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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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694 thoughts onRAM 1500 class action alleges vehicles have water intrusion defect
I am now waiting for repairs due to leak of top brake lamp, Have headliner damage and back window needs replaced. Don’t know when the parts are to get here. Local dealer stated I would probably not get a loner car. So how am I to get around during the several days it takes to replace all the damage and parts?
Purchased a 2020 Ram that came off lease. Battery went dead a couple of times and got the dealer to replace the battery. Now find that the battery drains following wet weather. Cabin also shows dampness on the inside of the windshield following rain. Evidently the moisture is causing a parasitic drain on the battery by shorting some component.
2020 Ram 1500. 42,000 miles. Just started having this same issues. Two vertical cracks in the rear window frame that line up with edges of the third brake light. Just noticed after three straight days of rain. Everything was completely saturated but thankfully no electronic issues yet. Hoping the leather seats aren’t ruined. How can we join this lawsuit? Dealer is going to want $1,500
My 2018 Ram 1500 has water intrusion from the back window and vents also per a Ram dealership. I took this vehicle to the dealership it was purchased from twice and they could not locate the leak so took to a different dealership this week. Having electrical issues under the drivers seat fixed for the second time. Wonder if that is from water intrusion? Would like to get my name in on the class action also.
Having the issue for the sexond time. It is affexting the electrical system. Remote will not work, alarm goes off when you manually unlock the door. Can not operate the truck.
Yes, have been dealing with water intrusion which pools on the floorboard in the rear of the vehicle. Believed to be coming from the rear light fixture. I periodically dry the vehicle by removing the water and opening doors. Also, at 44,250 miles had the evaporator on the AC assembly. Had to remove and replace it which was very costly.
I just now have my Ram 1500 in the shop for this and had no idea there was an issue. Is there a lawsuit to sign up on for the leak? They are saying it’s going to cost me over 1500 to fix.
Just now noticed rear window leak. 2nd time this has happened with my 2020 Ram. Very irritated.
2017 ram 1500 Have been dealing with water intrusion now for 2 years. Brought in when first noticed the issue. Shop tested and said no water issues. Have a video of water dripping from speaker and trickling out of screw hole above rear passenger seatbelt. Rear headliner now stained and probably growing mold
My 2021 Ram has the water intrusion and has caused foul odors and water marks.