RAM 1500 water intrusion defect class action overview:
- Who: A Ram 1500 driver is suing automaker FCA US
- Why: She says the company concealed a defect in the vehicles that allowed water to get in, causing foul odors and mold
- Where: Michigan federal court
FCA had long standing knowledge of a defect that caused water to enter some of its vehicles causing a bad odor and mold, but never told customers, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Effie Johnson Norman filed the class action lawsuit against FCA US, LLC June 22 in a Michigan federal court alleging violations of federal warranty laws.
She’s looking to represent anyone who purchased or leased a Ram 1500 vehicle sold with a defect that allegedly allows water to enter the cabin, causing foul odors, mold or mildew, electrical system disruption, and rear cabin airbag contamination.
She says the cars are not adequately sealed, leading to water intrusion in the rear cabin.
The water destroys the interior of the vehicles, leaving permanent stain marks, foul odors, mold, and mildew, and contaminates and fouls the rear-cabin airbag and propellant, Norman says.
She says the defect can even short the vehicles’ electrical system such as the push-to-start ignition system, locks, windows and lights.
FCA allegedly knew about the defect
Norman says FCA has known about the defect since at least 2016 based on a flood of complaints and warranty claims.
“Nevertheless, FCA has never disclosed the Water Intrusion Defect; rather, it actively conceals it.”
FCA is also accused of neglecting to recall the vehicles or extend their warranties, leading to major out-of-pocket expenses for customers.
She’s looking to represent a nationwide Class of Ram 1500 owners, and an Alabama Subclass.
Norman is suing for breach of warranty and fraudulent omission and seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
The news comes after more than 370,000 Dodge and Ram vehicles were recalled because their electronic stability control (ESC) warning lights might not illuminate even if there is a problem.
Have you had this issue in your vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Beasley, Allen Crow Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. and Dicello Levitt Gutzler LLC.
The Ram 1500 Class Action Lawsuit is Effie Johnson Norman, v. FCA US, LLC, Case No. 2:22-cv-11393-TGB-CI in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan.
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720 thoughts onRAM 1500 class action alleges vehicles have water intrusion defect
Have a 2019 RAM 1500 purchased used with leaking rear widow. Issue began with auto brake/rear sensors and tailgate sensor improperly functioning. Was told it was due to water leaking around rear window and affecting sensors. Window was sealed however the first rain after sealing the window started leaking so bad the head liner, rear seat and carpet were wet and truck smelled like a swamp. Not an issue prior to sealing. The head liner is stained. Took it back to the dealer, 3rd brake light was replaced and the next morning the window was leaking with only a very light rain. Truck is currently at the dealer for a scheduled window replacement and was notified via text this afternoon that the warranty will not cover the replacement so they are sealing it again “using twice the amount of sealant as they did the first time. “
We own a 4 dodge trucks 2008, 2012 and 2 2019 trucks and the all leak. 2019 are worse than the other 2.
I have a 2022 ram 2500 with 30k miles and the rear windows is leaking in both corners. I say leaking but waste pours in during heavy rain soaking the rear seats and passengers.
I have a 2008 dodge ram 1500 the following leak have occurred.1. pressurization damper at bottom of cab leak..2. Rear window track leak.3. Third brake light leak. Yeah4. Satellite receiver leak.
I have had the RFM module replaced twice my 3rd brake light replaced and the rear windows needs replacing at the tune of 2000 dollars. Outrageous that this well know defect won’t be acknowledged
I just paid $1700 (dealership) to have the 3rd brake light repaired but also needed the entire cab cleaned, the headliner replaced, etc.
I have a 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn and after it rains my passenger side floor is wet in the front and the back. It is causing a bad odor every time. Its ridiculous RAM has not done anything about this with so many known issues.
My 2022 is under factory warranty and they won’t cover the leak in the same spot.
I have called the miller law firm and left my number but nobody has called me back as of yet. My ram dealership said that it’s not covered under the factory warranty which makes no sense. They said it is over 1900$ to reseal and replace the entire back window. They said I didn’t buy the Mopar extended warranty. We’ll I didn’t know about it and why should it matter it is still within factory warranty. This is a obviously a defect, they know it’s a defect. Talk about misleading and lying to the public consumers. This is truly bad faith on RAMS part.