FCA US Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement, $3,000 for Fires, May 16, 2026 Deadline
FCA US agreed to pay $2.45 million to settle claims that 2014-2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks had defective exhaust gas recirculation coolers that could crack, leak coolant, and cause fires. Owners who experienced EGR cooler-related fires can claim $3,000, while others can seek reimbursement for repair costs. All eligible truck owners receive a free five-year warranty extension. The claim deadline is May 16, 2026, with a final approval hearing on March 17, 2026.
What Is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement About?
The class action lawsuit alleges FCA US equipped 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks with defective EGR coolers susceptible to thermal fatigue. Over time, these coolers could crack and leak coolant, potentially causing engine overheating and, in extreme cases, vehicle fires.
FCA issued a recall in October 2019 to replace the defective EGR coolers free of charge. However, the lawsuit claims the defect caused owners significant out-of-pocket expenses and vehicle damage before the recall.
FCA denies all liability and maintains the October 2019 recall completely addressed the issue. The company settled to end five years of expensive litigation.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
The settlement covers approximately 100,000 vehicles:
Eligible Vehicles: All individuals who purchased or leased a Model Year 2014-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck (including 1500 Classic) manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019, in the United States.
Automatic Warranty Extension: Every eligible truck owner receives a five-year warranty extension covering parts and labor for EGR cooler failures, regardless of whether they experienced problems. No claim form required for the warranty.
Who Can File Claims: Owners who paid out-of-pocket for EGR cooler-related repairs, towing, rental cars, coolant, or whose trucks caught fire due to the defect.
Similar automotive defect cases demonstrate how manufacturers resolve widespread safety issues. For context, the Hyundai And Kia Lawsuit, Multistate Immobilizer Settlement, Who Qualifies & How To Claim Up To $4,500 shows how settlements address vehicle safety concerns.
What FCA Allegedly Did Wrong
The lawsuit centers on allegations that FCA knowingly sold trucks with defective EGR coolers:
Thermal Fatigue Defect: The EGR cooler’s design allegedly made it susceptible to cracking from repeated heat cycles. When cracks developed, coolant leaked into the engine or exhaust system.
Fire Risk: In extreme cases, coolant leaks allegedly caused engine compartment fires, posing serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.
Failure to Disclose: The complaint claims FCA knew about the EGR cooler defect but failed to warn consumers or fix the issue proactively before the 2019 recall.
Breach of Warranty: Owners alleged FCA violated express and implied warranties by selling vehicles with defective parts that required costly repairs.
Settlement Benefits and Payment Amounts
The $2.45 million settlement provides several compensation options:
Five-Year Warranty Extension (Automatic): All eligible owners receive warranty coverage for EGR cooler repairs for five years from the date their vehicle received the recall replacement. This covers parts and labor at authorized FCA dealerships.
EGR Cooler Repair Reimbursement: If you paid for EGR cooler repairs within the five-year extended warranty period, you can claim reimbursement for those costs.
Related Expense Reimbursement (Up to $750,000 total fund): Owners can claim reimbursement for:
- Tow truck services
- Rental car costs
- Coolant replacement expenses
Vehicle Fire Payment: $3,000 Owners whose trucks experienced fires caused by failed EGR coolers can claim a flat $3,000 payment.
Attorneys’ Fees and Awards:
- Plaintiffs’ attorneys: $2.45 million
- Named plaintiffs: $5,000 each (26 plaintiffs = $130,000 total)
How to File Your Claim
Claim Deadline: May 16, 2026
Three Ways to Submit:
- Online: Visit ecodieselegrcoolercase.com and complete the online claim form
- Email: Send completed claim form to [email protected]
- Mail: Crawford v. FCA US LLC, Settlement Administrator, PO Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219
Required Information:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current mileage (unless you no longer own/lease the vehicle)
- Supporting documentation based on claim type
Documentation Requirements:
For EGR Cooler Repair Reimbursement:
- Proof of repair (service records, repair invoices)
- Proof of payment (receipts, credit card statements, bank statements)
For Tow, Rental, Coolant Reimbursement:
- Proof of service and payment
- Documentation linking expenses to EGR cooler failure
For $3,000 Fire Payment:
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Proof of fire (police report, insurance report, or fire department report)
- Evidence the fire originated from or near the EGR cooler (repair records, investigative reports mentioning EGR cooler area)
Payment Methods: Choose between digital payment (Venmo, Zelle, virtual prepaid card) or physical check mailed to your address.
Critical Deadlines
Exclusion Deadline: February 8, 2026 Opt out if you want to preserve your right to sue FCA separately. Most owners should not opt out.
Claim Deadline: May 16, 2026 Final deadline to submit all claim forms and documentation.
Final Approval Hearing: March 17, 2026, 10:00 AM The court will decide whether to grant final approval of the settlement.
Payment Timeline: Payments will be issued after final court approval and resolution of any appeals, likely several months after March 17, 2026.
Understanding EGR Coolers and the Defect
What Is an EGR Cooler? The exhaust gas recirculation cooler reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by cooling exhaust gases before recirculating them into the engine. It’s a critical emissions control component.
How the Defect Manifests: Repeated heating and cooling cycles cause thermal fatigue, leading to cracks in the cooler. These cracks allow coolant to leak, potentially causing:
- Engine overheating
- White smoke from exhaust
- Sudden loss of power
- Low coolant warnings
- In severe cases, engine fires
Why FCA Recalled the Trucks: The October 2019 recall (Campaign VB1) replaced defective EGR coolers with redesigned versions intended to prevent thermal fatigue failures.
Settlement Status
August 2020: Class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Case No. 2:20-cv-1234)
January 2021: Consolidated with three additional Ram 1500 EcoDiesel class actions
August 2025: FCA agreed to $2.45 million settlement
September 11, 2025: Court granted preliminary approval
March 17, 2026: Final approval hearing scheduled
Expected Payments: Summer/Fall 2026 (if no appeals)
Official Settlement Resources
Settlement Website: ecodieselegrcoolercase.com
Settlement Administrator Contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: Check settlement website for contact number
- Mail: PO Box 4219, Portland, OR 97208-4219
Court Documents: Download claim forms and settlement agreement at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com/Content/Documents/
Common Misconceptions
Misconception: Only trucks that caught fire qualify. Reality: All eligible vehicles receive the five-year warranty extension. Owners can also claim reimbursement for repairs and related expenses even without fires.
Misconception: The recall fixed everything, so there’s no settlement benefit. Reality: The settlement provides compensation for past out-of-pocket expenses and extends warranty coverage beyond the standard recall repairs.
Misconception: You must have experienced problems to file. Reality: The warranty extension applies to all eligible vehicles automatically. However, you must file claims for reimbursement or fire payments.
Misconception: Missing the deadline means you can file later. Reality: May 16, 2026 is absolute. Late claims will be rejected.
Broader Implications
This settlement highlights ongoing issues with diesel emissions systems and vehicle safety:
Automotive Industry Accountability: Manufacturers face increasing liability for design defects that create safety hazards, even after issuing recalls.
EGR Cooler Issues: Ram isn’t alone—many diesel vehicles experience EGR cooler failures. This settlement may influence how other manufacturers address similar defects.
Recall Limitations: Recalls fix the immediate problem but don’t compensate owners for past losses. Class action settlements fill that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FCA US Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Settlement?
FCA agreed to pay $2.45 million to settle claims that 2014-2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks had defective EGR coolers that could crack, leak coolant, and cause fires. The settlement provides warranty extensions, repair reimbursements, and $3,000 payments for fire-related claims.
Am I eligible to claim?
Yes, if you purchased or leased a 2014-2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (or 1500 Classic) manufactured between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019, in the United States. All eligible owners receive automatic warranty extensions.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
The claim deadline is May 16, 2026. Submit claims online at ecodieselegrcoolercase.com, by email to [email protected], or by mail to the settlement administrator.
How much money can I receive?
Fire claims pay $3,000 flat. Repair reimbursements and related expense claims vary based on actual costs paid. The total reimbursement fund is capped at $750,000, split among all approved claims.
What documentation do I need?
Requirements vary by claim type: repair receipts and payment proof for reimbursement claims; police, insurance, or fire department reports plus evidence linking the fire to EGR cooler for fire claims.
Do I need to file for the warranty extension?
No. All eligible vehicle owners automatically receive the five-year warranty extension. You only file claims if seeking reimbursement or fire payment.
When will I receive payment?
Payments will be distributed after the March 17, 2026 final approval hearing and resolution of any appeals, likely summer or fall 2026.
Last Updated: January 18, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
What to Do Next: Visit ecodieselegrcoolercase.com to file your claim before May 16, 2026. Gather repair receipts, payment proof, or fire documentation to support your claim.
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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.
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