Dodge Ram Class Action Lawsuit

2021 Ram CP4 Lawsuit

A Ram diesel truck class-action lawsuit filed in October 2021 alleges Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) of knowingly selling Ram vehicles with defective fuel pumps that can cause engine failure. Affected vehicles include the following:

  • 2018 – 2020 RAM 2500
  • 2018 – 2020 RAM 3500
  • 2018 – 2020 RAM 4500
  • 2018 – 2020 RAM 5500

Heavy-duty Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins 6.7 diesel engines are at the center of numerous issues affecting these heavy-duty trucks.

Filed by three plaintiffs who own a 2018 Ram 2500, 2019 Ram 3500, and a 2019 Ram 2500, the complaint also sued Cummins, the company that manufactures the 6.7L Turbo diesel engine. These same CP4 fuel injection pumps were the subject of a 2019 class action lawsuit involving GM’s heavy-duty Duramax trucks.

Allegedly, the CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps have imperfections that can cause metal pieces to grind against each other, producing metal shavings that can destroy the engine.

This has resulted in stalling and even total engine failure, which poses a serious safety risk. For many owners, issues with their Ram vehicles happened as early as the first mile or after the fuel tank was filled with diesel fuel for the first time.

The 2021 class action suit alleges that CP4 fuel pumps cannot be used with U.S. diesel fuel and that both Ram and Fiat Chrysler have been aware of the problem for over ten years.

It is unacceptable that a vehicle advertised as a “diesel fuel truck” cannot handle diesel fuel. To make matters worse, it does not look like there will be an adequate solution to these concerns any time soon.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, Fiat Chrysler told dealers that a remedy for these problems is “not currently available.” A recent Safety Recall Notice by the automaker does not specify when Ram truck owners will have their vehicles fixed.

    Having Vehicle Problems in California?

    Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.







    By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails, telephone calls, and text messages regarding your inquiry. Emails, text messages, and phone calls may be automatically generated using the information you provide. Your consent to this is not necessary to obtain legal services from our firm. Msg and Data Rates may apply.


    NHTSA Ram Engine Defect Investigation

    Earlier in October, NHTSA launched an investigation into over 600,000 Ram trucks with Bosch-supplied CP4 fuel pumps. Ram models that are being reviewed include model year 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy-duty chassis cabs.

    The American government states that 22 formal complaints have been filed regarding issues with the CP4 fuel pumps specifically. According to field reports, NHTSA found that some fuel pumps failed at speeds of just 25 miles per hour.

    Although no deaths or injuries have been reported, in a report to NHTSA last November, one driver says his truck suddenly shut down on the highway, causing an accident behind him. He was left stranded with a newborn child in cold weather.

    Another complaint from March says that one Ram truck driver saw smoke filling the cab as he pulled out of his garage. Flames were coming from the fuel injection pump area.

    Ram truck owners not only have to worry about stalling and engine failure, but they must also consider that their cars could potentially burst into flames.

    2021 Ram Diesel Truck Engine Failure Recall

    Just one month after NHTSA announced its investigation, Ram announced a recall of over 200,000 of its heavy-duty pickup trucks equipped with the problematic 6.7L engine.

    This recall states that the issue is that the high-pressure fuel pump may fail prematurely and allow debris to enter the fuel system, causing stalling and engine failure. Ram’s fix for the faulty engine is to install a new fuel pump on affected vehicles and update their software.

    Vehicles included in the recall are nearly the same as those mentioned in both the class action suit and the NHTSA investigation. The recall covers 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, as well as Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with turbodiesel engines.

    The trouble for Ram truck models does not end there. In late October 2021, NHTSA Campaign Number 21V163000 states that several Ram heavy-duty trucks are at risk of fire due to an electrical fault.

    This recall affects over 130,000 vehicles with 6.7L Cummins diesel engines. Last March, Ram recalled a smaller number of trucks for a similar issue.

    They advised that owners complete their free recall repairs, that they do not park their trucks inside garages, near structures, or close to other cars. Many Ram drivers have struggled to get replacement parts at their dealerships. As such, thousands of Ram heavy-duty trucks have yet to be fixed.

    What is a Fuel Pump?

    The fuel pump sends fuel from the gas tank into the engine. This component also sets the necessary pressure and volume for fuel injection and removes contaminants from the fuel system. Most modern cars with internal combustion engines have fuel pumps, which typically last at least 100,000 miles.

    Repairs to this vehicle component require an overhaul of the truck’s entire fuel system, which can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000. CP4 fuel pumps typically fail at around the 100,000-mile mark.

    Unfortunately, several Ram truck owners are reporting engine failure or stalling at far lower mileages. Some say they began experiencing engine issues after just filling their car’s gas tank once.

    The October 2021 suit says that these Ram vehicles are too fragile to handle American diesel fuel as this fuel type is not “sufficiently lubricious” for the CP4 fuel pump. As a result, the cam and pumping cylinders in the CP4 fuel pump begin to dry out and wear against each other to produce the small metal shavings that can kill the vehicle’s engine.

    Allegedly, unbeknownst to Ram truck owners, the fuel pump is neither compatible with American fuel standards nor able to withstand the specifications for U.S. diesel fuel in terms of water content or lubrication. The class action suit argues that damage to the engine and fuel system begins with just the first tank of diesel fuel.

    Expertise in Ram Lemon Law

    Unfortunately, Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks aren’t the only vehicles equipped with the defective CP4 fuel pump. Other auto manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, and Jeep sell diesel vehicles built with CP4 pumps.

    If you have experienced stalling, engine failure, or other powertrain problems, it is possible that your vehicle could be a lemon. There are a few things you should do if you believe you own or lease a lemon:

    • Take in your vehicle for warranty repair work
    • Document as much information as possible on repair visits
    • Consult with a lemon law attorney

    Be sure to document the names of people who worked on your vehicle, the nature of your vehicle’s issues, and any other important information. Extensive documentation can help you tremendously should you pursue a lemon law claim.

    If you have been experiencing issues with your vehicle and have taken it in repeatedly for repair work under warranty, you may have a lemon. Unsure? We can help. The best thing you can do next is talk to a Lemon Law Expert regarding your case.

    Under the California lemon law, you could qualify to receive a replacement, refund, or cash compensation for your vehicle.

    Call 877-885-5366 or send a message today to speak directly with a lemon law attorney to see if you have a claim worth pursuing. Your case evaluation is free, confidential, and will take just minutes of your time.

    Fiat Chrysler has admitted that they do not have a remedy for all the issues associated with the CP4 fuel pump. This, however, does not mean that you do not have any solutions. Give us a call or email today.

    CALL TEXT