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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
2021 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Third brake light leak with mold and odor. Falveys of Norwich CT say its not under warranty and say it will cost 1700 plus tax to replace brake light and rear window. This is not right with all the issues i’ve read about with the same leaks. is there a class action in CT on this issue?
My mechanic identified that the mildew/mold smell in my 2021 Ram Laramie was caused by a leaking rear taillight which caused the carpets to become saturated and allow mold to form. He stated that a TSB existed and since my vehicle was still under basic warranty 3yr/36,000 mi – I should take it to the dealer. I dropped it off with the dealer this morning and was initially told all aspects of the repair would be covered. I received a phone call update where I was informed that the taillight/taillight housing repair and the carpet replacement would be covered, but a recent policy change decreased the coverage for the back glass replacement from 3yr/36,000 to 1yr/12,00 and I would have to cover that portion of the repair out of pocket to the tune of ~$1600. Apparently, I would have to pay and then file a claim with Chrysler Corporate in the hopes that they reimbursed me for the back glass replacement.
2019 RAM 1500 BIGHORN REAR CAB LIGHT LEAKED WATER IN ON TO MY RF MODULE NO POWER IT WORKS EVERY THING FACTORY WILL NOT COVER ,EVEN IF IT RUINED MODULE. VERY UNHAPPY .
I just discovered that I too have a leaking rear window with a cracked frame in two places. And a water damaged headliner.
2020 Ram 1500 water leaks with mold issues, third brake light, soaked back seat, mold and mildew under back seat, front windshield condensation, wet passenger side carpet, bought vehicle 2021 under full warranty.
My 2019 ram 1500 classic currently has about 6″ of water in the storage compartment under the back seat. I believe, due to its location, it is related to the vents behind the back seat. I don’t know how long it’s been like this, but I only just found it after smelling foul moldy smell for the better part of the last 2 weeks.
My 2019 limited has had the windshield replaced, the brake light replaced, the rear window replaced and it still leaks. The dealership covered the back window replacement but I paid for the other 2.. I took it to a different shop and we think the cabin roof seal could be the issue. It’s a known problem. I am so fed up I have paid a lot of $$ to find and fix the issue. But it still leaks…
My 2016 2500 Ram Laramie was totaled due to water damage from third brakelight faulty seal.
I’ve got a 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel. I already had the back windshield replaced over a year ago. I was cleaning out my truck and noticed the smell, but thought nothing of it because the truck has been sitting for roughly a month. As I was cleaning I began taking out the weather mats and seen all the mold and immediately freaked out trying to clean it so it wouldn’t ruin the carpet. It’s so bad that the water has made it to my front passenger side as well. My front windshield also has condensation all in the inside of the cab after a rain. My truck is no longer under warranty and without a recall they won’t replace and it’s eventually going to ruin my floor boards and rear seats, not to mention if it starts messing with the electrical how much of a nightmare that would be.
I have a 2020 1500 Rebel. My leak was so bad it corroded the rear window causing a need for replacement. My rear seat were so soaked with water they dripped for over an hour. My floors, sunglass holder, door pockets, visors and seat back pockets were all covered in mold. The truck stinks and I can’t stop the water. It even soaked through the whole fabric of the roof and began dripping down my front windshield.
Still waiting to see how and if they’ll fix this properly