On June 17, 2026, U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III issued a 12-page order granting final approval to a class settlement regarding the defective EGR coolers equipped in 2014 - 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic EcoDiesel trucks.
Under the terms of the settlement, all class members who submit a claim form and documentation to show that their vehicle caught fire due to a failed EGR cooler will receive a $3,000 payment. Class Members who submit a claim form and documentation may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket tow truck, rental car and coolant costs that relate to a failed EGR cooler. All eligible truck fire claims and reimbursement claims shall be made to the settlement administrator, via the settlement website, www.ecodieselegrcoolercase.com. The deadline for claims is May 16, 2026.
FCA US will provide a warranty extension applicable to the Eligible Truck that covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a failed EGR cooler. The extended coverage is for five years from the date of the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1. Extended warranty benefits are valued at $20.6 million, and Judge Murphy said in his order, “[T]he extended warranty and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses is a significant benefit for Class Members.”
“As stated previously, all class members, including unnamed members are receiving substantial financial benefits from the settlement,” the order states, highlighting “…the skill of Class Counsel was evident, especially considering case complexity and results achieved.”
AFFECTED VEHICLES
- 2014 - 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic trucks equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine
EGR COOLER DEFECT EXPLAINED
According to the complaint, affected trucks have been built with defective EGR coolers that can crack due to thermal fatigue. This can allow coolant to leak into the running engine, which can result in combustion and a vehicle fire.
YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
Hagens Berman believes vehicle owners deserve more, and that these automakers should be held accountable for allegedly putting owners and drivers at grave risk of injury. We think those who may have been put in harm's way should receive immediate help.
TOP AUTO LITIGATION FIRM
Hagens Berman is one of the most successful auto litigation law firms in the U.S. and is presently leading nationwide cases against major automakers for emissions-cheating, safety defects and negligence, and your claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in automotive consumer law. The firm also serves as lead counsel in another case against FCA concerning an alleged emissions cheat device in Dodge 1500 EcoDiesel vehicles.
NO COST TO YOU
In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the class' legal team.
CASE TIMELINE
On June 17, 2026, U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III issued a 12-page order granting final approval to a class settlement regarding the defective EGR coolers equipped in 2014 - 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic EcoDiesel trucks.
Under the terms of the settlement, all class members who submit a claim form and documentation to show that their vehicle caught fire due to a failed EGR cooler will receive a $3,000 payment. Class Members who submit a claim form and documentation may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket tow truck, rental car and coolant costs that relate to a failed EGR cooler. All eligible truck fire claims and reimbursement claims shall be made to the settlement administrator, via the settlement website, www.ecodieselegrcoolercase.com. The deadline for claims is May 16, 2026.
FCA US will provide a warranty extension applicable to the Eligible Truck that covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a failed EGR cooler. The extended coverage is for five years from the date of the EGR cooler replacement under Recall VB1. Extended warranty benefits are valued at $20.6 million, and Judge Murphy said in his order, “[T]he extended warranty and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses is a significant benefit for Class Members.”
“As stated previously, all class members, including unnamed members are receiving substantial financial benefits from the settlement,” the order states, highlighting “…the skill of Class Counsel was evident, especially considering case complexity and results achieved.”
On Sept. 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III granted preliminary approval to the proposed settlement between Fiat Chrysler owners and FCA US LLC. If granted final approval, the settlement would provide the following to eligible class members:
- Vehicle warranty extension that covers the cost needed to repair a condition caused by the EGR cooler from five years from the date of the Class Vehicle receiving the EGR cooler recall replacement.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs already incurred related to repairs of the EGR cooler during the extended time warranty period.
- FCA will also allocate up to $750,000 reimburse Class Members who paid out-of-pocket for expenses related to the EGR Cooler Defect, including tow truck services, rental cars, and coolant.
- And $3,000 payments to class members who submit documentation proving their vehicle caught fire due to the alleged defect.
Additionally, Judge Murphy named Hagens Berman co-lead class counsel. A fairness hearing has been scheduled for March 17, 2026.
Hagens Berman filed a motion for preliminary approval of a proposed settlement with FCA US LLC concerning alleged defects in the EGR coolers of 2014–2019 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks. The settlement would provide extended warranty coverage, reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and $3,000 payments to class members whose vehicles experienced a fire related to the defect. The motion also requests class certification, approval of the notice plan, and appointment of Hagens Berman as co-lead class counsel. A final approval hearing is expected to be scheduled at least 180 days after preliminary approval.
A federal judge granted in part and denied in part FCA’s motion to dismiss claims from owners whose vehicles had not yet caught fire due to the defect. The court sustained the majority of the owners’ claims, including allegations that FCA violated express and implied warranties on the vehicles. “Defendant argued that because it repaired the vehicles for free, Plaintiffs have no damages and thus no standing,” the order states, “Plaintiffs sustained a concrete injury when they purchased vehicles with defective parts…the repair does not negate the fact Plaintiffs suffered a concrete injury.”
