Ram’s Legal Battle With Diesel Emissions Isn’t Over Yet

Ram’s legal headaches regarding its Heavy Duty diesel trucks are far from over. Despite a massive settlement between Cummins and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over emissions violations, Stellantis—the parent company of Ram—remains tangled in a class-action lawsuit that could lead to further financial and reputational damage. A recent ruling by a federal judge has allowed key claims against Stellantis and Cummins to proceed, signaling that the issue isn’t going away anytime soon.

The Heart of the Issue: Defeat Devices on Ram Diesels – 

The lawsuit centers on claims that Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel I6 engine—specifically model years 2013 to 2019—were fitted with so-called “defeat devices.” These devices allegedly altered emissions performance during testing, making the trucks appear cleaner than they actually were. Approximately 630,000 trucks are believed to be affected.

The plaintiffs argue that Ram and Cummins knowingly misrepresented the trucks’ emissions and performance. If customers had known the true pollution levels, they claim they would not have purchased the vehicles. These allegations fall under California’s strict consumer protection laws, including the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, and False Advertising Law.

Federal Judge Rules Against Stellantis and Cummins – 

U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley recently ruled that the case against Stellantis and Cummins has legal merit, allowing half of the 11 claims in the lawsuit to proceed. The defendants attempted to dismiss the case, but the judge found their arguments unconvincing. While certain warranty and racketeering claims were dismissed, plaintiffs still have the opportunity to amend most of them within 30 days.

This ruling keeps the spotlight on Stellantis and Cummins, especially as emissions regulations tighten and automakers are under increasing scrutiny for environmental compliance.

Cummins Already Paid a Record-Breaking Fine – 

Cummins previously settled with the DOJ in December 2023, agreeing to pay $1.675 billion—the largest civil penalty ever under the Clean Air Act and the second-largest environmental fine in U.S. history. Part of the settlement included issuing Emissions Recall 67A, which was meant to rectify the issue for affected Ram truck owners at no cost.

However, this separate class-action lawsuit was filed soon after the DOJ’s settlement, with plaintiffs arguing that the recall and financial penalties were insufficient to compensate owners who feel misled. Now, Stellantis and Cummins could face even more financial losses if the lawsuit results in further penalties or a settlement payout.

What’s Next for Ram and Cummins? – 

With key legal claims still active, Ram and Cummins remain under legal pressure. If the plaintiffs succeed in proving their claims, Stellantis could be forced to pay significant damages or reach another costly settlement. The outcome of this lawsuit could also impact the reputation of Cummins-powered Ram trucks, which have long been a favorite among Heavy Duty truck buyers.

As emissions regulations continue to evolve and environmental enforcement becomes stricter, automakers and engine manufacturers will need to ensure full compliance to avoid similar costly legal battles in the future.