Wirtz Law Blog

If you own or lease a 2018-2020 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 Heavy Duty diesel truck, it is crucial to know your rights. This is the time to contact the trial attorneys at Wirtz Law APC. 

Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) has announced the recall of 222,000 Ram Heavy-Duty turbodiesel trucks in the U.S. to replace defective fuel pumps. The recall comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit. 

Our trial lawyers have a proven history of fighting for auto consumers in California just like you, having recovered more than $35 million for our clients in settlements and jury awards. Contact our office today to learn more about the class-action lawsuit against Stellantis and your individual rights.  You can pursue your own claim for a buyback.

Defective Bosch CP4 Fuel Pumps in Ram Trucks

Ram trucks have been the subject of numerous recalls over the years. The latest involves 2019-2020 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7 liter Cummins diesel engines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation in October after numerous complaints were filed about fuel pump failures and reports of thousands of dollars in repairs.

While the investigation is focused on 2019-2020 Ram pickup trucks, 2018 model year trucks were previously included in a November 2019 warranty bulletin from Stellantis. The automaker claims the recall was issued after its own internal investigation revealed components in the Bosch CP$ fuel pumps are subject to wear that may generate with metal shavings. This can cause the vehicles to stall or result in catastrophic engine failure.

Notification letters about the recall are expected to be mailed on Jan. 1. 2022. Dealers will replace the pump, update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge.

While there have been no reports of injuries at this time, the affected Ram trucks are subject to power loss and sudden stalls while traveling at more than 25 miles per hour, which poses a serious safety risk. 

Ram Class-Action Lawsuit

The Ram truck recall by Stellantis over the defective CPS fuel pumps, manufactured by German automaker Bosch, comes far too late. The class-action lawsuit alleges that (1) the fuel pumps don’t work properly with U.S. diesel, and (2) the automaker – and Fiat Chrysler before it – were aware of the defect for over a decade

The class-action combines the claims of Ram truck owners who have suffered the same or similar losses.  You are not stuck with waiting for the class action to end. You can take action now on an individual basis.

Why You Need a California Trial Lawyer 

If the fuel pump in your Ram truck has failed, turn to Wirtz Law APC. We have in-depth knowledge of the California lemon law and will fight to protect your rights. All automakers in the state and around the country have a duty to provide consumers with vehicles that are safe, free from defects in material and workmanship, and perform up to the expected standards. 

In addition, California’s lemon law requires automakers to offer refunds or buybacks to consumers of defective vehicles whether purchased or leased.  To qualify for a buyback, the defect has to substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. 

While the dealer must be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle, as little as two attempts may be enough to qualify under California’s lemon law.  Finally, an automaker that is found to have knowingly violated the Song-Beverly Act may be liable for a civil penalty of up to two times the purchase price of the vehicle. This means that if Stellantis doesn’t buy back your vehicle when the CPS fuel pumps in the Ram trucks were known to be defective, Stellantis may have willfully violated the California lemon law.  You may be entitled to civil penalties as well as a buyback.

Despite the strong legal protections under California’s lemon law, consumers are at a disadvantage against big international automakers like Stellantis. It takes a highly accomplished trial attorney to level the playing field and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Contact Wirtz Law APC Today

Our trial lawyers are here to help Ram truck consumers achieve the best possible outcome. We will help you stand up for your consumer rights and win you all the compensation you deserve. Because our fees are paid by the automaker, you will not have any out-of-pocket legal costs.  Contact our office today to get started with a no obligation free review of your case.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.