Ram Lemon Trucks: Fire Risk Recall and Lemon Law
In the same week that Ram Trucks were announced as the best truck brand of the year, Chrysler recalled almost 250,000 Ram Trucks for an engine fire risk.
U.S. News named Ram Trucks the best truck brand of the year again for 2023. This is the fourth year in a row that the brand has earned the top spot. The competition for best truck is tough as pickup trucks are consistently the most popular vehicle in the U.S., and Ram Trucks beat out other popular trucks like the Ford F150 and the Chevrolet Silverado to win. The best truck pick is based on the U.S. News Best Cars rankings on safety scores, reliability data, and the automotive press for each model in a brand’s lineup. The top brand is supposed to show safety, reliability, interior quality, and performance across its brand.
Ram Trucks models were recognized for their ability to function both as a tough workhorse and comfortable, reliable family ride. The brand offers multiple options for buyers to build the truck that suits their needs from horsepower and towing capabilities to enhanced suspension and luxury finishes. Where Ram Trucks apparently edged out the competition though was in its interior finish and infotainment system. U.S. News said that they were notable for their quality, design, and ease of use.
When your new Ram Truck works as it is supposed to, it can be a great truck. But problems with materials, manufacture, or design can ruin your new truck experience and cost you time and money. Worst case scenario, a lemon truck is a safety risk to you and your passengers. Any recall or major defect with your new vehicle should be repaired by your dealer for free. If your dealer cannot or will not fix the problem, you may be entitled to bring a lemon law claim for compensation, a refund, or a replacement vehicle.
The Ram Trucks engine fire recall
The new Ram Truck fire risk recall is a major safety concern. Ram Trucks has recalled almost 250,000 of its trucks due to the risk of engine fire. The root of the problem in the recalled Ram Trucks is in the transmission. Pressure buildup in the transmission can cause fluid to leak from the dipstick tube onto an ignition source in the engine compartment and cause a fire. This is a significant safety issue and, so far, FCA US is aware of at least one injury related to the defect.
A lemon truck that is subject to the recall, or any recall, should be repaired at no cost to the owners. However, FCA US does not plan to start notifying dealers and owners until December 2022, and the fix for this problem is still “under development.”
Lemon law is not limited to safety issues
Recalls are not used for every problem with a vehicle. They are only issued when something in the vehicle creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. However, there are many things that can go wrong with a new vehicle that is not safety-related. In those situations, lemon law may apply. Lemon laws are state laws that are designed to protect consumers who discover problems with their recently purchased vehicle that the dealer will not repair. Each state has its own lemon law but most cover problems that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Some of the problems that we regularly see with Ram Trucks that can lead to a lemon law claim are:
- Electrical issues
- Leaks
- Defective sunroof
- Fuel tank fill-up issues
- Transmission defects
- Vibrations/wobble
- Total power loss
If you have a problem with a Ram Truck that you bought recently, you should bring it to your dealer as soon as possible. Whether or not the problem is a safety issue or covered by a recall, the dealer may be required by lemon laws in your state to repair the problem within a reasonable time at no cost to you. Each state has its own rules regarding how long you have owned the vehicle, how many repair attempts the dealer can have, and other specifics, but the general principles are the same: the manufacturer must fix your problem vehicle or replace/refund it. AND they have to pay your legal fees.
To find out what you should do if you have a lemon Ram Truck, check out our earlier blog post, our 10 Lemon Law Tips, or call one of our lemon law team for a free case review. At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we have helped many Ram Trucks owners get compensation, a refund, or a replacement vehicle within 30-90 days.
FAQs
What Ram Trucks are Being Recalled?
The Ram recall applies to over 300,000 Ram heavy-duty pickups and chassis-cab trucks from the 2021 to 2023 model years in the U.S. due to an electrical overheating problem. The recall specifically affects Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. The fire risk led the automaker to advise owners not to park the lemon trucks indoors until the issue is resolved. Owners can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls website to verify if their truck is part of the recall order.
How Do I Know If My Ram is a Lemon Truck?
Determining if your Ram is a ‘lemon truck’ mainly depends on the state’s lemon laws where the vehicle was purchased. However, some common indicators include recurring problems that aren’t resolved even after a reasonable number of repair attempts, significant issues that impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, or situations that persist for a considerable period within the warranty, affecting your truck’s life. Problems might range from mechanical defects, such as transmission or engine problems (motor issues), to electrical issues or other defects impacting the vehicle’s functionality.
How Do I File a Lemon Law Claim for My Truck?
To file a truck lemon law claim, start by collecting all necessary documentation, such as repair receipts and records of communication with the dealer or manufacturer. Next, contact a legal office experienced in lemon law cases that can answer questions and provide guidance. They will likely suggest you send the manufacturer a final repair opportunity letter. If the vehicle’s issues persist even after this final attempt, your attorney will then show you how to submit a lemon law claim to seek a refund, replacement, or compensation.
Can I File a Lemon Law Claim if I Purchased My Ram Truck Used?
The Ram lemon law will vary from state to state, and some provide used vehicle coverage. However, the vehicle must still be under its original manufacturer’s warranty. Consult with an experienced lemon law attorney to understand your rights and possible remedies. The accessibility of such laws for used vehicles provides you with a viable course of action.
What Compensation Can I Expect from a Successful Lemon Law Claim?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price. You may receive monetary compensation for consequential damages arising from the defects. Again, this is dependent on your state’s specific lemon law.