Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Class Action Settlement, Claim Deadline May 16, 2026 – Eligibility and Payout Guide
Owners and lessees of 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks can claim cash reimbursements, warranty extensions, or up to $3,000 for vehicle fires from a $2.45 million settlement. The claim deadline is May 16, 2026, and payments cover EGR cooler repairs, towing costs, rental cars, and fire-related damages.
FCA US LLC agreed to this settlement after a class action lawsuit alleged the company equipped these trucks with defective exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers that could crack, leak coolant, and cause engine fires. Here’s exactly who qualifies, what you can receive, how to file your claim, and what you need to know before the deadline passes.
Who Qualifies for the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement
You qualify if you purchased or leased a model year 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck (including the 1500 Classic) manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019, anywhere in the United States. The settlement covers approximately 100,000 vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engines.
You do not need to have experienced EGR cooler problems to receive benefits from this settlement. All eligible truck owners automatically receive a five-year warranty extension covering EGR cooler repairs. If you’ve already paid out-of-pocket for EGR cooler-related expenses, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
The settlement excludes FCA US employees, affiliates, anyone who previously settled individually with FCA, and anyone who opts out of the class action. You can verify your truck’s eligibility by visiting the official settlement website at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com and entering your vehicle identification number (VIN).
What Is the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Claim Deadline
The claim filing deadline is May 16, 2026. You must submit your claim form online, by email, or postmarked by mail before this date to receive cash reimbursements or fire-related payments.
The court will hold a final approval hearing on March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to decide whether to approve the settlement terms. If you want to exclude yourself from the settlement to preserve your right to sue FCA separately, you must submit your opt-out request by February 8, 2026. If you want to object to the settlement terms, the objection deadline is January 9, 2026.
Missing the May 16, 2026 deadline means you forfeit your right to claim reimbursements or fire payments, though you will still automatically receive the five-year warranty extension if you qualify.
How Much Money Can You Receive from the Dodge Ram Settlement
The amount you receive depends on what expenses you incurred and what documentation you can provide. The settlement offers several types of compensation:
EGR Cooler Repair Reimbursement: If you paid out-of-pocket to replace a failed EGR cooler within five years of your vehicle receiving the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1, you can claim full reimbursement. You must provide proof of repair and proof of payment, such as receipts, invoices, credit card statements, or bank records.
Towing, Rental Car, and Coolant Reimbursements: FCA allocated up to $750,000 total for these expenses. Rental car reimbursements are capped at $500 per truck, and coolant reimbursements are capped at $75 per truck. Towing costs have no per-truck maximum but are subject to the overall $750,000 cap. If valid claims exceed $750,000, the settlement administrator will reduce payments proportionally (pro rata).
Vehicle Fire Payment: If your truck experienced a fire caused by a failed EGR cooler, you can receive a flat $3,000 payment. You must provide acceptable proof of the fire (police report, insurance report, or fire department report) and proof that the EGR cooler caused the fire (police report, insurance report, fire department report, or vehicle repair record mentioning the EGR cooler or origin in the EGR cooler area).
Five-Year Warranty Extension: Every eligible truck owner receives an automatic five-year warranty extension covering all parts and labor needed to repair a failed EGR cooler. This warranty runs from the date your truck received the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1. You do not need to file a claim to receive this warranty—it’s automatic for all class members.
What the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Lawsuit Alleged
The class action lawsuit, filed in August 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Crawford v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:20-cv-12341-SJM-DRG), alleged that FCA equipped certain Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks with defective EGR coolers that were susceptible to thermal fatigue.
According to the lawsuit, these coolers could crack internally over time, causing coolant to leak into the engine. In severe cases, the leaked coolant could ignite, causing engine fires that posed serious safety risks to drivers and passengers. The plaintiffs claimed FCA knew about the defect as early as 2014 but continued selling the trucks without adequately addressing the problem.
FCA issued Recall VB1 in October 2019 to replace the defective EGR coolers free of charge. However, the lawsuit argued that the recall did not fully compensate owners who had already paid for repairs, experienced fires, or incurred related expenses like towing and rental cars before the recall was issued.
FCA denies all allegations of wrongdoing and liability. The company maintains that it properly addressed the issue through the recall and that the trucks were safe. FCA agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation, not as an admission of fault.
How to File Your Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement Claim
Filing your claim is straightforward and free. You have three options for submission:
Online Filing: Visit ecodieselegrcoolercase.com and complete the electronic claim form. You’ll need your truck’s VIN, current mileage (or final mileage if you no longer own the vehicle), and documentation supporting your expenses. The website provides step-by-step instructions and immediate confirmation upon submission.
Email Filing: Download the PDF claim form from ecodieselegrcoolercase.com, complete it, attach supporting documents, and email everything to [email protected]. Make sure all documents are clear and legible.
Mail Filing: Download and complete the PDF claim form, gather your documentation, and mail everything to: Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219. Ensure your envelope is postmarked by May 16, 2026.
The settlement administrator will review your claim and contact you if additional information is needed. Keep copies of everything you submit, including confirmation numbers from online submissions or proof of mailing for paper forms.
What Documentation You Need to Submit with Your Claim
The documentation requirements vary based on what type of reimbursement you’re claiming:
For EGR Cooler Repair Reimbursement: Provide proof of repair (such as a repair invoice or service record showing the EGR cooler was replaced) and proof of payment (receipts, credit card statements, bank statements, or canceled checks). The repair must have occurred within five years of your truck receiving the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1.
For Towing, Rental Car, and Coolant Reimbursements: Provide proof of ownership of your eligible truck, proof of payment for the expense, and proof that the expense was incurred in connection with a contemporaneous repair of a failed EGR cooler. This means the towing, rental car, or coolant purchase must have been directly related to an EGR cooler failure and repair.
For Vehicle Fire Payment: Provide acceptable proof that a fire occurred (police report, insurance report, or fire department report documenting the fire) and acceptable proof that a failed EGR cooler caused the fire (police report, insurance report, fire department report, or vehicle repair record that mentions the EGR cooler or identifies the fire’s origin in the EGR cooler area).
If you no longer have receipts or documentation, contact the settlement administrator at 888-885-2707 to discuss your options. In some cases, alternative proof such as credit card statements or bank records may be acceptable.
What You Must Know Before Filing Your Dodge Ram Settlement Claim
Filing a Claim Releases FCA from Future Legal Action
By participating in this settlement and accepting benefits, you release FCA US LLC from any future legal claims related to the EGR cooler defect alleged in this lawsuit. This means you cannot sue FCA later for the same issues covered by the settlement.
If you believe you suffered significant harm beyond what the settlement offers, you can opt out by February 8, 2026. Opting out preserves your right to pursue individual legal action against FCA, but you will not receive any settlement benefits except the automatic five-year warranty extension.
The Warranty Extension Is Automatic—No Claim Form Required
Every eligible truck owner receives the five-year warranty extension automatically. You do not need to file a claim form to receive this benefit. The warranty covers all parts and labor needed to repair a failed EGR cooler for five years from the date your truck received the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1.
If the warranty period has not expired and your replacement EGR cooler fails, take your truck to an authorized FCA dealership for a free repair. The extended warranty ensures you’re protected even after the standard vehicle warranty expires.
Payments Won’t Be Issued Until Final Approval and Appeals Are Resolved
After you submit your claim, do not expect immediate payment. The settlement must receive final court approval at the March 17, 2026 hearing. If approved, any appeals must be resolved before the settlement administrator can process payments and issue checks.
This process typically takes several months after the final approval hearing. Most class action settlements distribute payments 60 to 180 days after all appeals are resolved. Monitor the settlement website or contact the administrator at 888-885-2707 for updates on payment timing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Dodge Ram Claim
Don’t Assume You Don’t Qualify Without an EGR Cooler Problem
Many truck owners skip filing claims because they haven’t experienced EGR cooler failures. However, if you paid for any EGR cooler repairs, towing, rental cars, or coolant related to an EGR cooler issue at any time—even before the recall—you may be eligible for reimbursement.
Review your service records carefully. Even if you don’t remember the specific issue, check your repair invoices from the past several years. Many owners don’t realize they paid for EGR cooler-related repairs until they review their documentation.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Gather Documentation
Obtaining old repair records, receipts, or reports from police or insurance companies can take time. Dealerships may need several days to locate service records from years ago. Insurance companies may require written requests for accident or fire reports.
Start gathering your documentation now, even if the deadline seems far away. If you’re having trouble locating records, contact the settlement administrator early for guidance on alternative documentation they may accept.
Don’t Forget to Keep Copies of Everything You Submit
Always keep complete copies of your claim form, all supporting documents, confirmation numbers, and proof of submission. If the settlement administrator loses your claim or documents, you’ll need these records to prove you filed on time.
Save confirmation emails from online submissions or certified mail receipts from paper submissions. These records protect you if any disputes arise about whether your claim was received before the deadline.
What to Do Next: Your Action Steps for the Dodge Ram Settlement
Verify Your Truck’s Eligibility Right Now
Visit ecodieselegrcoolercase.com and use the VIN lookup tool to confirm your truck qualifies for the settlement. You’ll need your 17-character VIN, which you can find on your truck’s dashboard near the windshield, on your vehicle registration, or on your insurance card.
If your truck qualifies, the website will confirm your eligibility and provide information about the benefits available to you. If you’re unsure whether your truck was manufactured during the class period, the VIN lookup tool will tell you definitively.
Review Your Service and Financial Records for Eligible Expenses
Check your service records from authorized FCA dealerships and independent repair shops for any EGR cooler-related repairs. Review your credit card statements, bank records, and receipts for payments related to towing, rental cars, or coolant purchases connected to EGR cooler problems.
If your truck experienced a fire, locate your police report, insurance claim documentation, or fire department report. Contact your insurance company if you need copies of old reports. These documents are essential for claiming the $3,000 fire payment.
File Your Claim Before May 16, 2026
Submit your claim as soon as you have your documentation ready. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Online filing at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com is the fastest method and provides immediate confirmation.
If you’re mailing your claim, allow extra time for postal delivery. Mail your claim at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure it arrives on time. Consider using certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery.
Contact the Settlement Administrator with Questions
If you have questions about your eligibility, documentation requirements, or claim status, contact the settlement administrator at Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219, or call toll-free at 888-885-2707. You can also email [email protected].
The administrator can answer questions about what documentation is acceptable, help you understand whether specific repairs qualify for reimbursement, and confirm receipt of your claim submission.
Official Resources for the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement
Settlement Website
The official settlement website is ecodieselegrcoolercase.com. This site provides the claim form, settlement agreement, court documents, FAQs, VIN lookup tool, and contact information for the settlement administrator. All official communications about the settlement will reference this website.
Settlement Administrator Contact Information
For questions about your claim or the settlement, contact: Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219. Call toll-free at 888-885-2707 or email [email protected].
Court Case Information
The settlement resolves the case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan: Crawford v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 2:20-cv-12341-SJM-DRG. Court documents and filings are available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system at pacer.gov.
Legal Resources for Class Action Settlements
If you want to learn more about class action settlements or consumer protection, the Federal Trade Commission provides resources at ftc.gov covering consumer rights, recalls, and class action participation. Your state attorney general’s office also offers consumer protection guidance and can answer questions about your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement
Who qualifies for the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel settlement?
Anyone who purchased or leased a model year 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck (including the 1500 Classic) manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019, in the United States qualifies. You don’t need to have experienced EGR cooler problems to receive the automatic five-year warranty extension, but you must have incurred eligible expenses to claim cash reimbursements.
What is the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel claim deadline?
The claim filing deadline is May 16, 2026. You must submit your claim form online, by email, or postmarked by mail before this date to receive cash reimbursements or fire-related payments. The five-year warranty extension is automatic and does not require a claim submission.
How much money will I get from the Dodge Ram settlement?
The amount varies based on your expenses. You can receive full reimbursement for EGR cooler repair costs, up to $500 for rental cars, up to $75 for coolant, towing reimbursement (subject to overall caps), and $3,000 for vehicle fires caused by failed EGR coolers. All eligible truck owners receive an automatic five-year warranty extension.
What did the lawsuit claim was wrong with the EGR coolers?
The lawsuit alleged that FCA equipped 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks with defective EGR coolers susceptible to thermal fatigue. These coolers could crack internally, causing coolant to leak into the engine and potentially causing fires. FCA denies all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid continued litigation costs.
Do I need receipts or proof to file a claim?
Yes. For EGR cooler repair reimbursement, you need proof of repair and payment. For towing, rental car, and coolant reimbursements, you need proof of ownership, proof of payment, and proof the expense related to an EGR cooler failure. For fire payments, you need proof of the fire and proof the EGR cooler caused it.
How do I file a Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel settlement claim?
Visit ecodieselegrcoolercase.com to file online, or download the PDF claim form and submit it by email to [email protected] or by mail to Crawford v. FCA US LLC Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219. Include all required documentation with your claim.
When will I receive my settlement payment?
Payments will be distributed after the court grants final approval at the March 17, 2026 hearing and any appeals are resolved. This process typically takes 60 to 180 days after final approval. Check the settlement website or contact the administrator at 888-885-2707 for updates on payment timing.
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance about your situation, consult a qualified attorney.
Take Action: Check your truck’s eligibility and file your claim at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com before the May 16, 2026 deadline. Don’t miss out on reimbursements, fire payments, and warranty protection you’re entitled to receive.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah