, such failures create serious liability and safety concerns. The EcoDiesel defect presents an equally alarming scenario. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers can leak coolant directly onto hot engine components, creating a fire hazard. Owners have reported engine fires occurring while driving, in parking lots, and even while parked in their driveways. This defect affects a large window of model years—2014 through 2019—making it a widespread concern across an entire generation of trucks.

Ram Truck Settlement Details and Compensation Amounts

Two major settlements currently address Ram truck defects, each with distinct compensation structures and timelines. The brake system settlement covers 2017-2018 Ram heavy-duty trucks and offers eligible owners up to $3,000 in repair reimbursements for parts and labor, plus up to $1,000 for rental vehicle expenses incurred while repairs are being completed. This settlement recognizes the real costs of addressing the defect, including both the repair itself and the inconvenience of having your primary vehicle out of service. The more valuable Ram 1500 EcoDiesel settlement provides substantially higher compensation. Affected owners may receive up to $3,000 in direct cash compensation, $500 for rental reimbursement while vehicles are being repaired, and $75 for coolant system replacement costs, totaling up to $3,575 per claim. This higher payout reflects the increased danger and damage associated with engine fire risks compared to brake system failures.

However, this settlement operates under a strict deadline—claims must be filed by May 16, 2026. Missing this deadline means losing the right to compensation entirely. One critical limitation of both settlements is that owners typically must have documentation of the defect. For the brake settlement, this means having records that your ABS system failed or was repaired. For the EcoDiesel settlement, some claims may require proof of fire damage, repairs, or recall service completion. Owners who simply experienced the problem but never documented it or never took the vehicle to a dealership may face challenges proving eligibility.

Active Recalls and Their Scope

Beyond settled claims, Stellantis has issued multiple recalls addressing Ram truck defects. The most prominent is the brake system recall affecting 317,630 vehicles—specifically 2017 and 2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models. This recall requires dealership service to replace or repair the brake hydraulic control unit. While recall repairs are provided at no cost to owners, the process requires scheduling with a dealership and dedicating time to have the work completed. A second major recall addresses electronic stability control issues affecting nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide.

This software-related defect can disable the electronic stability control system, increasing crash risk especially in slippery conditions. The scope of this recall—1.5 million vehicles—indicates the defect was prevalent across multiple model years and possibly multiple generations of Ram trucks. Unlike mechanical defects that might have limited production runs, widespread software issues suggest the problem may have affected vehicles across broader production periods. A newer recall issued in 2025 addresses a more unusual but equally problematic defect: instrument cluster displays going blank in 72,509 Ram pickups and chassis cabs from 2025 and 2026 model years. When the 12-inch digital instrument cluster fails, drivers lose access to critical safety information including speedometer readings, fuel level, engine temperature, and warning indicators. This defect is particularly dangerous because it provides no audible or visual warning—the display simply stops functioning, leaving drivers without essential information needed to operate the vehicle safely.

How to File a Claim and Check Your Eligibility

Filing a claim for a Ram truck defect settlement requires first determining which defect your vehicle has and whether you fall within the eligible model years and vehicle identification specifications. For the brake system settlement, you need a 2017 or 2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500. For the EcoDiesel settlement, you need a 2014-2019 Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine option. You can verify your model year and engine type on your vehicle’s door jamb label or by contacting a Ram dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, the next step differs between settlements. For recalls, you can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA website or the Stellantis/Ram recall notification system and entering your VIN.

The dealership will contact recall-eligible owners, though you can also proactively schedule service. For settlements, you typically need to submit a claim form with proof of ownership and, in many cases, documentation of the defect or repair. This might include repair receipts, warranty claim documents, service records, or photos of damage. The comparison between claims and recalls is important: recalls are free repairs initiated by the manufacturer, while claims are compensation for problems you’ve already experienced or repaired. You may be able to pursue both—claim compensation for previous out-of-pocket repairs while also taking your vehicle in for the free recall service to prevent future problems. However, accepting a settlement payment may limit your right to sue separately, so review settlement terms carefully before signing away legal rights.

Common Issues and Warnings for Ram Owners

One frequently overlooked problem is that recall notifications often go to the address on file when the vehicle was originally purchased. If you’ve moved, changed your address with the state, or bought the truck used and didn’t update registration, you may never receive a recall notice. Checking your vehicle’s recall status proactively rather than waiting for mail is essential. Similarly, some owners discover defects only when taking their vehicle for service for unrelated reasons—a brake fluid leak discovered during a tire rotation, or an instrument cluster failure detected during a software update check. Another common pitfall is the statute of limitations on repair reimbursements.

If you paid out of pocket to repair an ABS or brake hydraulic control unit issue before the settlement was announced, you may still be eligible to recover that expense—but only if you can document the repair with receipts. The settlement doesn’t cover repairs performed after a certain date, so immediate action is necessary. For the EcoDiesel fire-risk settlement, the May 16, 2026 deadline is approaching, making it critical to file claims before this date passes. Be cautious about relying on dealership technicians to identify whether your vehicle is affected by a known defect. Some dealerships may diagnose the problem under a different name or may not recognize it as part of a larger recall or settlement. If you’ve experienced brake failures, fire risks, or electronic system malfunctions with your Ram, document the issue thoroughly and cross-reference it against known defects rather than accepting the dealership’s initial diagnosis as the final word.

Government Investigation Into Shift-Out-of-Park Defects

Beyond the settled and recalled defects, the U.S. government is currently investigating allegations that Stellantis Ram trucks may shift out of Park and roll away unexpectedly. This investigation is significant because shift-out-of-park defects have been linked to injuries, property damage, and in severe cases, fatalities.

If a vehicle rolls out of Park while parked on a hill or in a driveway, the results can be catastrophic. This investigation has not yet resulted in a recall or settlement, but active investigations often precede both. If you own a Ram truck and have experienced the vehicle shifting out of Park, rolling when parked, or requiring unusual force to keep the vehicle in Park, these are red flags that should be documented and reported to both the NHTSA and your Ram dealership. The investigation may expand, potentially affecting a significant number of vehicles.

Future Outlook and What’s Next for Ram Owners

The pattern of defects and recalls suggests that Stellantis Ram trucks may continue to face quality and safety issues. The breadth of current recalls—spanning brake systems, electronic stability control, instrument clusters, and fire risks—indicates systemic problems rather than isolated manufacturing defects. Future model years may address these issues, but owners of current and recent-model Ram trucks should remain vigilant about checking for recalls and claims.

Ram owners should subscribe to recall notifications through the NHTSA website and maintain current contact information with the state motor vehicle department. As investigations continue and additional defects potentially emerge, owners who stay informed will be better positioned to pursue compensation and ensure their vehicles receive necessary repairs. The competitive truck market also means that Ram’s reputation has been affected by these defects—some owners report switching to competing brands due to reliability concerns, while others have negotiated buyback or lemon law claims based on the pattern of defects.

Sources

• Stellantis Securities Class Action (STLA) — 2026 Lawsuit — lawsuit tracker entry, with the filings and the current posture, from our sister site OpenClassActions.com.

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