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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726 thoughts onRAM 1500 class action alleges vehicles have water intrusion defect
I own a 2017 ram 1500 bighorn crew cab that I bought brand new. I have water damage from my top brake light, back window and 2 vents behind the back seat. The water leaks have caused damage to my ceiling, carpet, backseat and is near my back airbags. My whole vehicle smells of mold at the point I can’t drive it because it makes me sick and want to throw up and headaches. I’ve had people at the dealership tell me they have the same problem so I know they’re aware of it. I can’t afford the replace or fix the damage and need to be part of a lawsuit since they knew about these defects.
I have the very same water leak issue on my 2015 Ram 3500 extended cab truck. I would like to join the lawsuit.
If you call me, please text me first as I usually don’t answer unknown callers.
My cell is (407) 791-3790.
Own a 2020 Ram 1500 Bighorn – Crew Cab. 2 years ago I had to get a lot of the electronics replaced along with the window leak repaired. Cost roughly 10k. Still rebounding from this as it was a lot of money. The tech even commented that this is a known issue, why havent recalls been issued on this? I happened to be driving and the vehicle completely shut down due to the electrical parts that got fried.